Campaign Surfing

An anonymous group of four registered voters age 24-50 years old all chimed in when asked if they ever thought to surf the pages of a Presidential candidate’s site. All responded simply by saying they would not. One out of the four admitted that it did not even occur to them that such a site Online would exist. Others said that if questions regarding specific issues arose and they were unsure how one candidate versus another felt then would they may be inclined to log online and take a closer look at the issues. Instead, the group in question said they rely on sources such as The Boston Globe, National Public Radio, DemocracyNow.org, evening newscasts and debates to examine and then reexamine candidates’ plans for our future.

But what about the 8,000 plus members that make up the Facebook.com group “Americans For (Hillary) Clinton In ‘08”or Barack Obama’s 283,917 friends on MySpace.com. These groups of people chose to openly reveal themselves and recognize whom they support for a candidate. Their “dedicated” interest in requesting to be a part of these movements only suggests that they must be avid visitors to their Presidential hopeful’s Online Homepage. They are “friends” after all.

Upon entering Obama’s Website, following the darling family photograph of his wife and children, voters, friends and curious visitors alike emerge themselves in 21st century Internet technology. Seeking a “Change for the Good” as Obama’s campaign slogan reads is surprisingly not plastered throughout his site and is only mentioned once upon entry, that I could see. Other slogans he has prided himself on do exist throughout the site by following links to the Issues, reading his daily blog or watching “BarackTV.” This fast paced site in various shades of blue with hints of red and white has a number of opportunities for those interested in the young Illinois Senator’s Presidential bid. And of course you can always donate money.

Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul's "Hope For American" campaign takes a similar approach online at his site, RonPaul2008.com . “There were 11, now there are three” regards the number of Republican candidates currently left "standing" for the Presidential nomination and is one of my favorite features of the Website, which also includes a “2008 Countdown to Win” timer calculating the days, hours, minutes and seconds until the race’s finale. Like his counterparts, even those across the table, Paul initially invites visitors to the site to offer up any donations possible as well as the ability to volunteer to assist the campaign. Like Obama, Paul also uses multimedia technology to help persuade voters, but does not maintain his own television network. Instead he utilizes YouTube.com and the unusual justin.TV as his video networking sites. These networks offer viewers campaign updates and with justin.TV continuous live video and audio of the “Ron Paul Revolution” across the country.

Each candidate, Democrat or Republican, along with their campaign team eagerly develop catchy jingles or mottos that coincide with the big Issues, so that come Decision Day 2008 voters across the country will be able to sing the tune of their favorite candidate, such as,

Ron Paul (R) on...Economy: "Prescription For Prosperity," Immigration: "The talk must stop...," Privacy: "The biggest threat to your privacy is the government."

Barack Obama (D) on...National Security: "Protecting Our Homeland," Energy: "Plan For A Clean Energy Future," Education: "A World Class Education."

John McCain (R) on...Economy: "Pro-Growth Tax Agenda," Iraq: "Bolster Troops On The Ground," Enery: "Stewards Of Our Nation's Rich Natural Heritage."

Hillary Clinton (D) on...Economy: "An Innovation Agenda," Iraq: "Ending The War In Iraq," Veterans: "Fulfilling Our Promises To Veterans."