Election campaigning reached the facebook world as well (Yes, there is the real world and then there is the facebook world). Although, many of our parents, and even grandparents, have a facebook profile, it is primarily used by our generation. Politicians began realizing how often we “hang out” in the facebook world several years ago and really took advantage of it in this past election. When voters find out that politicians also enjoy stepping into the stalkerish, yet wonderful, world of facebook, they can relate to them more easily.
“These sites tear down the traditional barriers between those in power -- be they celebrities or politicians -- and their fan base or supporters, providing the semblance -- if not the reality -- of personal involvement and a forum for discussion. If a 22-year-old male from New Hampshire can be "friends" on MySpace with Paris Hilton, goes the thinking, why not Senator Obama?”
-Linnie Rawlinson, CNN
By using facebook, the politicians can make groups, or pages, for FREE which anyone can join or become a fan of. By joining, a facebook user can receive messages from these groups and pages. When a potential voter is constantly getting updates on a campaign while facebook chatting their friend, they feel special. It’s as if they had a love letter waiting for them in their inbox from John McCain every day. Some of these groups included “One Million Strong for Obama” which now has over one million members. Several Obama supporters started this group before the campaign even started! In this group there are discussion forums, a wall for comments, a place to upload photos, and a link to donate money. They would also host Obama campaigning events to raise money and political awareness before the election. For the record, do not try to outsmart these democrats, there are VERY specific group rules listed under info…check them out!
Sadly, the John McCain fan page is not as developed. There are a bit over five hundred thousand members and there is only a wall for comments. There is no discussion board and no place to donate. There are however websites that can lead you to other pro McCain pages. As if it wasn’t obvious before the election, I am now realizing more and more how much of Obama’s campaign was put on the web. He did a better job reaching the younger voters and won because of it.
There is absolutely no reason a politician should not be campaigning through facebook, they only profit from it! It is a free way to reach out to voters and make them realize how important they are to the election process.
References
Will the 2008 Election be Won on FaceBook? By Linnie Rawlinson, CNN
Great blog! The Facebook phenomenon during the election was great, except it was sad that John McCain never really got his page up and running. I wonder what would have happened if he would have appealed to a younger demographic.
ReplyDelete