Moving onto smaller and more intimate things…
In the past years new technology has played a huge role in state and local races as well. Many politicians running also have websites and pages on networking sites such as facebook. Charles W. Boustany, Congressman in Southwest Louisiana, has a site with his bio, resume, initiatives, and speeches. In addition, there is an area for local news, contact information, issues and legislation, etc. It makes it so much easier for people and potential voters (when it comes time to campaigning) to see what he’s all about. One important tool that Boustany has used in the past is teleconferencing which “also become popular high-tech tools for communicating “personally” with voters” explains Dave Ross in the article How Campaign Communication Technology Works.
There is a company called Tele-Town Halls, which can actually call thousands of people all over the United States at once to discuss certain policies, issues, or campaigns. This has been used by politicians all over the U.S. and is a great way to get the people’s attention. Politicians who have used this include Senator Rodney Ellis, state senate candidate Wes Moreland, and state assembly candidate Adam Murray. There can be speakers, special guests, recordings, practically anything over these phone conferences and can “offer a candidate the opportunity to talk directly to targeted voter demographics (like specific counties in an early primary state) and answer their questions live via phone, e-mail or online message boards” explains Ross.
I think that this is one of the greatest ways to campaign and communicate with locals. It is very personable and can really educate people who might otherwise not have time to look into certain policies, issues, etc. I feel that teleconferences are often overlooked and very underrated.
References
How Campaign Communication Technology Works By Dave Ross
Tele-Town Hall
Charles W. Boustany
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Congrats for being the only person to talk about this particular method of campainging. I would like to know how they keep the peace on these thousand person phone calls. Is everyone just on mute?
ReplyDeleteYes haha, they can only hear the speakers...not each other. There are discussion forums, and emails used to discuss
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Tele-Town Halls. Do you think they have a good success rate, being that many folks today simply hang up the phone when they hear any kind of solicitation?
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering the same this as SteveB...I hardly even answer the phone when I don't know the number.
ReplyDeleteGranted many people do hang up on these types of calls. But for those who actually stay on the line and answer questions, I think it provides the candidates with a good array of information about (at least) some of their constituents. My grandmother always takes these calls; and is very vocal about her feelings on certain issues. She says it makes her feel like she's doing her part to provide them with information. Personally, I'm one of those who hang up because they usually call as we sit down for dinner! ;)
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