Comments on: The Communicators’ Election Breakdown

By: Amelia

Amelia — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:48:58 +0000

It was the incredible way that Obama combined the Long Tail with the Big Head.
Old world and new world in a wonderful blend.
http://ameliatorode.typepad.com/life_moves_pretty_fast/2008/11/the-worlds-first-long-tail-president-albeit-with-a-big-head.html

By: Zinios

Zinios — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:13:57 +0000

In general Obama suprisingly well social media marketing. I live in Lithuania, hope our politicians soon won’t find this communication mean :)

By: Rich Becker

Rich Becker — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:43:31 +0000

Geoff,

Social media certainly helped, but it was part of a much larger integrated campaign with the largest budgets in the history of political races — $650 million. McCain only half that, and was disallowed to raise any additional money in September and October. For much of the campaign he outspent McCain as much as 4-to-1.

The primary reason McCain could not mount a come back was basic strategic communication flaw in that they allowed Obama to brand McCain as Bush Lite, which wasn’t very accurate but stuck because McCain shifted too conservative in order to win the primary.

McCain’s defense was certainly weak as you point out, which is where the Maverick comment came from (primarily because Republicans had called him one during the 2000 primary). Thus, the Bush Lite brand didn’t stand a chance once Bush was blamed for the economic crisis (and Congress somehow exempted).

I also agree with you on the debates, but I like to think it was more than racism being replaced by ageism.

Loved your answers, btw.

Best,
Rich

By: Geoff Livingston

Geoff Livingston — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:50:50 +0000

Patrick: Viva la revolution! Excellent idea.

Lara: Excellent insights. I did not follow Twitter closely, but probably should have.

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:05:51 +0000

I agree that social media played a larger role in this election than in 04. I liked how Facebook had their polls in basically real time show the number of voters out there and asked for different opinions. This is the standard for future elections and as new technologies arrive, those will be implemented as well. Of course traditional media and advertising are very important in an election campaign, but social media hits a new and different target that clearly paid off with voters.

Craig
http://www.budgetpulse.com

By: Lara Kretler

Lara Kretler — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:28:13 +0000

A key communications lesson for me was the power of Twitter throughout the campaign but especially last night. Election night 2008 on Twitter was unforgettable – a truly unique experience. With Twitter on my laptop and CNN (occasionally switching around to other networks) on the TV, it was an evening unlike any other. Twitter kept me abreast of what was happening across all networks/media and it was fascinating to see where news broke first. Not only that, the shared reactions and spirit of cameraderie and community among those watching made me appreciate Twitter all the more. It’s truly a powerful tool for communication, community building, breaking news, and content sharing.

By: Patrick Riccards

Patrick Riccards — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:59:52 +0000

The challenge before the Obama team now is how to take all it did in building a social network throughout the nation and keep it moving and keep it producing and keep it contributing to the overall goal. Social media should be a revolution, not a movement.

But let’s try to keep the mainstream media away from new technologies, can we? The CNN live holograms from Grant Park in Chicago was all a bit silly, unnecessary, and a little weird.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:04:07 +0000

The Obama team did a lot of things that rocked the boat. The people wielding social media were just as key as the efforts that they engaged in. Of course substantial numbers of those people were recruited using social media.

Bob
Jobmatchbox.com