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The race online: Obama, rivals bring Internet campaigning to new level
San Jose Mercury News ^ | 2/24/2008 | Frank Davies

Posted on 02/24/2008 1:49:01 PM PST by markomalley

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's ascendancy comes with a popular affirmation: "Yes we can." Maybe it should be "Yes we click," as his presidential campaign takes online politics to new levels.

Obama became the front-runner for the Democratic nomination this month after a string of primary and caucus victories, and his inspirational appeal and effective campaign organization are getting most of the credit for his stunning success.

But there is another major factor: smart use of new technology, from record-breaking fundraising to Facebook widgets attracting new supporters and mass texting to keep his backers connected.

While every candidate in this year's presidential contest has used the Internet far more effectively than anyone who ran in 2004, Obama is so far ahead of other candidates in Web traffic, social networking and user-generated video that he's in a class by himself.

"Barack Obama is successful because he is Barack Obama, and his message is spot-on with Democrats," said David All, a Republican strategist specializing in new media. "But he is leveraging that with the most effective, comprehensive online strategy of any campaign. He's using the tools that help you find and mobilize new voters."

Andrew Rasiej, a leading analyst of online politics, said the Obama campaign "has come the closest to achieving the Holy Grail of politics on the Internet - converting online enthusiasm to offline action."

Other candidates also have struck gold on the Web this election cycle: Obama's lone remaining Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, has mobilized an army of social-networking contacts into an outreach campaign of cell phone callers. Democrat John Edwards developed a fervent following in the liberal blogosphere, and was one of the first candidates to hire popular bloggers.

(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2008; barackhusseinobama; husseinobama; internet; netroots; obama

1 posted on 02/24/2008 1:49:04 PM PST by markomalley
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To: F15Eagle

John McCains reps just need to play this video along side with John McCain coming home from the war.....

ENOUGH SAID....Hero or Nero?


3 posted on 02/24/2008 2:10:02 PM PST by Texas4ever (Anything off the dollar menu :))
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To: markomalley

“Yes we can”...what? Just what does that mean? In fact, it’s no wonder the media and Barry’s supporters don’t talk about his very thin record. He’s to the left of Trotsky.
He’s a new, New Dealer...taxes, taxes, taxes,...anybody but another Democrat like McCain would have beaten him this year.

With two Dems running most will vote for the more liberal. If the GOP had offered an actual choice Barry would have been buried.


4 posted on 02/24/2008 2:19:40 PM PST by kjo
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Comment #6 Removed by Moderator

To: markomalley

http://www.freedomsenemies.com/_more/obama.htm

FReeper Beckwith compiled the OBAMA FILE.

Constantly updated. Save!


7 posted on 02/24/2008 2:50:10 PM PST by Fred Nerks (fair dinkum!)
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To: F15Eagle

I wish I could put a video together...split screen...
(While the USAF choir sings the National Athem)

On one side J.McCain and all our hero soldiers saluting the flag, show pictures of soldiers holding the flag, proudly saluting the flag they fought for ...

On the other side this video...Obama not saluting our flag.

What a contrast....I think it would say a lot and make some people think twice.


8 posted on 02/24/2008 2:57:18 PM PST by Texas4ever (Anything off the dollar menu :))
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To: markomalley

Just another avenue for more brainwashing.


9 posted on 02/24/2008 3:03:40 PM PST by xuberalles ("Barack Obama: Change Is A Dime Bag!" http://www.cafepress.com/titillatingtees.225246874)
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Comment #10 Removed by Moderator

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