As odd as it may seem to you, the move is brilliant. Obama is reaching out to one of the largest emerging media markets where popular posters can earn up to six figures talking and doing practically anything. Many popular youtubers have massive, dedicated followings, with some followers paying for content and coverage through patreon and paypal. If Conservatives had a plan to win, they would be investing in these markets, looking for voters and issues to champion. You can always stick with AM radio echo chambers and circle jerk blogs where you preach the same message to people who already agree with you.
Can you name a single platform other than youtube with a low barrier for entry and access to millions of people and near instant feedback and community engagement? There isn't one.
I may sound harsh but I have nearly given up on Conservatives and Republicans. While I support many of the ideas like limited gov and personal responsibility, I am sick of the echo chamber and dead horse issues. Ive spent the past 6 months exploring the new media and actively engaging online communities looking for new political inroads in outreach. You want to know who the biggest emerging groups is on the net? Men's Rights and Fathers rights. They are a massive, intelligent, bipartisan, and active group of possible voters who are motivated for both political and cultural change. Nobody is courting them. Every year thousands of fathers are robbed of their assets, stripped of their parenting rights, and forced into financial slavery until their kids reach 18. Nobody is doing anything about it... nobody is trying to fix family courts, nobody is telling men's stories, and everywhere in our culture men are being minimized and laughed at.
In a few more months, hopefully 2-3, I will be starting my Youtube channel focusing on men's issues, stories, and support. The goal is to continue building the men's movement and offer news, stories, commentary, and support for fathers and men who are choosing to go their own way. They best way forward for our culture is to reach out a hand and engage.
Targeting utoob viewers for votes is just as effective as targeting Nickelodeon and Disney Channel for votes.
Sure, the members of these audiences are the future voters, but by the time they are able to vote, they will have outgrown these mediums.
Please ping or pm me when you do.
Thanks.
If Conservatives had a plan to win, they would be investing in these markets, looking for voters and issues to champion.
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You make a valid point here.
All admit I was quick to jump on the bandwagon bashing Obama for the whole GloZell "fiasco" but you are exactly right.
As a 46-year old, I pretty much only use Youtube for product demonstrations and to have someone show me how to fix my dishwasher but for people 20 years younger than me, Youtube is their primary video media.
Yes, you are correct. Conservatives and Republicans have been slow to embrace emerging technologies. I recall back during the '08 primaries McCain bragged about not having email as if it was a badge of honor. It was actually kinda pathetic and served to reenforce the image of Republicans as the party of old, fuddy-duddies. Even as far back as 2000, we mocked Al Gore for his Blackberry. Now everyone has a smart phone.
Yep. a bunch of us old people laughed at this Youtube interview while accusing Obama of demeaning the Office of the Presidency. I suspect, however, that to younger voters, this was perfectly sensible.