Still Undecided…

The closer we get to the presidential election, the more unsure I am about the candidates campaigning for my vote. Each day, news or propaganda surfaces that makes the decision even more difficult. I came across a post on Mashable with a collection of links, both official and unofficial, to help navigate the muddy waters. Included in Mashable’s post are links to both parties social media efforts including MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube pages.

What Mashable didn’t include were Twitter accounts. You can follow Obama @barackobama and even Hillary Clinton @hillaryclinton. Obama automatically follows you back, while HRC doesn’t. Interesting, considering the “elitist” finger-pointing that was going on not too long ago. Obama is one of the most followed people on Twitter, while HRC is followed by about 5,000 but follows no one. Discuss.

Mashable – Educate Yourself Post, 25 Sites about McCain and Obama

One thing I am decided on, as tonight’s debate starts, I’ll be following @debatedrink for rules on tonight’s debate drinking games.

New Media Meets Muncie Politics

As the election looms, I’ve had enough of Obama ads on Facebook. When the candidates first announced their campaigns, we all watched (and participated) in fascination of their strategists’ use of social media marketing. Remember, Obama announced his veep choice via text message?  Never before have we witnessed an election in which there were so many new marketing channels. This election has been dubbed “YouTube Election” or “Facebook election”.

As an evangelist of new media for smaller markets, I was pleasantly surprised to see Delaware county circuit court judge candidate Diana Frye advertising on Facebook. Judge Frye is running for Delaware County Circuit Court 4. I do remember Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley’s Facebook page,  with a mind-blowing 44 members. Penn Station in Muncie has more fans (64 members). I don’t believe either of them use Twitter, which is unfortunate because I think they could influence their constituents’ perceptions of their politcal personas by shaping their stories instead of allowing The Star Press and local media to have editorial control. Twitter could also help shape perceptions of accountability and innovation by communicating initiatives, ideas and activites – all within reason. Would definitely bring new life to transparency in government, which is something everyone would benefit from. Kudos to Mayor McShurley, Judge Frye, their election staff for staying abreast of the election marketing revolution that social media channels have enabled. Next up for these candidates, better branding. What Hoosier can’t identify Mitch Daniels’ brand?

My Man Mitch (Daniels) brand

 

 

Is new media reshaping old school local politics? Probably not to the degree Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and their cousins have shaped the presidential campaign, but hopefully locals are taking notes. Apologies if I missed any other local politicians on the new media scene. Any other small market politicians you’ve seen using social and new media well?

 

Update, 10/5/08: Coincidentally, Judge Frye’s team was canvassing my neighborhood yesterday and one of them stopped to give me information. I mentioned my blog post about Muncie politicians using Facebook and social media. The girl that I was talking to happened to be Judge Frye’s daughter, and she and her sister set up their mom’s site as well as created her page on Facebook and Facebook ads. Kudos to the two of you.