Barak Obama joins the fray of Democratic presidential hopefuls announcing their candidacy via online video. I wonder if any of the candidates have strategies for really integrating the medium into their campaigns? As evidenced by the insane growth of the online video space, we’re an active and engaged bunch of peeps. Which candidate will really embrace the online video phenomenon?
Listen up, candidates. Online video is a great way to connect with your constituents. Watching a video on your PC is a far more personal experience than watching a TV commercial. Do a video blog of your experience! Make me feel like I’m a part of the campaign. Give me a reason to connect emotionally to your message and I just might send your videos to all my friends. Ask me to post comments and questions so that I really feel like you are representing me instead of just spouting talking points.
In his announcement video, Obama says:
[T]oday, our leaders in Washington seem incapable of working together in a practical, common sense way. Politics has become so bitter and partisan, so gummed up by money and influence, that we can’t tackle the big problems that demand solutions.
And that’s what we have to change first.
We have to change our politics, and come together around our common interests and concerns as Americans.
This won’t happen by itself. A change in our politics can only come from you; from people across our country who believe there’s a better way and are willing to work for it.
Maybe we can start changing politics by changing how the campaigns are run? What if the 2008 candidates used the internet to really connect with constituents?
Let us into the process. Use the tools at your disposal to lower the barriers between us and you. Maybe we’ll even vote for you!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Tom Vilsack (D-IA) has been video blogging regularly since his announcement in November.
tomvilsack08.com
Yeah I’ve been watching some of those today. Still a bit rehearsed for my taste but getting there. I want to see the actual campaign process and I would love to see a bit more interaction – not just comments. As you can see, they’re not all that useful.
Check out: http://www.election.tv
I think they have the right idea when it comes to politics and online video.
Fascinating stuff. See also http://netsquared.org/tags/video for some non-electoral political video stuff. Thanks for that link, Drew – good to find out about.
While some politicians look great and charismatic on video, others …don’t.
John Edwards has been doing some online stuff via Scobleizer, not very charismatic in my opinion.
Great, slick player BTW. (esp. during the buttons that come up when you pause)
Tony, that’s what I’m saying. I want a candidate to use the internet (including video) to do more than just look great and charismatic. Aren’t you sick of being performed at? I want someone to connect with me on a real level and actually encourage my participation. How the hell do they expect to represent us if we can’t even talk to them?
Do you work for Brightcove? :p
Kucinich 08 please