Is Obama game?

The US elections, I just can’t get enough of them. I recently wrote about the Obama camp emailing supporters the name of his running mate as it was announced to the media, and at the weekend I read that supporters were also texted the name, asking them to “spread the word”.

I don’t know what the opposition are doing on the digital space, but it can’t be that much because we don’t hear about it. The Obama camp, on the other hand, is getting its message out there for all the read – see this article on the Washington Post’s website sent to me by my colleague Ed Hoover as an example.

The latest news to come out about an election that is being increasingly fought online, is that activist group “Rock the Vote” has signed a deal with Microsoft to boost interest among young people in the US. Part of this tie-up (and the genius bit) is that they are working with the Xbox Live service to allow its users to take part in a number of polls. Starting on 25 August, Xbox Live users will be able to take part in polls and forums to have their say on their preferred candidates, with feedback and results passed on to the candidates

MyTake – Guess what, young people aren’t watching CNN for the latest campaign announcements. Good news, somebody’s figured that out. Great news, somebody is actually doing something about it! There’s obviously a revenue model in there somewhere – after all, that kind of data is going to be very valuable to both parties. Putting everything else aside, it seems that this election could be about to change the way elections are fought and won – it’s becoming less about spin and more about collaboration, listing and presence. What I mean by presence is actually going to where your audience is – after all, the old fashioned campaign trail is about going to see your audience and telling them your story in person. What's happening online is no different - the Obamas of this world are going online to get a presence in spaces and places where their audiences are. Bloody smart move.