CapitalGig

We get it, the Internet matters - but how much in the political world? And what about younger voters? Will the Web affect the way they cast their ballots on Election Day? We found out.

Earlier this week, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide released results from the Young Internet Voter of 2008 Study. We wanted to learn more about Young Internet Voters (18-35 year olds) and how they are using digital communications to gather information about the 2008 U.S. presidential race.

As Waggener Edstrom’s Vice President of Digital Strategies, and former White House Internet Director, I noted several points of interest based on our findings.

• It’s the Medium, Not the Message: The WE survey strikes another fairly significant ‘blow’ at traditional media, finding that an overwhelming majority (76%) prefer online sources for news and information rather than the traditional news sources. The primary reasons for this shift in preference - respondents feel the latter attempts to control and shape the news in a way they find problematic and off-putting. Some positive news, however, did emerge for traditional media: 38% of those responding to the survey have more confidence in its content; as opposed to slightly more than 30% who have confidence in Internet content.
• Digital Strategy Trumps Traditional Marketing/PR: The study further revealed that the Web and digital communications have helped bring teens and young adults into the fold this election cycle – more so that the candidates’ themselves or their personalities (e.g. Obamamania). Specifically 57% strongly or somewhat agree that the Internet and digital media have facilitated them feeling more engaged in this year’s election process – more than they ever have in the past.
• Engaging with Digital Substance: While the Internet is surely playing a role and young voters are poised to turn out in record numbers in November, the campaigns have yet to engage young voters - a crucial demographic bloc in November - in substantial policy discussions.
• Getting Social: Perhaps some of the most telling statistics revolve around this demographic’s monthly participation in social media. For example, more than half (62%) of those polled indicated that they visited social networks such as Facebook and MySpace, 60% read blogs (compared with 25% who wrote) and 79% watched online videos on YouTube and other media sites. Many tout text messaging as the next step in online campaigning, yet only 24% have sent or received a text message at least monthly regarding a political candidate.
• And the Winner Is: Although the Internet clearly emerged as the medium of choice among this group, young voters also weighed in on the efforts of political parties to connect with them online. Overwhelmingly, 56% felt that the Democrats are doing a better job as compared with 13% for Republicans. When asked who they would vote for if the presidential election were held today, 49% chose Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, while 29% indicated they would support Republican Sen. John McCain – with 78% responding that they were certain to vote on election day or early/absentee.

These numbers should serve as a baseline for future campaigns, especially when targeting the growing Millennial generation. As they continue to age, their use of technology to communicate - and their ability to influence elections - will only increase.

Of course, turnout has always been the key to winning elections and it still remains to be seen whether online activity will translate into actual votes in November.

Related

Young Internet Voter.com (The Next Right)
[Promoted - The internet is becoming more and more important in politics, and Republicans are not doing well in that space. This is going to have an impact that lasts for generations. - Jon Henke]

It’s the Medium, Not the Messenger (Washington Post: The Trail)

The Web Is Where It’s At for Youth Vote (Advertising Age)

Reaching Young Voters Online (Porter County Politics)

On Message: With blogs, texts and Web videos, marketers pitch their products to young voters (AdWeek)

Very flattering indeed.  I was thrilled when Diana Falzone called although my wife wasn’t too pleased to hear that I hang out with Maxim models.

The viral nature of customization is what’s cool here. I see a number of applications, especially when building community, generating awareness or just pranking friends. Well done, News Channel 3.

Of course, I couldn’t resist and had to try it for this candidate. It’s actually quite funny when you match up the images with the reporter’s words. Simple, but funny.

Now go vote for a real candidate this November!

This week, a few hundred convened to attend the 2-day Politics Online Conference 2008 hosted by the  Institute for Politics Democracy and the Internet (IPDI) at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC. 

On Day 2, I had the pleasure of participating on the Morning Plenary panel sponsored by Politico entitled, “White House 2.0.”  We discussed how the Internet, which has been so prevalent in the current presidiential race, will possibly change how a future Administration will govern.

The panel, moderated by Ari Schwartz, Center for Democracy and Technology included Sunlight Foundation Executive Director Ellen Miller, former Congressman Rick White of the Wood Bay Group and Tom Steinberg from the UK’s mySociety.org.

It was a very lively discussion where a number of innovative ideas for citizen activist and engagement websites were shared - but, in my opinion, most would be best managed outside the official dot gov arena.  There are a number of current restrictions and regulations that govern federal government sites that may provide some barriers to participation. 

For example, there are rules prohibiting federal government sites from linking to or publishing content on external sites other than .gov or .mil, concerns about info collected by agency sites while protecting user privacy, and compliance with Section 508 which requires dot gov sites to provide content in alternative formats for those who are sight or hearing impaired.  All certainly have merit, but these are rules that non-gov sites don’t have to adhere to which may create challenges when attempting to apply universal standards for digital dissemination.  Bottom line: policies will have to be changed in order to adapt to the growing and everchanging online landscape.

However, at the root of the issue seemed to be a general lack of familiarity of the purpose of “dot gov” sites.   I was surprised to hear one of the panelists characterize federal sites as nothing but a useless repository of government brochureware and press releases.  Not only is that statement incredibly unfair, it’s entirely at odds with the facts.

Of course, sites do serve the important function of communicating with the public on policy initiatives and agency news but many dot gov’s offer so much more, with new functionality being added every day by a myriad of hard working, dedicated public servants.

A few examples:

• The Education Department uses ED.gov to connect teachers from across the country to share lesson plans, best practices and provide training via the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative.
• The Small Business Administration offers over 25 online training courses on SBA.gov for those interested in learning more about how to start, manage or advertise their business.
• The National Institutes of Health solicited feedback via NIH.gov in an effort enhance and improve the effectiveness of their peer review system.
• USA.gov, managed by the General Services Administration, is a wealth of information and offers over 100 government services accessible online.  

It is important to note that the Internet is still in it’s relative infancy when compared to other communication innovations like the telephone or TV.  When President Bush was elected in 2000, iPods, YouTube, Facebook, and Smartphones didn’t exist and most were still accessing the Internet via dial-up.

There is always room for improvement but, in my opinion, the Bush Administration has not been given due credit for the E-Gov advancements that have been made over the past seven years. A full list of all 24 Presidential E-Gov Initiatives may be found on the Office of Management and Budget’s eGov site located at egov.gov.

There has been some real progress indeed, including the move to paperless documents which travel electronically on a digital infrastructure built during President Bush’s time in office.  For the first time ever, a document was digitally transmitted from the Executive Branch to the Legislative Branch when the President submitted his FY09 eBudget eariler this month. It was digitally signed by the White House Executive Clerk with an unique authentication code which was successfully validated once it reached Capitol Hill.  Not only does this process increase efficiency, it also saves trees, time and resources.  As a result, GPO and GAO both announced that they were moving toward the paperless route, as well.

So, regardless of one’s party or personal politics - I am excited and anxious to see how the next President will build on the successes of our current one.  Especially since the candidates had to campaign so effectively online, they will definitely be expected to govern there in the same manner. 

Related

Wanted: A More Digital Congress  (NY Times Political Blog: The Caucus)

White House 2.0  (TechRepublican)

Politics Online Day 2: Morning Roundup  (Capitol Valley)

Politics Online Conference Day 2 - Morning Plenary  (The Spewker)

White House 2.0  (CDT: PolicyBeta)

Lawrence Lessig, a Stanford Law Professor, author and Internet civil liberties advocate made two annoucements on his blog this week - the formation of Change Congress and that he is considering a run for Congress in California’s 12th District to fill the seat of late Congressman Tom Lantos.

As a self-proclaimed “progressive (pc word for liberal),” Lessig will most likely face former state Sen. Jackie Speier in the Democratic primary and he responded to strong objections from some that his entrance into the race would only serve to stall her “deserved” bid.Will Oremus of the San Jose Mercury News reports: 

Known as a fighter for the public interest in the Internet age, Lessig has picked Congress as his latest target. His bid to replace the late Tom Lantos, D-San Mateo, would be part of his broader campaign finance reform project, called “Change Congress.”

“My goal is to get Democrats and Republicans to agree on some fundamental principles that need to be reformed so Congress regains the confidence of the people,” Lessig said. The question now is whether running for office himself is the best way to do that.

Not surpisingly, Lessig and his supporters have engaged heavily online through Lessig08.org, DraftLessig.org, 4Lessig’s “Hackfest” event, Change Congress video, and a Draft Lessig for Congress group on Facebook boasting almost 4,200 members to date. He plans to announce his decision by March 1.

UPDATE 2/27/08

Lessig’s Bid for Congress Ends As Quickly As Begins (WP, Post I.T. blog)

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No doubt, this is how newsman Les Nessman and Dr. Johnny Fever would be singing the WKRP theme song today in our converged digital world.

After snow and ice forced a cancellation last week, I head to Ohio tomorrow to speak at the rescheduled luncheon sponsored by PRSA Cincinnati and Business Wire to discuss the changing influence of communications in the digital age.  In addition, we’ll take a look at the Internet’s affect on the American political process - both on the campaign trail and in the halls of government.

As a bonus, I will answer all questions about the current race for the White House and promise to accurately predict the winner of Ohio’s primary election on March 4. 

OK, maybe not, but I trust it will be an interesting and lively discussion.  So, if you are near The Phoenix tomorrow (Tuesday 2/19) around 12 PM, hope you will join us!

Related:

The Changing Influence of Communications in a Digital Age (Research Goddess - Thanks, Amybeth!)

Message Over Medium Wins 08 Presidential Race (PRblog, Kevin Dugan)

The “Potomac Primaries” for Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia are in full swing today as voters head to the polls to select their favorite candidate in the 2008 race for the White House. This morning, I took my four year-old daughter to our local polling location, an elementary school in Virginia.

I expected there to be long lines of anxious commuters angrily elbowing their way to the voting booths but, thankfully, I saw none of that and was simply amazed at the ease of the process.

There were about ten people in line ahead of us, but it moved very quickly. When we got to the front, I presented my driver’s license ID, they checked me off the list, asked me to choose a Republican or Democrat card (Virginia voters participate in an “open primary“) and we were off to vote.  I lifted my daughter up onto a chair, pointed to my candidate of choice and she touched the screen to cast and record my vote.  That was it! 

I was literally in and out of there in less than five minutes which is a credit to both the volunteer poll workers and the technology of electronic voting.  I know that some still have concerns about this form of digital democracy, but I haven’t heard one story about potential fraud or voting machine failure so far this year. 

So, if you haven’t voted yet, get to the polls before they close (7 PM in VA, 8 PM in DC and MD).  It’s so easy, a caveman preschooler can do it! 

Chalk up another Internet success for Campaign 2008 as users continue to generate content aimed at moving minds and generating online buzz for Presidential candidates in their bid for the White House.

This time, Will.i.am from Black Eyed Peas fame, created a music video based on Senator Barack Obama’s speech after his loss to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire primary.

The catchy and inspiring song, entitled “Yes We Can” officially lives at Dipdive.com, and features a number of celebrities from sports, stage, music, television and film.

Admittedly, as a true Gen X’er with kids, most of the faces were unfamiliar to me but I’m sure the average high schooler could rattle their names off faster than I could identify “Boots” as Dora the Explorer’s trusty companion.

ABC News’ Senior National Correspondent Jake Tapper, reports on Political Punch:

There’s Scarlett Johansson, Herbie Hancock, Kate “Private Practice” Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Dartmouth grad Aisha Tyler, John Legend, Adam “CSI: Miami” Rodriquez, Kelly Hu, Amber Valletta (the dead woman from “What Lies Beneath”), Nick Cannon, Tatyani Ali, Eric “Six Feet Under” Balfour, Nicole Scherzinger…Harold Perrineau from LOST….

Although I am at odds with Senator Obama’s politics, I am impressed with his ability to communicate his message. As a result, he has effectively positioned himself well as an alternative to Senator Clinton in the Democratic nomination battle come Super Tuesday and beyond.

Related:

John McCain: No You Can’t (john.he.is)

Republican Convention President & CEO Maria Cino announced Ustream.TV as the official live video streaming provider of the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul slated for September 1-4, 2008.

“Partnering with Ustream.TV sends a clear message that the Republican Party wants the Internet generation and all people – from Party loyalists to casual observers – to be part of the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Cino.” Anyone with computer and internet access will be guaranteed a front-row seat to history through www.GOPConvention2008.com, as we formally nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States.”

Ustream.TV co-founder Brad Hunstable was also on hand to explain that in addition to unprecedeted, live access of gavel-to-gavel floor activity, viewers, voters, bloggers and other interested parties will have access to video web chats, online interviews, behind the scenes coverage and other activities leading up to the event.

Hunstable, a West Point grad, originally worked to create the site, after completing his military service in the United States Army, in an effort to connect people in a “much more meaningful way via the Internet.” It is his hope that Ustream’s technology and convention partnership will engage new audiences and expand the impact that the Internet has on the political process.

Full release
2008 Republican National Convention Names Ustream.TV Official Live Video Streaming Provider

GOPConvention.com Live Video Stream

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