The Evolution of Political Campaigns - The Effects of Social Media on Political Campaigns

The Evolution of Political Campaigns:

How Social Media is Revolutionizing the Way

Politicians are Running for Office

Clare Janel Cawley

Media’s Affect on Political Campaign Over the Past 100 Years

• In the 1930s and 1940s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt won America over with his “fireside chats.”

• In the 1960s, presidential debates were aired on television.

• Kennedy v. Nixon

• In 2008, Barack Obama changed the name of the game by integrating social media into his campaign for presidency against John McCain.

• Today, there are 845 million users on Facebook and 140 million users on Twitter.

• Therefore, not using social media in a political campaign is just foolish.

The Best Social Media Campaigns in 2012

• Barack Obama• unprecedented amount of money raised through individual donors• mainstream and niche social networks• 34.4 million followers on Facebook and Twitter•Maintained thru first term in office

• Newt Gingrich• 1.5 million followers on Facebook and Twitter• clever use of YouTube and Ustream• lacked two-way communication

• Ron Paul• 650 thousand followers on Facebook and Twitter• Emphasizes donating to his campaign• Also, lacks engagement

• Mitt Romney• 1.3 million followers on Facebook and Twitter

Why is Social Media Important?

• Social media is extremely versatile• Branding and Marketing• Education and Content-Sharing• Communication

• There are more than 300 million in America, and 22-percent of the population uses social media to stay connected in the political sphere in 2010. • It goes beyond the number of followers a candidate can get!• You get access to all of their followers, too!

How-To Integrate Social Media in a Political Campaign

• Content– Take it seriously– Engage and share interesting and relevant

information– Update frequently (Daily, Weekly and Bi-weekly)

• Volunteers and Fundraising– Keep volunteers up-to-date– Individual donors v. large donors

• Promotion

Questions?