Ok, so the "out of nowhere" victory by the Democratic candidate for Senate in SC "smells" a bit, but there is no denying that long-shot insurgent candidates from both parties can make it to a fall ballot by creating a mass following using "new media" tools.  We know how to make that plan work.

Let's remember candidacies of Howard Dean, Ron Paul, and Barack Obama (case studies?) where web-based grassroots support overcame "impossible odds" to destabilize traditional party politics.

No less an expert than Mike McKenna (GOP superstar) says that the parties are unable to stop insurgents because they (the party machine) is built around an "exclusionary process that the internet is designed to overcome."  The internet tools are truly this season's "Big Tent."

Common wisdom (although wrong) is that President Obama spent millions on internet ads and the like.  While there was money there, the critical decsions they made for their new media team were the investments in "back end" operations and strategies that paid off in terms of an online network of supporters contributing time and money.

The lesson to be heeded is that the internet is powerful and useful and must be part of a successsful electoral strategy.  But you kid yourself if you think that just a website will get the job done.  What is needed is a "wholistic" approach to new media and to have it intertwined with "old media" to maximize success.

If you're interested in more ideas and / or putting a plan in place - give us a call - we have the experience and expertise to make new media work for you.

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Ben  - Parties |2010-06-12 13:23:38 It's clear that Parties aren't as strong as they used to be. With that said, they don't strike me as exclusionary. You opt into them and become as active or inactive as you care to be as a member. Reply 0 0

chris  - While i would agree somewhat |2010-06-12 21:33:14 It does seem that the "middle" is gone in both parties . . . extremes seem to be the only options these days. Or maybe it is that they are the only folks getting any press? Reply 0 0

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