The Internet As A Force In Politics: “Obama Would Not Have Won Without The Internet”

The Internet played a disruptive role in the 2008 election in the same way television played a disruptive role in the 1960 election of John F. Kennedy to president. Neither medium was new in the respective elections, but both “came of age” and swung the election towards the winning candidate. Kennedy, in particular, used television ads extensively in his campaign to reach the American voters directly, and embraced simple things like makeup.

The televised debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon was probably the most decisive event for the election of 1960. The growth of TV as a new medium, and declined use of radio marked a significant change in how campaigns are ran today. For the TV appearence, Nixon refused to wear make-up and therefore appeared unshaven, tired and sweaty under the lights. Kennedy, however, did wear the make-up and so appeared cooler and more composed than Nixon. Kennedy, before the debate, returned tan and attractive from vacation. Not only did Kennedy appear to be better groomed, and handsome, his suit was navy popping off the grey back drop. Nixon’s suit was grey, blending in to the curtain behind him. With these factors combined, Among TV viewers agreed, Kennedy won the debate. Richard Nixon’s deep, strong, radio appealing voice won over all radio listeners, they agreed Nixon won the debate. Nixon entered the race ahead of Kennedy. Television as a new medium changed presidential elections from this point on, marking the election of 1960 significant. Radio voice failed to prevail over now “candidate centered” television campaigns.

If it wasn’t for the Internet, Obama would not be president. Obama’s YouTube spots gathered an aggregate of 14.5 million viewing hours. The Internet was used by candidates previously, Obama really leveraged the internet fully with online video, blogging, social networking and fundraising.

If the internet is as powerful as electing the first black American President then what can the internet do for your business. Very few businesses use the all the benefits available today online from blogging to social media like facebook and twitter these are just a few I could talk about.

The internet is changing the world forever so make sure you are using all the tools available to change the direction of your business.

Neil Patel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada