This article by Faisal Hoque of BTM is a very good primer to how the web has affected and is affecting US politics, especially presidential campaigns. He traces the roots of web politicking from Bob Dole and Bill Clinton through Obama. He also provides examples of how candidates are using the web and, more tellingly, how much they are spending on web-based campaigning.
The one thing I take issue with is his statement that "Social networking, Internet-based tools and innovative thinking will disrupt and transform our electoral process. " I definitely disagree with "disrupt" and I'm not even sure I agree with "transform." In my view, the web is like adding a power tool to your toolbox. It makes daunting projects (like getting out the youth vote) possible and may even replace some older, outdated tools (like door-to-door canvassing), but you're not going to throw out your hammer (rallies) or screwdriver (TV ads).
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