Though the US presidential primaries have been covered more extensively than ever before in Europe — or so it seems, at least — the case can be made that important “campaign-technical” aspects have been less analyzed or commented on. This might have to do with the fascination of the duel between Obama and Clinton; a story that can be covered in the old-fashioned way, like a horserace. The connection described in the Slate video above between the Santos candidate in the West Wing series and Obama is entertaining stuff. But there are more substantial topics too tackle, as Martin Jönsson does by looking at the social media aspects (in Swedish). Some I have touched on also: Obama’s use of technology, his network’s fundraising and the “bittergate” story (in Norwegian).
2008 definitely is the first real web election, the first time we can really begin to appreciate how web-based services and behaviour is woven into society at so many levels. This doesn’t mean that all old-fashioned skills become obsolete — just look at the enduring importance of the political speech. To be continued!
