How Big a Deal is the internet's role in political campaigns?? Some are saying that its such a big deal that Obama would not have won the election if not for his internet campaigning....
Politics of today involve the sharply increasing their use of e-mail, interactive Web sites, candidate and party blogs, and text-messaging to raise money, organize get-out-the-vote efforts and assemble crowds for a rallies. The Internet, they said, appears to be far more efficient, and less costly, than the traditional tools of politics such as radio, tv and even some good old traditional door knocking. Internet campaigning strategies of today's modern era sees the use of Podcasts which features daily downloaded messages by a political candidate and "viral-attack" videos on opposition parties. The controversial nature of these videos are enough to attract an audience whereby these videos are made known via word of mouth. The best part of it all; its free publicity. Unlike most traditional media whereby huge sums of financial resources are needed for advertisements. Which brings me to my next point: An equal playing field for all. While the candidate with the biggest war chest( biggest wallet) would be able to afford the measures needed for greater publicity, the internet has ensured a level playing field for all.
In my point of view, the internet has had a positive impact on politics.Analysts said that the Internet appeared to be a particularly potent way to appeal to new, young voters, a subject of particular interest to both parties in these politically turbulent times.According to A New York Times articel entitled"Politics Faces Sweeping Change Via the web", what makes the internet so appealing is how it has enabled different political parties to discredit one another via youtube videos or web bloggers with their own respective candidate whom they support. The influence of these web bloggers should not be underestimated for they are influential and have their own group of die hard readers. Political campaigning has never been so interesting with all the subtle fighting in the background! There was once a time whereby the politics was won by the most capable candidate and his/her party. Today, victory is also determined by the party's supporters ,which consist of viral video makers and bloggers, who in their own right have the power to influence others.
In the Singapore Context,..... there is nothing much to say..really!!
Here is one instance from youtube with a political theme. See if it moves you as much as it moved me.. If it does, it just shows you how the effective the internet is as a political tool.