Obama to Reveal Running Mate via Text: Ingenious or Annoying?
Want to know who Barack Obama's running mate is? Well, you could wait for the breaking news on CNN. Or set up an RSS feed from one of the major papers' websites. You could even sign up to receive an email update directly from the Obama campaign. But if you REALLY want to be the first to know, don't look for a press conference. Look for a text message. That's right -- the Obama camp has taken on mobile marketing in a big way, forgoing the traditional media for an approach more reminiscent of American Idol than traditional American democracy by sending a text message to supporters, party leaders and the press with his VP pick. If you want to get in on the action, you can sign up on Obama's site -- or just text VP to 62262. Reactions to the news have run the gamut here at OMA. Some are raving over the candidate's close connection to his supporters, others are calling it a simple PR stunt. Personally, I think it's a clever marketing strategy and a great integration of online, traditional and mobile tactics. Plus, it's certainly one way to make a clear-as-day contrast between the youth-friendly, web-savvy Obama and his aging, scared-of-the-email rival John McCain. On the other hand, I also think it smacks a bit of trying too hard -- something that tends to backfire amongst the youth market. Plus, I'm of the personal opinion that text messages are for making happy hour plans or sharing gossip, not releasing news you expect the public to take seriously. As you can see, I'm a little conflicted about the whole thing. What do you think? Ingenious, annoying or something else entirely? And how will it effect the polls in November? Text your vote to...um, never mind. Just leave a comment.
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4 comments so far
Ken Leshin says:
Smart Move for sure but Obama does not need more support from the young voters he needs to focus on the older ones and from that stand point this is not so smart.
Eric Reid says:
What's funny is that McCain has publicly said he doesn't use e-mail or know how to use a computer - which is perhaps an appeal to older voters who are adamant about not learning this stuff. Strangely, that's a much smarter move these days - that age demographic is traditionally a lot better about actually getting to the polls and voting.
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Regards :P Polo.
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