Are Political Campaigns Going Green?

GOOGLE Earth Day

On the Digital Politics podcast on this 40th Anniversary of Earth Day I ask the question–Are campaigns interested in being environmentally responsible by using more digital solutions to reach voters?  My guest Chris Talbot, Account Executive, Google Elections and Issue Advocacy, says that campaigns don’t seem to be much motivated by being green but rather by what works to win.

Google and other industry leaders have brought to market tools that campaign strategists have only dreamed about.  Sites like YouTube are changing the way media buyers can reach voters with :15 and :30 second in-stream video ads and long format video. The tools are out there to persuade voters using online tactics and to reinforce messages in traditional media.  If it is green –all the better.

Listen to this interview on what Google and the web has to offer 2010 campaigns.

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Finding Common Ground

Guests on the Digital Politics podcast this week are Peter Pasi, VP, and Ben Olson, eCampaign Director from emotive llc, a Washington, DC based agency with a focus on political campaigns, trade associations, and coalitions.  With all the discussion this week about building support for job creation and health care reform, there are many question about how candidates and advocates are using online tools to refine their messages to target and persuade voters.

With deep roots in the direct mail world, Peter now suggests that campaigns spend at least 15-20% of their budgets for online activities. Ben reminds us that people need a real reason to jump into action.  Working with McCain in 2008, Ben learned some key lessons about how activists get engaged with campaigns and the need to grant more permission to the grassroots crowd to get involved.

Listen to this interview with 2 industry leaders.

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Political Power of the Online Community

Digital Politics podcast this week features John Marelius, political reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune talking about the candidates in the 2010 California Governor and Senate races, the role the technology community might play in the campaign of technologically savvy candidates, and which initiatives might wind up on the ballot in November 2010.  John suggests that voters might get mixed up about Republican women candidates in California with Meg Whitman running for governor and Carly Fiorina running for the Senate.  Neither one has run for office in the past, both have a base in the Bay Area and both are wealthy and funding their own campaigns.

California primary is in June 2010 but it is never too early to get some insights about the competitors.

List to the interview.

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Missing The Boat: How Political and Advocacy Communications Leaders Spend Campaign Funds

The E-Voter Institute’s 7th annual survey of political and advocacy communications experts reflects their attitudes about the use of Internet tools in campaigns to reach the loyal base and swing and Independent voters.  The study includes recommended tools for reaching liberal activists, social conservatives, Hispanic, African-American, rural, blue-collar, and men and women voters. This study also provides insights into how political consultants are using the Internet themselves even if they do not always recommend online tools for their clients.

What are the real hesitations for spending more campaign funds online?  This study says the consultants still don’t think they can find the people they are looking for online.

Surveys conducted with the support of HCD Research, with analysis from Chris Borick, Muhlenberg College.

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