With tomorrow’s presidential election set to be a historical event regardless of the outcome, it has gotten me thinking about how the candidates have used online video in their campaigns and how they could have used streaming media tomorrow night.
From the very first YouTube debate, the Internet, and more specifically video on the Internet has played a vital role in campaigns. Going beyond traditional campaign ads, both presidential candidates have used the web to house a collection of videos aimed at giving voters a clear understanding of their stances.
Barack Obama has dubbed his video portal BarackTV and has included in it introductary videos on himself, his wife, as well as running mate Joe Biden. Also in the collection are ads, video from his campaign tour, as well as speeches he has given. The advantage Obama has in this market is that he commands the support of many young, tech savy individuals. Rather than hoping supporters and undecided voters catch his appearances on television, or expecting articles in newspapers to drum support, Obama has created a one-stop destination for information about himeself.
McCain on the other hand has taken a different approach to his video content. Located on his official site, the Republican cadidate has chosed to use video to deliver two messages. The first are the standard attack ads that are seen on television. The other, more important message, focuses on McCain’s stances on various issues. Many times, voters can’t find the information they need on a candidate’s policy on a specific issue, and McCain has attempted to remedy this problem with video.
Looking ahead to tomrrow night, how might campaigns use streaming video while voters are at the polls?
One suggestion is to stream live video from rallies and campaign headquarters, giving supporters an inside look at this important night.
Another suggestion is to provide streams of events going on throughout the country such as concerts. Perhaps even charging supporters a small fee that could be used to fund the events or even benefit charity.
As this election marks the first intensive use of the Internet, tomorrow night could be the first national coming together of video and viewer, with the entire country focused on one single event
