Net Gains

Net Gains?

More than ever, candidates are relying on technology to broadcast their messages and attract voters. Baseline's sister publication CIO Insight recently took a look at the Internet's role in the 2008 presidential campaign and found that strategies for running on the Web differ—as do results. (See www.cioinsight. com for more.) One of the easiest, cheapest ways is through social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. A look at how Democratic candidates are faring on those sites shows us that Web indicators correspond well with the current mood of the voting public. But those leading the polls on the Republican side are lagging behind online.

MYSPACE FRIENDS (AS OF SEPT. 18)

Democrats:
Obama: 176,111
Clinton: 136,059
Edwards: 47,286
Kucinich: 31,295
Richardson: 20,468

Republicans:
Paul: 62,545
McCain: 39,562
Romney: 30,652
Thompson: 8,912
Giuliani: 8,132

FACEBOOK FRIENDS (AS OF SEPT. 18)

Democrats:
Obama: 136,738
Clinton: 38,728
Edwards: 17,080
Kucinich: 8,945
Richardson: 5,691

Republicans:
Paul: 25,413
Romney: 17,786
Thompson: 15,256
McCain: 10,710
Huckabee: 5,245

Source: techpresident.com