The 2008 Election and the Influence of Social Media

Last night we witnessed the conclusion of an election where the winner had announced his candidacy online, announced his running mate via SMS, and used social technologies to make his movement almost effortless to spread among supporters, who then took the initiative into the streets.

Early estimates show nationwide turnout of about 65% (the highest since the Nixon-Kennedy race), with numbers exceeding 70-80% in many places. The youth turnout was massive, and Obama took 8 formerly red states.

Sure, there are many other factors involved. But it would be hard to argue that using a social strategy didn’t give him an edge.

Or would it?