What can Australian politicians learn from the US?

To try and understand more about the US political system and how ingrained marketing is with their campaigning, I decided to subscribe to Obama’s site and opt-in for communications and updates on progress. Just by subscribing, I have received emails from Barack and Michelle Obama and a few of the campaign managers. They haven’t let up in sending emails since 16th September. Nearly everyday I have received an email.

Barack Obama - email overview as at 29 September

What do the emails say? Apart from Donate money, the latest are starting to rally people to start making phone calls for Barack. They have even prepared a script with what you need to say. It’s very John Howard-esk in the 2004 election with his mass phone messages.

Obama email - The next 48hrs sent 29 September

Obama website - Neighbour to neighbour

We would definitely not get away with anything like this in Australia, but we do have very different political systems.

OTHER CHANNELS

Obama is everywhere, on every social network you can think of. His site lists the below with links to all of his profiles – 16 in total.

Obama - social networks

Obama (or a ghost writter) has posted 209 updates, as at 29 September, with over 87,879 followers and is following 91,350 people. Every update with a link back to his website.

Obama's Twitter profile as at 28 September

Not only does Obama have his own Twitter page, but the election has it’s own profile. Everyone is involved.

US Election 2008 - Twitter profile

LEARNINGS

There are a few learnings that the Australians politicians

1. Presence – be involved and present online. Have an umbrella strategy
2. Consistency – ensure there is a constant presence and it is consistent amongst all within the party
3. Involvement – be involved with every presence. Communicate and update users on where you are at (location and policy wise).
4. Community – get people involved and to participate. Even if it is to understand people’s perception of policies or their opinions on certain topics.

RELATED POSTS

Australian Politician’s – where are you online?