Text Me Obama's VP Choice Please
More web savvy from the Barack Obama campaign last night.
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe sent an e-mail out with the subject “Barack’s VP: Be the First to Know.”
Who’s not going to open this e-mail?
The e-mail explains that “Barack Obama is about to make one of the most important decisions of this campaign — choosing a running mate.”
It doesn’t say when he may do this. But it encourages people to sign up to receive the official word via e-mail or text.
In fact, the e-mail promises you will receive word “the moment Barack makes his decision.”
Not to dispute Plouffe, but I would imagine the moment Obama makes his decision, he may want to let the Veep candidate know first. And then perhaps he would tell his staff. Then, just maybe, he and his strategists would set up the the way to receive maximum press play.
But then again, maybe he’s asked the individuals on his short list to sign up to receive a text — just like everyone else. A true democratic move.
Probably yesterday’s missive should read, “the moment Barack decides to make the announcement, you will receive an e-mail or text.” But that’s far less inviting.
Regardless, the way in which the Obama team is making the announcement to the public is great. It’s a way to make personal contact with your supporters to in a sense say, “we’re going straight to you.” It’s also a way to get instant an instant buzz in the blogosphere and it demonstrates an awareness of using means other than the mainstream media message to communicate an important announcement.
Does this mean an announcement will happen this week while Obama is on vacation? That would certainly be unconventional. But from a campaign strategy point of view, think about the potential:
McCain’s got the week all to himself. Of course, he’s got the Olympics to go up against and Michael Phelps grab for the gold, but this would put the spotlight back on Obama even though he’s taking a break. It would eclipse the McCain coverage. Of course, it would also mean that Obama would have to reemerge from seclusion (so much for the vacation).
Unconventional? Yes. Likely? No.
But fun to think about.
