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Campaign for Young Voters: Vote 4 Me! Pls?

Candidates employ new technology to reach youth

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 24, 2007 10:17 AM CST
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(Newser) – New technology has given presidential hopefuls a host of new ways to transmit the "Vote For Me" message, McClatchy reports. Campaigners are using social networking sites, YouTube videos, instant messaging, and even text messaging in a bid to gain an edge with young voters. But their target audience seems more bemused by it all than fired up with campaign fever.

Younger voters say they use technology like instant messaging to chat with peers rather than connect with politicians, although YouTube is a favored source of information, including political updates and opinion. Campaign workers admit they're not sure how big an effect the deluge of electronic campaigning is going to have on voters. "We're in uncharted territory," said Obama's alternative media manager.

Obama supporters in Iowa. Obama, along with all the other candidates, are using all the technology they can get their hands on to try and get the edge in their campaigns.
Obama supporters in Iowa. Obama, along with all the other candidates, are using all the technology they can get their hands on to try and get the edge in their campaigns.   (Getty Images (by Event))
Jon Stewart hosts a taping of Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, in this Aug. 22, 2007, file photo in New York. The show has been a big hit with younger people interested in politics and it's been sorely missed during the writer's strike. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file)
Jon Stewart hosts a taping of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart", in this Aug. 22, 2007, file photo in New York. The show has been a big hit with younger people interested in politics...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a cellular phone during a rally at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y., Monday, May 14, 2007. Clinton invited supporters to keep track of the campaign by using text messaging. Clinton was endorsed by top state Democrats in her presidential...
Democratic presidential hopeful New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a cellular phone during a rally at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y., Monday, May 14, 2007. Clinton invited supporters to keep track...   (Associated Press)
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Technology changing campaigns
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technology • YouTube • instant messaging • campaign • telecommunications • texting • Election 2008

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