New Comm Biz

Image via Wikipedia

On two occasions here, on this blog, I’ve stepped way out of my comfort zone and made political predictions. They were both made on the same theory though. I’m a pretty good judge of people and their capabilities and I know how powerful the Web is.

Back in April of 2007 I made the claim that Idaho Republicans would lose a record number of elections in 2008. That prediction was made because of John Foster leaving his position at the Idaho Business Review where he revolutionized the paper’s Web presence and taking up the role as Executive Director for the Idaho Democratic Party.

Later in July of this year I had to *adjust* my prediction because John left his position at the Democratic party to head communications for Walt Minnick’s Congressional campaign. Walt was challenging Republican incumbent Bill Sali in one of the strongest Republican districts in one of the strongest Republican states.

I still held to my belief that with John’s capable hand guiding his communication and Web activities that Walt would win.  Minnick won by a few thousand votes. So I asked John: Just how right was I? – I like to hear other people tell me I’m right

Q – So how big of an impact do you realistically think the Web played in Walt Minnick’s win?

I think the web had a very big impact in Walt’s win. First, we used it extremely effectively for internal stuff – data, communications, organizing volunteers. And second, we used it effectively for making sure our message got out. The web allows you to do so much more than just ship out a press release. Any political operative who does not utilize all the tools at his/her disposal for creating the right kind of buzz (short or long-term) is committing political malpractice.

Q – Do you know how the Democrats across the state did?

As far as your prediction: We actually lost one seat in the legislature, which is quite good. Democrats usually lose five to 10 seats in presidential election years. So it wasn’t great or even good, but it wasn’t bad. But you throw Walt’s win into the mix and that trumps everything. I cannot begin to describe how big the win is. Historic.

So I’m not quite batting a thousand but not too bad for my first political predictions. Maybe I should quit while I’m ahead.

I would like to congratulate John on a well run campaign and thank him for taking the time to answer my questions.

Technorati Tags: Walt Minnick,Bill Sali,John Foster,Idaho,Democrats,Republicans,Predictions

Related articles by Zemanta

• ID-01: Minnick (D) leads Bill Sali by six
• Idaho Republicans in Disarray
• ID-01: Idaho Turns a Little Bit Blue
• Obama Outraising McCain . . . in Idaho?

Popularity: 11% [?]

I should preface this by stating that I am not a political pundit. I am not a Republican or Democrat. I am the person at the polls who wishes I could vote for NOTA. This is probably the first time I have ever posted about politics. But that being said, I’d like to make a prediction.

The Idaho Republican Party will loose a record number of races this next election season.

Why? Because of John Foster. When John showed up at the IBR he turned the publication’s web site on its head. He took a closed site that required a subscription and not only ripped down the walls but added a blog to the front page. He then preceded to fill it with good relevant content that people wanted to read. Not just reporting on stories. Not repurposing old content. He blogged. He connected with his readers and he connected his readers together. He got it.

And the IBR benefited. A thousand fold increase in web traffic. He turned a (virtually) non-existent web presence in to a gathering point for Boise’s thought leaders. He may not have captured as much attention, or eyeballs, as some of the local competitors. But he captured more engagement. And what it more critical to politicians (or businesses) engagement or attention?

The Republican party is loosing a lot of respect among Idaho’s business leaders. Many of the people I talk to who are actively concerned with economic development (business owners) are struggling with many of the leadership decisions some of our political leaders are making. That little bit of room is all that John and the Dems need.

By opening up a dialogue with the people of Idaho (using new media tools of course) the Democrats can start engaging in a way that the Republicans won’t. Not that they couldn’t but looking at our current Republican leaders I doubt that many of them would be willing to start blogging. They are in a position of control (this is Idaho after all). It will still be considered too risky. The Democrats on the other hand should have no problem using tools that have been working well for their national counterparts.

I’ve said it many times before, new Media is about engagement. It’s about connecting with people. That’s what today’s consumers and voters want. Don’t make me shallow promises you have no intention of keeping. Don ‘t tell me who you’re not. Show me who you are. Show me that you understand who I am.

If John does with the Democrats what he did with the IBR Idaho will see a some major political shake-ups.

Whatever happens I only have one request:

John, Please start a blog of your own. Come back to the conversation.

Popularity: 22% [?]