Anyways, with the growth of social media, we can certainly expect to play a large role in the up-coming elections.
I found an article on the New York Times website that deals with one presidential candidate "family" who is using Twitter to have a little fun on the campaign trail.
Jon Huntsman Jr. who has seven children, three of which have decided to Tweet about what life is like on the road. Mary Anne, 26; Abby, 25; and Liddy, 23 are the daughters who are not only part of the Huntsman family, but are also helping in the Huntsman for President campaign. The Twitter account is @Jon2012Girls and so far they have made over 250 Tweets and almost 5,000 followers.
According to the article, Abby says the account was setup to, "Give kids our age an inside perspective into life on the campaign trail." What does dad, Jon think about all of this? “It’s the way people communicate today, so all I’ve done is to say, ‘Girls, promise me you’re not going to embarrass your dad.' ”
By looking at the tweets, you can tell they are just having some fun with it and I don't think dad has too much to be worried about.
That is very interesting. I think it is great that we are using social media and other web 2.0 tools to connect with individuals all around the country. I think it is great that even the Huntsman children can help their father and his bid for office. I am not one that uses twitter and I don't plan on it anytime soon. I think Facebook is enough for me, but with more and more people using twitter, such as politicians, it has peaked my interest. I wish that you could view twitter status updates (tweets) without having to subscribe... well.. only time will tell what I decide.
ReplyDeleteSocial media is definitely going to be a factor in this presidential campaign and a factor at the polls too. People at the polls sometimes vote on name recognition. With candidates using social media, their names are going to be known. I appreciate the comment that dad made about his girls not embarrassing him. However, I wonder if Jon Huntsman Jr., personally or through his campaign headquarters, censors what is being posted. I would hope from your family that the posts would be positive, but it does make you wonder if the posts that are tweeted are not edited first.
ReplyDeleteI do not know how I feel about a candidate using their children as outlets to the world to promote there campaign. I see nothing OVERLY wrong with it however i still feel uneasy about it. Firstly I do not feel like they are trustworthy people to read from since you will only get one side of the story. There is a complete bias and will always be. I do not feel like this will help his candidacy in anyway therefore shouldn’t try at all. I is not the twitter that bothers me but the messengers. Social media is definitely going to be a factor in this presidential campaign But i do not think this is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteThis is an extremely innovative way to campaign. It allows people my age a chance to get inside of the process. I do not follow politics at all, but with the Twitter account I may receive some information. Twitter is the form of communication for many now and it is smart to take advantage of it. Tweets about the campaign can inform younger adults like me about what is going on. This may add to the success of this presidential candidate!
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