Online plan: President is turning back to his Internet grassroots

It does not necessarily mean he will attract the votes he needs to get re-elected to the highest office in the land, but President Barack Obama is turning back to the same plan that brought him major dollars in 2008.

And if the Republicans think they are going to have a chance at reaching the under 30 electorate, they should be doing the same thing.

Like it or not, technology is critical to the new presidential campaign. Reaching lots of people and giving them the chance to show their support with small donations can help forge a relationship with potential voters on Election Day.

The president's true strength is getting people to focus on his words and not to think about the implementation of that message -- that's why so many people have turned away from the incumbent since his 2008 election, when "hope and change" were replaced by the reality of governing.

If he is going to be successful in turning grassroots donations into "at the polls" support, he is going to need more than a flashy website. No question about that. Substance wins votes not JavaScript.

But if the Republicans are truly going to get their message to the people, they are going to have to really work to create a buzz, excitement and a way for the people to connect to their campaign.

It will be interesting to see if either party, and the eventual candidates, are going to be able to pull off capturing voter interest -- and their votes.

Published in Editorials on April 4, 2011 10:40 AM