*** Democracies Online Newswire - http://www.e-democracy.org/do *** An amazing collection of stories from: http://www.zdnet.com/intweek/stories/news/0,4164,2597278,00.html Politics On The Net Inter@ctive Week July 3, 2000 3:10 AM PT URL: http://www.zdnet.com/intweek/stories/news/0,4164,2597278,00.html The Web has the potential to invigorate the political process, so why isn't it being exploited? After three decades of negative television ads grinding down American politics, the Internet has arrived. The pioneers of Net campaigning hoped the new medium would improve the political system. Anyone can campaign online without spending much money, and, at its best, the Net can help transform couch potatoes into political activists. Further, a written medium forces candidates to take clear stands on issues. Studies show that voters who search for information online tend to check politicians' stands on the issues first. Despite the potential, campaigns have used the Web merely as a trick to get headlines, and the establishment's main interest has been in tales of money streaming into secure servers. Cyberpolitics Evolves Ready For Redemption The Internet could spur a rebirth in political activism, as long as it doesn't get corrupted by big money, as TV and radio did. Campaign Consolation Bill Bradley's highly organized Web operation capitalized on the new media's power. Risky Business The Net will not win anyone an election - not until politicians are willing to take a risk. E-Political Paradox Federal regulators walk a fine line between defining campaign contributions and encouraging online civic participation. Net Gain The major parties are trying to entice voters with free Internet service. Mission Impossible? The Internet has proven to be a powerful campaign tool, but can it help third-party candidates win elections? E-Lobby Advocacy groups use the Web to cut operational costs and disseminate their messages. Digital Democracy Online voting could be the ultimate tool of democracy, but critics cite security concerns. Cleaning Up Their Act Internet users expect online candidate information to be accurate, but is it? Balancing Act Political Webmasters must balance high-tech wizardry with tried-and- true communication techniques to reach every Netizen. Strange Bedfellows E-commerce meets campaigning: Online users can purchase everything from a Hillary Clinton voodoo doll to George W. Bush bottled water. Funny Pages Parody Web sites are the equivalent of the alternative press, but many are concerned about the possibility of misrepresentation. Guilty Pleasures In the good old days before the Net, one could remain blissfully ignorant of the issues and vote based on how a candidate felt about cheesecake. Web Whizzes These pioneers of Internet campaigning may be on opposite sides of the fence on issues, but they all agree that the Net will fundamentally change the way voters choose their candidates. Bush's Big Push Greg Sedberry, Bush's e-campaign manager, is pushing the Republican candidate's online strategy forward. Gore's Guru Ben Green, Gore's Webmaster, makes sure the Democratic candidate's site reaches out to voters. The Right Stuff As Webmaster for the Republican National Committee, Rob Arena, says an online strategy is crucial. The Natural Chris Casey never had formal computer training, but he has shaped the Net strategies of two very prominent Democrats. All In The Family Mike Connell's policy and technology expertise helped get George and Jeb elected. Now it's George W.'s turn. Mr. Popularity Max Fose gained instant fame while running John McCain's Web operation. Now he's got clients galore. E-Crusader Life has taught Phil Tajitsu Nash to work for social justice, and he's using the Net to do his part. Out of Left Field After running the online campaigns for Clinton/Gore in 1996 and Bradley in 1999, Lynn Reed is in demand. ^ ^ ^ ^ Steven L. Clift - W: http://www.publicus.net Minneapolis - - - E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Minnesota - - - - - T: +1.612.822.8667 USA - - - - - - - ICQ: 13789183 *** Please send submissions to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** *** To subscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** *** Message body: SUB DO-WIRE *** *** To unsubscribe instead, write: UNSUB DO-WIRE *** *** Please forward this post to others and encourage *** *** them to subscribe to the free DO-WIRE service. ***
