Why Politicians Need to Start Their Social Media Campaigns Now

The elections were less than 4 months ago. Time to get started on 2012 campaigns!

Sound crazy? One of the biggest things that’s broken about Washington is that too many are thinking about re-election first, governing second. The actions of a final-term politician are often completely different than what they were in their earlier terms. This is not a piece promoting the concept of pushing election campaigns earlier than they already are.

Through this venue more than any other venue in the past, campaigns and governing can go hand-in-hand. There is a difference here that allows the campaign process to be a part of the actually duties associated with being elected. Who will be different?

Social Media is Different.

By “start their social media campaigns now,” I’m referring to the fact that there is still a majority of politicians who do not have their social media ducks in a row and who are not paying enough attention to the most accessible venue for public discussion every available in the history of politics.

It’s understandable that most did not look at social media as a political tool until recently. As slow as the government is to adapt to change, we can’t fault them for not getting more deeply involved in 2010 or before.

2011 is Different.

There are no more excuses. Social media is a place where ideas can be shared. More importantly, it’s a place where ideas can be discussed. If you ever try to call, mail, or email a politician, the results are normally not what you expected. This is due to the sheer mass of communication that would bog down the system. Imagine if a Governor or Senator accepted every call from his or her constituents?

This is the year where all of the barriers are coming down. There was trepidation and lack of understanding regarding social media in the past, but that cannot be the case going forward. The potential is being comprehended. The tools are available. The people want it.

The people need it.

Politicians who do not embrace social media as a true communication tool will find themselves struggling for votes in 2012. Those who open up and use social media to its full potential will emerge as the winners in many of the elections next year.

Who Will Be Different?

Who is going to step up and start addressing their people in the most convenient arena ever available? Who will be willing to stick their neck out and start broadcasting less, communicating more? Who recognizes that the most important messaging system since the television is growing beyond all of its predecessors and offers the largest potential reach of them all?

Who wants my vote?