CSCI 12 Blog 2 -- How Obama Really Did It

President Obama became a very well-known face in the months leading up to his election as president. Before, he was just a rookie senator with no real notoriety until he used the media to his advantage. I recall hearing about him suddenly, and there was such a big fuss over him and Hilary because either way history was going to be made if either got elected--the first black president or the first female president. It was a pretty momentous moment when the principal of my middle school played, in real time, Obama making his presidential oath and everyone remained silent as they listened to the PA system.

President Obama's success hinged on his media coverage and the way in which the media presented him. He sure did his part to be charismatic, deliver his speeches well, and not falter in his public speaking. But even before he could do all of that, he had to get the funding. What better way than to create a website called MyBO and take it from there? That's such a funny play of words, it seems easy to fall in love with and support. Obama's method was to create an environment for unity and solidarity so as to bring people together and really inspire them to go out and vote. To do this, he understood and recognized that people used social media A LOT. This enabled him to focus the way he sought support, and proved to be very effective as he raised $55 million dollars in one months. Phenomenal! Once he had the means, he made sure to have his website updated properly with current political standings of people in the neighborhood so as to build that sense of community. 

Obama's actions remind me of how John F. Kennedy utilized the advent of the television to really sell himself to America. His opponent, Richard Nixon, just couldn't keep up and didn't realize the powerful impact the television would have on his image.