Haley Clark: Project 1 Midpoint Update

The ever-changing media landscape of the twenty-first century has reshaped the way Americans interact with each other; this includes relationships between politicians and their constituents. In order to be elected in America, presidential campaigns need to use digital media and social networking to engage prospective voters. The recent 2008 and 2012 presidential election in the United States has demonstrated an increase in the importance of effective social media campaigning in politics, with Barack Obama at the forefront. 

I. Intro

II. History of Media in Presidential Elections

1. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ability to effectively communicate with Americans by developing positive relationships with the media. 
2. John F. Kennedy television debates, he packaged himself in a way that was most appealing to voters.  
3. Barack Obama’s domination of social media in 2008 and its influence on his eventual election.

III. 2008 Presidential Election

1. The narrative and social media strategies followed by Barack Obama in the 2008 election
2. The narrative and strategies of John McCain in the 2008 election.

IV. 2012 Presidential Election

1. Obama's digital media strategy in the 2012 election
2. Mitt Romney's digital media policy in the 2012 election
3. The results and effect on the operation of future presidential elections.

Conclusion