The Iowa Republican Party and Technology

December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll 

istock_000005475259xsmall1There has been a lot of talk lately about the use of technology in politics.  I think what is meant most often by “technology” is the use of websites, YouTube, Facebook, email lists, Twitter and the like.  To be sure these are fascinating new ways of communicating.  But they are just that….ways to communicate. They are inexpensive, timely, convenient and less vulnerable to manipulation by journalists.

The new State Republican Party Chair must have a passion for and familiarity with current communication technology.  He or she must, however, not make the mistake of thinking that technology alone will win elections.  Ideas and people win elections.

Communication technology is a tool in the campaign tool chest.  To the extent a candidate can effectively communicate her/his message they will gain votes.  Republicans especially have a compelling message of conservative, traditional values.  The more people we can reach with our message and the better able we are to communicate that message the more victories we will see.

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Comments

2 Responses to “The Iowa Republican Party and Technology”

  1. curtis on December 26th, 2008 5:09 pm

    Amen. Glad to hear someone in leadership is paying attention.

    If we in the GOP don’t learn from our mistakes, we’re doomed to repeat them.

  2. Mark True on December 26th, 2008 9:30 pm

    Danny:

    Way to go. I know YOU know that it takes both a message and a medium to get the RPI brand out to those who care.

    I blogged about it recently…I think too many of the RPI leaders think that the new technology will save the day, that Obama won because he had better tools. He had a more precise message that enough people bought into….even if his message promised way more than his ability to deliver. Locally, voters didn’t have a clue what the Republican Party believed in because there was no consistency.

    I’m confident that you’ll lead the party if the party wants to be lead. If it wants to continue to go in a million different directions, you won’t have a chance.

    -Mark

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