Twitter your way to the whitehouse

Via twitter:
Then:
brandontonio Hillary: # Following 0 # Followers 2,139 Obama: # Following 16,393 # Followers 16,920 ... im not sayin.. im just sayin 09:04 PM March 19, 2008 from web

Now:
academicdave via @brandontonio, @hillaryclinton followers= 2,287, but follows 0, @BarackObama followers=22,136, following=21,837 (#1 on twiiter) 10:30 AM April 09, 2008 from twitterrific

OK...

what is important about this?

2 things:

1) In the 21 days since I first posted about this on twitter, Obama has gained 5,743 subscribers, Hillary has gained 148.... this really doesn't need another point, but I'll forge on.

2) Twitter is a niche group of people, I have no problem acknowledging that, it is not MySpace, or Facebook, it is not as popular as many different social programs on the web, but it is used by the people that shape the digital landscape. It takes a certain type of intelligence to really grasp, and an interest in social dynamics to appreciate. When you look at how many people actually create the content that the populous consumes, it is small, much like the twitter community.
What does this mean for politics?
More than you may realize. Many people watch politicians on TV, and the Web, and see comericals, ads, etc. When it comes time to REALLY choose your vote, how influenced do we find ourselves by our peers? Social implications of who you vote for play into the aspect as well, so why would it be so hard for someone like Hillary Clinton to understand that she should be involved in EVERY social aspect she can. Her perceived image is old, stuffy, not in touch with the youth, and other less flattering ideals.

Here are some simple things to consider with Obama:

Does anyone truly think that Obama updates his own twitter feed?
No.
Is that ok with most people that follow his feed?
Yes.
Do those who follow him feel somewhat more connected to the campaign when they see that he is following them?
Yes.
Does it create a sense of community within the followers?
Yes.

What about Hillary:

Do we think that Hillary updates her own Twitter feed?
No.
Is that ok with most people that follow her feed?
Yes.
Do those who follow her feel somewhat more connected to the campaign when they see that she is following them?
DOH!... this is where it falls apart...
Does it create a sense of community within the followers?
No... in fact, I would argue it creates slight alienation, and even disinterest.

It's simple... by not simply clicking "follow" on the users as they registered, she (her campaign staff) have given this image of "you're not important enough for me to be interested in" It truly is shocking that this has been missed. If we have learned anything about voters under 40, it is that they feel their voice isn't heard, or paid attention to. We no longer feel as tho our voice is heard, or seen. When a candidate chooses to ignore us, it matters.
The message is clear:
Hillary does not care about your life, but you certaintly should care about hers.