I just received a text message from the Obama campaign only minutes ago asking me to donate to the Red Cross. I, like millions of Americans, signed up to be notified via text when Barack chose his vice presidential nominee. I have received several texts since then, one of which reminding me to tune in for his acceptance speech last Thursday. The fact that he is using this tool to make a positive impact and help the victims of the hurricane is a twofold blessing: it will provide direct relief for the victims of this catastrophe, and it will make a great headline in the news tonight.
The significance of the actual system of text messaging go much farther than this, though - I am thrilled about this new system for a several reasons.
People were impressed by the massive email list that Barack Obama was able to generate. Through millions of small donors, and some that signed up just to stay in the loop, he can communicate directly with millions of Americans to do anything like fighting Republican smears to asking for a small contribution to continue funding his largely grassroots campaign. It seems that he's taken this idea to the next level: text messaging.
Email is great, but it's limited - I go several days without checking my email, I have several accounts, and hundreds of messages to filter through. Email does not have the kind of impact that a text message does. Text messages arrive in my pocket instantaneously, at the same instant as millions of other Obama supporters.
It's feels far more personal.
It's limited by space, and therefore short and sweet, straight to the point.
Most importantly, when November 4th comes around, Barack Obama will be able to do the equivalent of calling millions of voters at once and reminding them to go to their polling place. It is the ultimate GOTV tool. It may be just the thing to finally mobilize the youth vote in this country in large numbers.
I predict that the campaign will stage a couple of more stunts like the VP text in order to get more people to sign up. Every person they add to their texting list is almost as good as a vote on election day.
I am feeling very, very good about November.