I am a senior pursuing a B.A. Individualized Studies degree with the focus areas of New Media Studies, Political Science, and Communication Studies. While studying in the Netherlands for my junior year, I followed the 2008 elections completely from my computer. I became interested in learning more about how new media is used in our political system. For the past semester, I have been a new media intern with Alliance for a Better Minnesota, the Minnesota chapter of the ProgressNow network.
For my part of the project, I focused on Internet campaign fundraising. I began by looking at the history of Internet fundraising in the United States, beginning with Howard Dean’s campaign in the 2004 primaries. I then examined the 2008 election. Besides looking at the historic amount of contributions Obama for America was able to raise, I examine common elements that made Obama for America’s email fundraisers successful. I then discuss how new media enables these elements, including remix, uploading, and viral communities. I conclude by giving my thoughts on the future of Internet fundraising for campaigns, a future that will not include public financing of national elections.
