The document studies the impact of the internet on the 2008 US presidential campaign, particularly focusing on Barack Obama and John McCain. It highlights how online strategies, such as those implemented by Obama's campaign on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, contributed to the election outcome. Additionally, it poses questions about the future of internet usage in politics compared to traditional methods.

1. THE INTERNET AND THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN Michael Le Com 300 Feb 2009

2. LESSONS OF THE US DIGITAL CAMPAIGN Study of the 2008 US Presidential Election Focused on Barack Obama and John McCain online Argues that the election was won by the internet British politicians adapt the usage of the internet By: Nick Anstead & Andrew Chadwick Renewal; September 22. 2008

3. INTERNET STRATEGISTS Mark Soohoo Deputy Internet Dir. “ Don’t need to know how to use the computer to run the country” “ McCain is aware of the internet” Photo by: Peter Wynn Thompson for The New York Times Chris Hughes Facebook co. Developed web site Created / Operates my.barackobama.com

4. CASE STUDY Facebook (www.facebook.com)

5. CASE STUDY Twitter (www.twitter.com) Courtesy of Pete Quily, Flickr

6. CASE STUDY YouTube (www.youtube.com)

7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS How did the internet affect your interests or involvement in the 2008 election? What are the benefits or disadvantages of utilizing the internet versus traditional methods (i.e. TV ads, newspapers) How will the internet affect future politics?

8. REFERENCES Anstead, Nick; Chadwick, Andrew. (2008, September 22). Lessons of the US digital campaign The Free Library . (2008). Retrieved February 12, 2009 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lessons of the US digital campaign.-a0191189530 IMAGES http://streetknowledge.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/07hughesaenlarge.jpg http://searchenginewatch.com/_imgs/graphics/101608obama-mccain-fb420x226.gif http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/3024819034_4c623941a7.jpg http://www.podcastingnews.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/youtube-mccain-vs-obama.png