Obama leads Romney in social mentions by roughly 6 percent; Ryan tops Biden by 20 percent and when the presidential and vice presidential teams are combined – both campaigns own roughly 50% of social media mindshare. It’s a dead heat.

1. State of the Social Media Election
September 24, 2012

2. Obama leads Romney in social mentions
Aggregate view from 8/15 to 9/24.
View by date 8/15 to 9/24.

3. Ryan has a wide margin on Biden
Aggregate view from 8/15 to 9/24.
View by date 8/15 to 9/24.

4. The campaigns are a virtual tie
When the campaigns are viewed together, social media mindshare is split about even:
• Team Obama: 50.27%
• Team Romney: 49.74%

5. Campaign issues in social media
Top campaign issues on social media: Taxes remain a top issue, fueled in part by Romney’s
1. Taxes most recent tax return release. Health care is a
2. Heath care signature issue of the Obama administration. The
3. Economy economy continues to drag with unemployment above
4. Debt 8%. The national debt recently crossed the $16 trillion
5. Budget threshold. The budget is a continual hot topic in light of
the looming “fiscal cliff.”

6. The most influential tweeters
The President’s bully pulpit extends to social
media, while both sides have online
detractors trading barbs. As indicated here,
comedians Chris Rock and Dennis Miller are
rather prolific with their views. Note: This
Chris Rock account is not verified by Twitter.

7. Enjoy this? Here’s more:
Continually updated on the Vocus blog:
o 9/11: #Election2012: DNC Convention Beats RNC Convention on Social Media
o 9/4: #Election2012: A Tight Social Media Race as DNC Convention Begins
o 8/29: #Election2012: Taxes Are The Number One Issue, Says Social Media
o 8/27: #Election2012: Is Romney Absorbing Ryan’s Social Media Buzz?
o 8/21: #Election2012: Which Candidate Has More Social Media Influence?
o 8/20: #Election2012 Social Race: Can Social Media Predict the Election?