photo courtesy of CNN
You cant argue the genius of President Obamas campaign. The candidate and his top campaign staffers reached the public in ways never before seen in American politics. We knew early in the race for the Oval Office that President Obama was going to be a different kind of campaigner. It was not only about what he was saying but about how he was reaching out to all of us.
Because it was such a great marketing story, I signed on early to get the Obama campaign e-mails. (Well keep personal politics aside at this point.) E-communications came often and there was almost always an ask attached to the email. The upside was that you felt you were following the campaign in a very personal way; I never did mind the donation requests because thats what candidates have to do, and we all know cash is King during an election.
I must say though, that when the money requests kept on coming post-election, it took me aback. I was offered a t-shirt, a coffee mug and a chance to come to the inauguration all for a small donation.
My reaction was, well, incredulous. I dont want my Commander-in-Chief offering me trinkets. Hes the leader of the free world, not a specialty salesman.
Our friends at Iconoculture tell me that the post election campaign I speak of has been extremely successful and has generated a great deal of revenue.
My opinion this ultimately hurts the Obama brand. I want to continue to be in the Obama email loop and stay updated on transition strategies, appointments and policy issues. I just dont want to buy a key chain to get them.
