Barack Obama is definitely a man who stands for change. One of the most recent things that he is changing is that way presidential campaigns reach out to voters. Yesterday I visited Barack’s official campaign website and had the opportunity to sign up to receive a personal text message from him and his campaign when a Vice Presidential nominee has been chosen for his ‘08 Presidential race. The website promises that those who sign up for this service will be the very first individuals to know who Barack has selected. This is a very empowering message being sent to the millions of voters in the 20 and 30-something age bracket who utilize text messaging.

So I sit by my phone, ringer on high, waiting for the text to come. Similar to the way one would wait by the phone on a Saturday night for a certain someone to call.

This brilliant new campaign tactic is, in my opinion, monumental. It is definitely forward thinking, and a great way of collecting data for an audience base that, in large part, may not have access to a land line telephone. By collecting cell phone numbers in order to text the name of his newly-selected Vice Presidential nominee the minute he or she is chosen, he is also amassing a sizable contact base on which his campaign can drip information. I won’t be surprised to receive a message come election day, urging me to get out and vote for Obama.

While this new strategy is in no way a reflection on the man’s ability to lead the free nation, it definitely reinforces that he has a mind for change. And when I receive a text message from Obama, and his name is signed at the bottom, it will create a unique connection to him that previously did not exist.

If you would like to sign up to receive personal text messages from Barack Obama simply text HOPE to 62262.

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