The debate took place through theTeaParty.net’s website. On the website they divided the screen into two columns. The right side displayed questions from the moderators (S. E. Cupp and Rusty Humphries), with the candidates responses. The left side ran a live feed of people responding.

The candidates who participated:

Michelle Bachman
Herman Cain
Newt Gingrich
Rick Santorum
Thad McCotter
Gary Johnson

Notable candidates who did not participate:

Ron Paul
Mitt Romney
Jon Huntsman
Tim Pawlenty (who was still a candidate at the time)
Rick Perry (not a candidate at the time)

My position on Twitter has always been to encourage the politically active to embrace it, especially candidates. While I still hold strongly to that tenet, I do feel it’s important to understand the platform that you use. For example, even though you can share pictures on Twitter, Facebook will always be a better visual platform because of the design of the site. Twitter, on the other hand, has become a catalyst for conversation embedded with hashtags. But Twitter as a platform for debate, might be a stretch. This one certainly had its flaws.

First, theTeaParty.net obviously could not handle the traffic during the debate. Tweets would appear slowly or even stop completely for minutes on end. Then suddenly, all the backed-up tweets would appear on the screen simultaneously, making them impossible to read without serious back-tracking.

Secondly, theTeaParty.net planned the debate for 90 minutes, but spent 50 of those minutes on prepared opening remarks from each of the candidates. This left very little time for the “average” Twitter-er to ask questions. Only 6 “audience” questions were posed to candidates.

On top of all these issues, Twitter’s 140 character limit kept candidates from being able to fully express their ideas. When the questions asked for specifics, the candidate could only give party lines. Instead of creating honest dialogue between candidates and voters, this situation only increased the hyperbole.

Instead, the candidates could have participated on live video feed, answering the Twitter question in real time. This would also clear up the question of who is actually tweeting. Another option could have the questions tweeted to a candidate in advance, with the candidate responding via a youtube link at an appointed time. (Something like what Newt Gingrich did with his opening statement.)

So did this Twitter debate give candidates some extramexposure? Well sure a little. Michelle Bachmann added 634 new followers and got the most mentions (1238). Hermain Cain had the most retweets (1211). Are those numbers staggering? Not really. Especially considering neither Romney nor new-comer Perry participated in the debate. Truthfully, this tells us almost nothing about these and other candidate’s online outreach efforts. However, there are some real time numbers on the GOP candidates, put up by 2012TWIT. Personally, I’ll be focusing my debate attention on the televised kind.

(Cross posted from SingleVoice.me)

If you don’t have the time or inclination to read the article, let me cover the highlights.

• The RNC currently has no digital marketing team.
• Year after year, the RNC has lost key members and directors in their marketing arm.
• THE RNC is in debt. This most likely has a direct impact on the future of our marketing.
• The RNC’s current technology is outdated or incomplete.

The RNC has consistently shown its unwillingness to prioritize the internet (with money, hires or even basic advice). Democrats overwhelmed us with their online marketing in 2008. In 2010, Republicans made a bigger impact but without any support from the RNC. And even then, most of the conservative success stemmed from Democrats dropping the ball. You can bet with Obama back on the campaign trail, that won’t happen again. If the RNC doesn’t get their act together, the Democrats will out raise, out connect and out vote us in 2012. Inevitably, we’ll be crushed.

However, hope survives. There are people with the knowledge and experience, not to mention passion if the RNC would just pick from the pool already in existence. We are primed to win. With an unhappy and restless populace, Republicans could easily pick up seats and possibly even the Presidency. But only if we stop trailing behind in technology and start setting the pace instead.

So what does the RNC need to do? Prioritize online marketing especially for outreach and fundraising. The budget may not currently exist, so the RNC must focus donor efforts on a program that would make these necessary updates happen. Digital marketing is not an option; it is a requirement to play the game. Right now, the RNC remains benched on the sidelines.

So, what can you do? Put pressure on the RNC to get in the game. Promise funds and volunteer hours specifically devoted to online output. If this matters to you (which it should) show the RNC with your voice, your dollars and your efforts.

What hasn’t been discussed in the media is the role of engagement. Many voters have followed, friended and shared their favorite candidates. The question is, will those candidates stay visible online once they step into office.

In my opinion, its paramount that they do so. Obama is a prime example of what happens when you fall-through on these promises of connection. Obama promised transparency, fireside YouTube chats and an openness unprecedented in Presidential office. His vows fell flat after his election and many (especially young) democrats feel angry and even betrayed over it. In fact, many disgruntled Democrat refuse to even come out and vote in the 2010 election next week. We cannot have the same thing happen with Republicans. We must be the party of follow-through, not just on our promises but on our ability to clearly communicate those promises.

Keep up the pressure on your candidates to turn the internet red!!

5 Things you can do RIGHT NOW to make a difference online.

1.   Like/Share Candidates on Facebook

2.   Tweet on the #POWER2010 hashtag

3.   Blog

4.   Use Your Phone (to tweet, facebook and foursquare)

5.   Connect with us!

Kat:

–       www.facebook.com/veribatim

–       @Veribatim

Jeni:

–       http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=552610581&ref=ts (Search Jeni Freeman McGarry)

–       @JeniMcGarry

DCCRW:

–       http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=232475362850&ref=ts (Search Dallas County Council of Republican Women)

–       @DCCRW

Find out more by getting your copy of Kat’s ebook:

www.theinternetisblue.com

Right now the Democrats own the blogosphere. There just aren’t enough bloggers to compete on the Republican/conservative side of things.

We want to take steps to change that. If you are in Texas I’m working with some great people to start a Conservative Bloggers Coalition. More details to come but if you have any interest in blogging for the greater good and getting involved with what I expect to be the most powerful conservative blogging force in the state be sure to connect with us (either leave a comment or fill out the contact us form!).

Here are a few tips to get started on Facebook, in 5 minutes flat.

Once you register and connect to friends…

Get your custom url

There’s two ways:

1. Change your account settings:

2. Go to http://www.facebook.com/username:

Use the “@” symbol in an update to give credit

This will alert the group or friend you connected to, and will also show up as a clickable link.

Use the “like” function

Why?

• You can follow any addition comments on that post.
• It promotes that post on other people’s feeds.
• You let the author know you appreciate their post!

Connect Your Blog

Import all your blog posts into Facebook with your RSS feeds and Facebook notes.

1. Go to your profile.

2. Scroll down to “notes”

3. Go to “My Drafts”

4. Go to “Notes Help”

5. “Importing a blog”

6. Type in URL/Follow instructions

Gain Influence

• Post your thoughts, don’t be afraid to stir controversy.
• Reply to everyone who comments. Interaction is the key!
• Treat people like people. (Not a computer screen.)
• Be passionate.
• Be relevant.

My Secret Weapon…

Shareaholic.

Connect with me on Facebook!

Meet great conservatives and let me know your thoughts!

Kat Rice aka Veribatim

If you’re anything like me after the “Sir/Madame” bit you’d stop reading. Why? Because you know the letter doesn’t matter. It’s not for you. It’s just some bulk mailer that went to a million other people too. It doesn’t make you feel special, and it certainly doesn’t entice you to respond. It human nature, we can spot a form letter in two words or less and we don’t much care for them.

So why does the Republican Party send them out?

The day after President Obama signed the healthcare bill Republican groups and candidates reached out to their base. Republicans felt an almost tangible rage over the bill. And anger translates into money and action so it’s a great time for politicians to connect with their voters.

I’m on a ton of Republican mailing lists so let me tell you, I got quite a few emails full of righteous fury. But let me show you a few examples of emails I got. The first one is from my Dallas County Republican Party:

Friend,

On Sunday evening, Americans witnessed one of the most audacious Washington power grabs in our nation’s history.  With 219 votes, Democrats transformed 1/6th of our nation’s economy against the wishes of its citizens.  It is clear that Democrats have no intention of listening to our voices, so we have no choice but to make them listen in November.

Republicans stood together against the risky Government takeover of our healthcare system.  We must help elect Republican leaders in Dallas County who will continue to do the same.  Join us now, and we can send a message to Democrats that they can’t ignore.

Make no doubt about it: the election this November will be a referendum on Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats’ repeated refusal to ignore our concerns about increased taxes, unfunded healthcare mandates, and job-killing cap and trade legislation.  Democrats are not content with limiting these schemes to Washington.  National Democrats are already working right here in Dallas County to elect Democrats who will follow in the Obama-Reid-Pelosi model.

Your support is critical to ensure that Dallas County has common sense conservative leaders who will listen to our concerns.  Please consider investing $25, $50 or $100 today. The hard work starts now, but we cannot succeed without your support.  Let your voice be heard loud and clear.

Thank you,

Jonathan Neerman

Chairman

Dallas County Republican Party

Okay, got it. Send you money. Two hours after this email I got one from John McCain.

My Friend,

Yesterday, President Obama signed his massive government takeover of our health care system into law. This bill is terribly wrong for America and I call on you to join with me to challenge this bill in every way we can.

The fact remains that by a two-to-one margin, Americans do not want this bill to become law. On Saturday, I held town hall meetings in Arizona and we could not find one person who liked this bill. It’s shameful that the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats have chosen to ignore the citizens of America.

I believe the will of the people will be reflected sooner or later. The Democrats will learn in November, that when you go against the wishes of the American people, you pay a steep and heavy price. Americans will not be silenced on this matter and I will continue to lead this fight each and every day.

I assure you I am not quitting our fight. I believe we must repeal this bill immediately.

I am currently working in every way possible on your behalf to accomplish this. However, I am facing a tough reelection campaign. If I am not reelected this year, I cannot fight for our shared values in the Senate. That’s why your immediate donation of any amount is so critical.

Your urgent support will enable me to continue our fight against this terrible bill.

Through tax increases and expensive burdens on small businesses, this bill will bankrupt our great nation. And while the inside-the-beltway Democrats are celebrating with champagne at the White House, anger is building outside the beltway.

I need your immediate help to send a message to these Washington Democrats. I ask that you take a moment today to make a generous contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to ensure I may continue fighting on your behalf.

I assure you that I will continue to challenge this bill in every way I can and will work to repeal it as soon as possible. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. For the first time in American history, a major piece of legislation has been signed into law without bipartisan support. The fact remains, the American public does not want this massive government-run health care takeover. I am working to repeal the bill but I need your support to continue my service in the U.S. Senate. I am facing a tough reelection campaign and your immediate donation of $25 or more will enable me to continue fighting. Please follow this link to make your urgent donation. Thank you.

Are you starting to see a pattern? Wait, then I got an email from the Women’s RNC. This one happens to not talk about the Heathcare bill. But do you notice a pattern?

Dear Fellow Women Leaders:

The outpouring of support from Republican grassroots leaders like you has been extraordinary. In a little over 36 hours after Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats rammed their government takeover of health care down the American people’s throats, the Republican National Committee has almost tripled our original goal of raising $402,010 to Fire Nancy Pelosi.

I’m grateful for your help, but we’re not done yet. At 11:15 yesterday morning, President Obama signed into law the Pelosi Health Care Takeover. This abomination means low-quality health care, higher taxes, and a declining standard of living for all Americans.

In response to President Obama signing this monstrous bill, the RNC is extending the Fire Pelosi Money Bomb for an extra 24 hours – that’s 24 more hours to ensure our Party has the resources needed to defeat 40 Democrat Representatives and bring Nancy Pelosi’s iron-fisted reign to an end.

If you haven’t donated yet, please go to GOP.com right now and make a secure online donation of $40 or more to help the RNC fire Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies in Congress. If you have already made a donation, I ask that you forward this message on to at least five of your friends, family and/or colleagues who are sick and tired of the Democrats ignoring the will of the people and urge them to support the RNC’s money bomb today.

This is a fight for the future of our nation – and it’s a fight Republicans must win. Your help is vital to fire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the U.S. House. Donate to the RNC’s money bomb now.

Thanks for all that you do.

Jan Larimer

RNC Co-Chairman

P.S. Thanks to the generous outpouring of support from concerned citizens like you across the country, the RNC is extending our money bomb by another 24 hours. Please go to GOP.com right now to make a secure online gift of $40 or more to help elect 40 Republicans to the U.S. House and ensure our Party has the resources to Fire Nancy Pelosi! Thank you.

Each of these emails not only sound similar, they use the exact same format! A little current event, a little rah-rah, some strategic bold emphasis, “give us a donation”, thanks we love you. Oh and P. S. give us a donation.

Don’t get me wrong, any major defeat means that people will make donations to stop the same thing from happening again. But seriously, don’t ask me in the exact same way with the exact same wording, just like you did the week before and the week before that.