Elections

nytimes.com
February 20, 2012
Tanzina Vega
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/21/us/politics/campaigns-use-microtargeting-to-attract-supporters.html?_r=1&hp

Summary-
    Campaign advertisements have always been a huge part of elections. With the internet becoming a more widely used tool, however, ads can now be targeted very specifically to certain demographics. Certain people who visit websites that likely indicate a loyal party member can be shown ads that speak to that loyalty. Those without strong party affiliations in either direction might visit less biased websites, and therefore could be shown ads that introduce candidates as good people rather than someone for a party to rally around.

Connection-
    This connects to the class unit on elections. The unit dealt heavily with the effectiveness of advertising. Most of the money raised by super PACs and campaigns goes to advertising, since it is the biggest way to draw in supporters, and therefore must be used as judiciously as possible. If ads can be targeted at those who will react to them the most, then this is likely the most effective way to use campaign money.

Personal Reaction-
    The internet will likely be the rallying point for future third party candidates. It is cheaper and easier for those from minor parties to gather a following on the internet, and unlike mainstream media, the internet is interactive and can be used to spread the word about a poor candidate that seems worthy.