A Stimulus Package Will Pass

“Were it not for the Internet, Barack Obama would not be president." - Arianna Huffington, editor in chief of The Huffington Post.

The 2008 election is behind us, but the same techniques used by this historical Internet campaign, are still alive and well. The big difference? The communications are now coming to us from the White House in Washington DC. Not the Obama campaign office in Chicago.

The new President continues to change the communication rules inside the beltway. He organizes supporters, advertises to congressional constituents, briefs reporters, and defends himself against attacks on his policy... not on Larry King Live, not on The Fox News Channel, and not on MSNBC. Instead Obama continues to organize his campaigns "on the Internet." And the opposition has yet to figure out how to effectively combat the viral nature of his success.

Currently any major opposition to the stimulus plan up and down Pennsylvania Avenue is limited to old techniques to mobilize armies of volunteers and paid organizers on the ground and via mass media methods. Even Rush Limbaugh seems to be hoarse from screaming his descents.

But advocacy for a stimulus plan is not being fought using those antiquated, costly, non-targeted techniques. Instead, the "campaign is mobilizing" just as it did in the election. Not in the hallways of Washington, but right here online. (Organizing For America)

That's right more house parties in your and my living room. Again, Obama has taking the power right out of the hands of the middlemen PACs and polititians and placed the power into your hands in your living room... complete with "recovery plan talking points" and hosting tips.

At your event you will:

• Connect with your neighbors and discuss how the current economic crisis is affecting your community.
• Watch a short video that will outline the basics of President Obama's economic recovery plan focusing on how it will impact working families.
• Commit to taking the next steps in your community to help push forward President Obama's plan to jumpstart job creation and long-term economic growth.

It is up to each one of us to take the fate of our country into our hands.

The administration will likely not need to buy broadcast TV time. Why would they? Instead they continue to push emails and text messages and then measure their results as millions and millions of us watch their commentary directly on YouTube without the spin from the political commentators of CNN and FOX.

And their fact checking machine is incredible. They know by the power of the Net when and where a negative spin may be effecting "their game." Their response is swift and targeted, with crisp FAQs that document fact vs. any fictitious spin.

JFK's presidency was largely a success because he addressed people directly on TV from the oval office. In a similar manner, Obama will be the first networked, facebooked, YouTubed, Reddited, StumbleITed, and in every other Internet way directly connected commander in chief.

And even as I write this, I check my email box and what do you know...
(and I'm not making this up) Here's the bulk email message word for word... from the President of the US:

===============================================
from President Barack Obama
reply-to info@barackobama.com
date Mon, Feb 2, 2009
subject What recovery means for you
mailed-by bounce.bluestatedigital.com
================================================

Eldon --

The economic crisis is growing more serious every day, and the time for action has come.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will jumpstart our economy and put more than 3 million people back to work.

I hope to sign the recovery plan into law in the next few weeks. But I need your help to spread the word and build support.

It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability.

Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting.

Join thousands of people across the country by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting this weekend.

The stakes are too high to allow partisan politics to get in the way.

That's why I've consulted with Republicans as well as Democrats to put together a plan that will address the crisis we face.

I've also taken steps to ensure an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Once it's passed, you will be able to see how every penny in this plan is being spent.

You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community.

Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery

Our ability to come together as a nation in difficult times has never been more important.

I know I can rely on your spirit and resolve as we lead our country to recovery.
Thank you,

President Barack Obama

P.S. -- If you can't host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting, you can still submit your questions for Governor Kaine and then share the video with your friends and family this weekend. Learn more here:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery

I also subscribe to many Republican mailing lists. I received a few emails during the campaign from Sarah, and McCain, and Joe the Plumber. But to date I have received none from any PAC or politician opposing the current stimulus plan bill. Have you?

So why will a stimulus bill pass? Because the Obama adminstration is appealing to our collective resolve by speaking directly to each one of us. More pointedly, Barack is placing the responsibility for restoring confidence with you, your friends, your family, and your neighbors.
He can lead. But the ultimate results are about you and up to you.

And when YOU truly understand the specifics of how the recovery plan will positively effect your community, no one will stand in your way.

And the propensity to report Good News about the economy will continue to increase.