Wrestling with the Internet
The Internet is full of firsts. But one of my favorite firsts involves e-mail newsletters and a certain candidate for governor of Minnesota.
In 1998, Jesse Ventura became the first victorious candidate for a major office whose win was partially attributed to a successful Internet campaign. One of Ventura’s most effective tools were personality-packed missives sent out to his 3,000-member list (aka JesseNet) to help mobilize volunteers. An example follows:
In the end, experts attributed 3 to 4 percent of Ventura’s votes to his Internet mobilization. Perhaps Kerry and Bush would have made better use of their newsletters had they been a bit more colorful or had they featured punchy headlines.
In 1998, Jesse Ventura became the first victorious candidate for a major office whose win was partially attributed to a successful Internet campaign. One of Ventura’s most effective tools were personality-packed missives sent out to his 3,000-member list (aka JesseNet) to help mobilize volunteers. An example follows:
Friday night we will be going from bar to bar in the Northern Metro area: Champps on I-35E and Larpentuer, the Eagles Club in New Brighton, the Mermaid in Moundsview, and the Be-Bop in Blaine. Jesse will spend 20 to 30 minutes at each stop. No drinking and driving if you are with us on the caravan. We mean it... If you do, you will likely find yourself spending the night in jail. If that happens, and since you won't have much else to do anyway, see what you can do to get your arresting officer and detox cell mates to vote for Jesse on Tuesday!
In the end, experts attributed 3 to 4 percent of Ventura’s votes to his Internet mobilization. Perhaps Kerry and Bush would have made better use of their newsletters had they been a bit more colorful or had they featured punchy headlines.
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