Despite a robust (if illogical) spin campaign from the Far Left, the now-infamous “inherited mess” is getting worse and, thanks to the Obama/Reid/Pelosi/Frank progressive wing of the Democratic Party, we’ll be cleaning it up for generations. Yes, things were bad at the tail end of the Bush Administration. Yes, the GOP should accept its share of the blame for its role in our economic downturn. But NO, my liberal friends, you can’t continue to blame Bush and his cronies for everything. And NO, Mr. President, you don’t have a mandate to use our Treasury as a personal ATM for pet projects that exclusively benefit your political allies! That’s clearly not the “change” many people wanted in 2008…in fact, it’s the exact opposite!

THE NUMBERS DON’T ADD UP!

In January 2007, when Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid took control of Congress, the unemployment rate was 4.6% and the national debt was $8.6 trillion. Today, (despite the President’s assurances that stimulus money would reduce the rate to 8%) unemployment is 9.5% (not including those who have simply given up) and the nation is more than $13 trillion in debt. This is simply unsustainable. The numbers don’t work, especially in the longer term, as many of the more toxic components of recent legislative monstrosities were intentionally deferred for political reasons. We are “kicking the can” down the road by spending money we don’t have, borrowing incessantly to cover short-term obligations and following a bizarre and expansive agenda that the vast majority of Americans reject.

Without question, doing “something rather than nothing” is not good enough, especially when that “something” is ill-conceived and counterproductive. We deserve better–and we can do better. 2010 candidates, regardless of Party affiliation, need to say “HELL NO!” to our current direction while simultaneously offering solid, common sense alternatives. Our future depends on it.

CALL TO ACTION

This is no ordinary election cycle. I encourage you to get involved, to read some legislation (provided it’s made available), to support candidates with integrity and a willingness to listen to their constituents, and to get out and vote. It’s time for a new direction.  It’s time for “change” that actually makes sense. It’s time to take our country back!

If you are one of those racist, Fox News-watching, Halliburton-loving, tea-bagging, right-wing extremists, you are probably too academically deficient to comprehend the sheer genius contained herein.  But read on, my red-necked friends, you might learn something.

Methane contributes significantly to global warming.

I have no supportive data on that, but, when I saw him recently at the “Happy Endings Day Spa”, Al Gore assured me that the assertion is true. (For the record, I was only there for a facial.) Intrigued, I asked the distinguished former Vice President for some insights on how we can, once and for all, put an end to the imminently life-threatening menace called “global flatulence”.  This was his recommended approach:

Liberal Logic Snap Shot

Cheese is binding, therefore, it should be consumed in mass quantities to reduce human methane emissions. Left to free will and free markets, it is unlikely that individuals will consume the projected 20 lbs a day necessary to effectively “cork” a nation. This proves that liberty and capitalism are poor substitutes for sound public policy when it comes to providing for the general welfare of the planet.

Al’s Action Plan

To set an example for the rest of the world, the federal government of the United States shall unilaterally require that, under penalty of massive fines and/or imprisonment, everyone (including illegals, who of course would be exempt from the law enforcement component; but fully exempting our Muslim brothers and sisters) shall be required to consume copious amounts of cheese. Several government agencies shall be created, and at least 2 “Fart Czars” shall be hired, to oversee the program.

The repulsive “pull my finger” game popular with Dads across America shall heretofore be permanently banned.

Problem

Much of the cheese supply comes from cows, which emit methane gas in great quantities.

Solution

Mandatory catalytic converters on all cows. (George Soros has recently purchased a company that makes these devices and he’s offering us a good price on the equipment!) Goat/sheep converters will be phased in over time. Delaying the initial cost of the non-bovine expenditures will be seen as a great victory for fiscal responsibility by Senator Olympia Snowe and her swing vote will thus be “earned” by Harry Reid. We can get this done, folks!

Problem

Excessive cheese intake may limit the effectiveness of the First Lady’s ongoing “war on fat kids”.

Solution

In exchange for a percentage of Chicago Climate Exchange revenues, Michelle Obama will pick another, non-conflicting cause to champion. No worries, Chicago-style “quid pro quo” is just the cost of doing business with certain people.

Outcome/Call to Action

If this plan works, and it will because Mr. Gore says so, the total cost of saving the world will be approximately $100 Trillion-Gazillion over 1,000 years…don’t sweat the details though.  It’s clearly worth every penny–but we must act NOW or risk irreversible damage to Mother Earth!

As Al stated to me so eloquently, either you support this measure or you want the planet to die. There’s simply no arguing with logic like that!

However, I remind readers that the 41st vote frenzy that swept him into office was related primarily to the health care bill, which he rejected, (as he promised he would during the campaign). I also fear that many people are forgetting that the alternative to Scott Brown was Martha Coakley, a certain Harry Reid “rubber stamp” on all legislative initiatives.

The lasting national benefit to Scott’s “Massachusetts Miracle” was that it inspired highly qualified conservatives across the country to stop whatever they were doing and run for office. It also proved that grassroots activism and online participation could make a real difference in electoral outcomes, even in liberal “safe havens”.

In Massachusetts, the Brown win on January 19th has provided previously elusive “viability” to dozens of GOP candidates across the state and has prompted many Democrats and Independents to think twice before buying in to the “I’m a D, vote for me” argument that has plagued the state for far too long. Money, momentum, muscle, message and media–the keys to any successful campaign–are now available to conservatives in Massachusetts. I have lived here for all of my 47 years and I can tell you that this is, as Joe Biden might say, a…er…major “WOW”!

So, while I’m disappointed, I have resigned myself to the unfortunate reality of Senator Brown’s willingness to periodically join forces with the likes of Harry Reid, John Kerry and other out of touch liberal ideologues. But on balance, his victory makes our divergence  temporarily tolerable because it has unleashed a local and national wave of patriotism and activism that will not be stopped in 2010 or 2012.

Despite any concerns you may have about Senator Brown’s political maneuvering, please think of the bigger picture and stay involved at all levels. It is critical that we preserve the momentum, remain focused on our favorite candidates and put an end to the far left agenda, once and for all.

The “#41stVote” value proposition no longer applies, and unfortunately for all but one GOP candidate, Martha Coakley is only running for reelection as Massachusetts Attorney General. But I contend that the drive, passion, spirit, activism and yes, anger, have only grown in intensity since “The Massachusetts Miracle” took place on January 19, 2010. (The fact that the monstrosity called “the health care bill” was rammed through, against the will of the people and despite #41Vote, didn’t exactly do much to calm “the ignorant masses” either!)

The people of Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts have sent a clear message at the polls–liberal politicians on all levels have ignored that message and will pay dearly for their arrogance in November.

I wrote the following note on January 6, 2010, just as Scott Brown’s viability as a GOP candidate was becoming “news” in the main stream media. (Those of us who pounded the message via social media networks and the conservative “blogosphere” knew this was a compelling story long before it hit traditional media outlets.) Take a look and draw your own conclusions about the current political environment. Also, feel free to use the comments section to discuss your favorite conservative candidate. We’re all in this together!

January 6, 2010

Why Scott Brown Will Win

By John LaRosa

Now that polling data validates Scott Brown’s viability as a candidate, even in what has commonly been perceived as one of the most liberal states in America, the game is clearly “on” in Massachusetts. What started out as an uphill, almost quixotic, “blue state” battle has evolved both into a “Rocky-like” success story for the Brown campaign and an inspiration for conservative candidates everywhere.

In the last few weeks, bloggers and “tweeters” have flooded the internet with content and commentary. The resulting “buzz” yielded a massive outpouring of support. People from all across the country became volunteers, made calls from home, alerted the local and national media, called radio talk shows and made online donations. With this “viral” exposure and associated windfall, Brown’s grassroots campaign, funded almost entirely by small individual contributions, was able to hit traditional media venues with compelling TV and radio ads, most of which were shared generously by supporters via social media.

Nationally, the “value proposition” known as the #41stVote (soon to be a trending topic on Twitter?) resonated with patriotic Americans who feel betrayed by DC officials who seem intent on ramming toxic legislation through Congress without authentic debate. Locally, Democrats and Independents have not only joined Republicans in protesting the Democratic Party’s stampede to the far left, but they’ve also heard and liked Scott Brown’s positions on all the major issues. Scott is an affable, intelligent candidate. He is a straight shooter, but always civil–and this has been well received at hundreds of campaign appearances throughout the Commonwealth.

On January 19th, the voters of Massachusetts can shock the nation and send a powerful message to the likes of Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and President Obama by supporting Scott Brown. They can also be certain that they will be electing a tireless advocate who respects their opinions and will offer positive solutions to difficult problems.

A friend of mine, who is a lifelong Democrat and former Obama supporter, perhaps said it best: “This is not the Party I remember. This is not the change I voted for!” Democrats: Keep ignoring your constituents, buying votes, restricting debate, compromising your integrity and spending us into oblivion. You will reap what you sow!

In the last round of elections, many moderate Democrats and Independents “bought the marketing” but ultimately found themselves dissatisfied with the product and service. They clearly want to shop elsewhere now and they represent the swing voters who will make Scott Brown the next United States Senator from Massachusetts.

John LaRosa consults on business, life and politics. Visit http://www.consultjohn.com

Note: On May 18th, a fourth state is poised to join “message makers” VA, NJ and MA. Conservative businessman and philanthropist Tim Burns now has a small lead against a liberal “Pelosi-Puppet” in the special election to fill the seat occupied by the late US Rep. Jack Murtha in Pennsylvania’s 12th District. This is NOT a primary–it is the final–and I recommend that all patriots, (including other candidates) support Tim’s campaign in any way possible. I am proud to endorse Tim Burns without reservation!

On a more serious note, I found the text of Kerry’s letter to be quite revealing. It is a blueprint for the 2010 liberal game plan! The first paragraph sets the tone:

“I have been a senator for 25 years and I’ve never seen anything like this. As President Obama works to dig us out of a deep hole and build our country back up, the Republicans in Washington at the highest levels have adopted an entirely different goal: Force his failure. It disgusts me every time I see it.”

Analysis: Demonize dissent. Imply Republican racism and personal animosity toward Obama. Remind people about the famous “inherited mess”. Label Republicans as “obstructionist” and “The Party of No”. Feign indignation.

Forget that this Administration’s policies are clearly digging a deeper hole. Forget that conservatives want America’s citizens and businesses to climb out of that hole without the added burdens of unsustainable debt, stifling over-regulation, massive tax increases and an endless stream of unfunded entitlements. Forget that saying “no” to bad policy is in the interests of the American people (who, incidentally, are also saying “no” to said policy). Forget that alternative solutions offered by Republicans, and even some moderate Democrats, have been totally ignored by the Administration and its puppets in Congress. It is much easier to label and demonize than to explain and defend ill-conceived and potentially disastrous legislation.

Later in Kerry’s comical yet disturbing letter, he revealed the tired and increasingly ineffective strategy of isolating and demonizing Tea Party patriots.

“We must defend our majority against a Tea Partier crowd that wants to make the ideology of the far right fringe the basic operating procedure of the federal government.

Analysis: Use the word “crowd” to imply “dangerous mob”. Label the Tea Party as “extremists” with the word “fringe”. Link a grassroots, bottom-up movement to a top-down GOP strategy.

Forget that Tea Party activists believe in the US Constitution, the “extremist” document which all Senators, including John Kerry, took an oath to defend. Forget that this movement is composed of Democrats, Independents, Libertarians and Republicans. Forget that “the Tea Party crowd” self polices and has no use or tolerance for “fringe” elements. Forget that lawn chairs, microphones, home-made signs and American flags, their “weapons” of choice, are not a threat to anything other than the careers of “out-of-touch” politicians.  Again, ignoring the substance of the opposition’s arguments with a labeling strategy is much easier for the Left than listening and engaging in civil debate. This tactic is at best intellectually lazy and at worst “Alinsky 101″. Fortunately for Senator Kerry and his “crowd”, the main stream media supports this approach. Unfortunately for the far left, the American people overwhelmingly reject it.

The letter rambled on, consistent with Senator Kerry’s droning style, but I will point out one more statement before I close.

“Let’s not forget the outcome of eight long years of Republican administration: an economy in shambles; two wars waged without focus or resources; record high unemployment rates and an America isolated from its allies.”

Analysis: What a surprise–BLAME BUSH!

There is no debate about the condition of our economy when Barack Obama took office, but his solutions are exacerbating our problems. The cure is worse than the disease. Forget that unemployment has increased dramatically under his watch.  Forget that he has created more debt in one year than the combined totals of several of his predecessors. Forget that our troops are still fighting, and shedding blood for our liberty and safety,  in Afghanistan. Forget that the Bush surge improved matters substantially in Iraq. Yes, Republicans deserve their fair share of blame for the “inherited mess”. But no, President Obama and Senator Kerry, this does not justify your tyrannical big government solutions. In terms of foreign policy, Obama has done more to isolate us from our allies than any President in US history. He bows to dictators and shuns our friends. His policies have been both naive and dangerous–and his answer to Bush’s so-called “Cowboy Diplomacy” is one of acquiescence and weakness. But, let’s just forget about all that for now. Republicans are bad. Liberals are good. “Something is better than nothing”, even if that something is insane.

Conclusion

I was amused by John Kerry’s solicitation. (Senator, if you’re reading this, please be “green” and take me off your mailing list.) But I must also thank Senator Kerry for confirming the predictable political strategy of his liberal friends in 2010. I’m sure most conservatives running for office will appreciate this “teachable moment” in November.

Senator Kerry, I am an Independent voter in Massachusetts. I helped Scott Brown become the 41st vote in the US Senate. You and your liberal friends are not listening to me and the majority of your constituents. Your attacks on dissent are neither substantive or compelling. Stick with the strategy and I’ll see YOU in 2012!

Case in point: The Tea Party Movement

If you watch Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews on a regular basis, and they provide your only source of political “news”, it stands to reason that you would consider Tea Party activists to be, at best, several cards short of a full deck. At worst, they are racists, homophobes, Nazis, and, to a person, potential domestic terrorists. They are angry white people who “cling to guns and religion” and can’t even spell their “hate speech” correctly on rally signs.

With all due respect to MSNBC and their stellar cast of  “journalists” and commentators, I believe they owe a formal apology to every individual Tea Party activist, (minus the few who have taken their anger to inappropriate levels.)

Here are the facts:

Tea Party activists are NOT:

1. Racists
2. Homophobes
3. Anarchists
4. GOP “funded”
5. Ignorant
6. “Fringe”/”Extreme”
7. 100%  “Caucasian”
8. Radical
9. Dangerous
10. Violent

Tea Party activists support:

1. Limited Government
2. Respect for the US Constitution
3. States Rights
4. Freedom of Speech and Assembly
5. Legal Immigration
6. Transparency and Accountability
7. Political Integrity

Are they angry? Yes. Do they have a right to be? Yes. Is this still a free country? Yes. Do some individuals get out of control on occasion? Yes. But does an entire movement of patriotic Americans deserve to be demonized by academics, bureaucrats, left-wing politicians and most of  the mainstream media? NO!

Tea Party groups include every race, gender, sexual orientation and economic background. Their agenda is clear, concise and straightforward. They want current officials to understand the Constitution and read the bills at hand before voting on them. They want an end to backroom deals, special interest carve outs and empty rhetoric. They want new leaders who will not only “hear the people”, but also act accordingly. Simply put, they want liberty and good government. If that is “extreme”, I guess I’m an extremist.

I will write more on this subject in the future, but this message needs to be circulated: If you must watch MSNBC and other MSM outlets, do some fact checking before you form your opinions. The Tea Party movement is only dangerous to the careers of “out of touch” politicians (from both major parties) who would rather “talk at” than “listen to” the citizens of our great nation.

President Reagan would have liked my father.

Everyone, it seems, has a relative who repeats old jokes at family functions. One of my Dad’s favorites used to be:

Q: “Why don’t donkeys go to school?”

A: “Because nobody likes a smart ass!”

Now, I didn’t say they were good jokes, but read on–I’ll get straight to the point.

Know it All (KIA) Syndrome

Our country is in the process of rejecting the premises and policies of “donkeys” who went to school and grew up to be “smart asses” or, to put it more mildly, “Know-It-Alls” (KIAs). Sure, they can write a decent term paper and be rewarded with a good grade from a proudly socialist professor. Upon graduation, they can prepare a thesis and fulfill the requirements established to earn a Masters degree. And clearly, when they put resumes together and land a job at a “non-profit” like ACORN, they know how to churn out grant proposals that like-minded and equally clueless bureaucrats will find compelling and worthy of hard-earned tax dollars. But do they know how their predominantly liberal academic indoctrination translates into tangible, “real world” results? Hell no, and we may be feeling the effects of this disconnect for generations if we don’t act NOW!

America Has Woken Up!

The people of this country are waking up to this “KIA Syndrome”. They are rejecting the premise that if a proposal, however ill-conceived, sounds “nice” or “kind” or “just”, it is the responsibility of the taxpayer to shell out trillions of dollars to implement it. They are looking more closely at our Constitution for guidance on the true role and powers of government. They are mobilizing, blogging, tweeting, donating, volunteering, voting and yes, shouting! They are saying NO to “Know-It-Alls”!

Message Sent…and Ignored.

In New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts, the message was sent: If you’re a “KIA”, even in a “Blue State”, your political career will be “KIA” (Killed in Action*). If you’re “too smart” for the “ignorant masses” and continue to insist that your liberal agenda is even remotely in our interests, you will soon be looking for work in an increasingly difficult economic environment. Your local races, like it or not, are now also national races, and you can do nothing about it…except to “wake your smart asses up” and start listening to the people. That is the only way you might keep your current job or have any hope for future elective office. We’re on to you, and we’ve had enough!

From all indications, “KIAs” see Tea Parties and other grassroots efforts in the same way they see debunked global warming data–as an “inconvenient truth”. But because they insist that they are smarter than everyone, they pursue the same senseless strategies and tactics. This is good news for “common sense conservatives” across the country.

2010 will be a good year and I’m looking forward to it. We will see more Veterans, business people and first-time candidates elected this year than ever before. It’s time for some sanity. It’s time for change that actually works. It’s time to remove the liberal KIAs once and for all.

(*In case Rachel Maddow or Keith Olbermann read this and want to take me out of context: I believe in the political process and do not advocate violence. “Killed in Action” is not to be taken literally!)

Shortly after the special election for US Senate in Massachusetts, I “came out” as the person responsible for creating, advocating and “driving” the #41stVote “hash tag” on Twitter.

I was part of the volunteer “Brown Brigade” and one of the many Scott Brown supporters who realized #41stVote was THE key national value proposition of the campaign. Why else would someone in PA (@AngelaRMLash) , Utah (@LadyLibertas93), Alabama (@Victoria_29) or California (friends of @ChuckDeVore) make calls from home, blog about the race, comment on news stories or click the “DONATE” button on a web site? After all, Scott Brown was a relatively obscure Republican State Senator in a presumed “safe haven” for Democrats. Clearly, and justifiably, people questioned the content, transparency and integrity of the health care bill. They saw that it was in their immediate interest–and the immediate national interest–to force Harry Reid “back to the drawing board” by ending his filibuster-proof “super majority” in the US Senate.

#41stVote organized, categorized and crystalized the message. It bonded individual bloggers, tweeters and patriots who wanted common sense conservatism and good government applied not just to health care and other “big bills”, but to all legislative initiatives. Together, these “regular people” became the media! Their clear, powerful and collective plea was: “Stop right there–we can do better!” The voters of Massachusetts agreed, and on 1/19/10, Scott Brown pulled off a political miracle by replacing liberal icon Ted Kennedy in the US Senate.

#Code41

I contend that Scott Brown’s unlikely and historic victory could be the beginning of what (the prominent and highly respected political analyst) Michael Barone once termed a “critical realignment” in American politics. Grassroots activism, (on and offline), did not simply disappear with Brown’s US Senate campaign. Energized by victories in New Jersey, Virginia and Massachusetts, proponents of common sense conservatism want to know: What’s next? My hope is that their enthusiasm endures and political momentum accelerates across the nation–that is why I’ve created the #Code41 hashtag on Twitter.

#Code41 is a call to action. It is an urgent beckoning to those “regular people” who helped Scott Brown with #41stVote to “keep that truck rolling” across America. If you reject the dubious premises, policies and tactics of Obama, Reid and Pelosi, I urge you to support your favorite candidates, share great content, meet new friends and promote “online democracy” via the #Code41 hashtag.

#Code41 is not sponsored or formally endorsed by any specific candidate, Party, organization, PAC or special interest group. It is simply a #41stVote “spin-off” created to move the “good government” discussion forward at this critical time in our nation’s history.

#41stVote “went viral” and helped save our country from the ill-conceived, pork-laden and potentially disastrous monstrosity called the health care bill. Let’s do it again with #Code41 and restore transparency, integrity and common sense to the political process!

Let’s look at Twitter as an example. Assuming you’ve joined the “great cocktail party” called social media and opened a free Twitter account, there are four basic “thank you” tools immediately at your disposal. (These tools also serve other purposes which I will address at another time.)

The “Retweet” (RT)

(e.g. RT @jslconsulting)

Nothing says “I hear you” quite like the retweet. When someone posts a comment or link that you like, sharing it with your followers is a compliment. The RT is a great way to say “I agree with you…and thanks for providing good content” to a fellow tweeter. I assure you that RTs are appreciated, remembered and often returned.

#FollowFriday (#FF)

(e.g. #FF @ConsultJohn)

Without question, my favorite day to tweet is Friday. The # symbol is called a “hashtag” and it is a method of categorizing Twitter content. When people mention your Twitter handle after typing #FF, they are proclaiming to the world that you are a good “tweet” to follow. They are thanking you for your content and engagement as well as recommending you to their “friends”. Many “real world” business relationships and friendships have developed because of #FF “shout outs”!

Direct Messages (DMs)

RTs and #FFs are viewable in the public “tweet stream”. For a private and more personal approach, you can send a quick note to individual tweeters. DMs are essentially Twitter’s email. Recognizing someone’s efforts is always a good thing, but I would caution you not to promote yourself in the process. (e.g. Don’t “pimp your blog” in the guise of gratitude.) I would also remind you that if someone has 30,000 followers, they may have a backlog of DMs to review. Still, when used properly, kind DMs are generally well received.

Lists

A relatively new tool provides users with the capacity to organize, and share with the public, categories of tweeters. The Twitter “list” feature allows your current and prospective followers to quickly scan areas of mutual interest and see who you recommend in any given niche. Listing individuals by category is most often considered a compliment and reason for continued engagement.

RTs, #FFs, DMs and Lists can be deployed together to bolster your brand and build a following. Use them, (at least in part), to show your gratitude, nurture relationships and spread “good karma” on Twitter.

Polls are currently indicating a statistical dead heat for US Senate in Massachusetts. Republican State Senator Scott Brown is shocking pundits, and the nation, by offering a robust challenge to Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley in the race to fill the seat vacated by the late Senator Edward Kennedy. The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2010.

Just two months ago, this campaign was a typical Massachusetts landslide in the making. Coakley was ahead by 30 points and running a safe, low profile “front-runner” campaign. The national GOP and traditional media had written Scott Brown off as another valiant casualty of  “Blue State” inevitability. The Coakley team and its allies were quite content to let the usual process take its course. Everything lined up as it almost always does in the Democratic stronghold called Massachusetts.

Significance

Much has been written recently about the significance of this election. If Brown wins, he represents the 41st vote in the US Senate–a vote which will end the filibuster-proof majority and force bipartisan debate on important legislation like health care reform. If Brown simply does well, he motivates conservatives around the country, even in historically liberal districts, to seek vacant seats and oppose Democratic incumbents. Some have called this race a referendum on “Obamacare”. Others, including moderate Democrats, see it as a chance to send a message to the far left that, well, they’ve gone way too far in that direction. I will not address these issues here, but I wanted to include them for contextual purposes.

What has changed in the last 60 Days?

The importance of this race has been clear since the passing of Senator Kennedy. Brown and Coakley have always been favored to be the nominees of their respective parties. A Brown victory would always have produced the aforementioned effect. So what started happening two months ago to turn the political tides? Three things: social media, viability and money. I contend that the former created the possibility of the latter two.

Social Media Creates a Buzz

Supporters of Scott Brown, the so-called “Brown Brigade”, were not content to sit back and watch another Democratic drubbing of a conservative candidate. They believed in Senator Brown and saw the political opportunity at hand. In addition to traditional campaign methods–phone calls, lit drops, bumper stickers and the like–they enthusiastically embraced social media as a marketing tool. They hit Facebook, Twitter, Ning, LinkedIn and YouTube. They wrote blogs and commented on other people’s posts. When they saw a relevant news story on line, they made their opinions known. Instead of telling two friends to support Scott Brown, they told two friends with 1000 followers each on Twitter. Those people liked the message and shared it with their followers. Before long, the entire nation began to notice and discuss the campaign. It was no longer just about Massachusetts–if Scott Brown were remotely viable, this could impact everyone!

#41st Vote

A Brown supporter, (who had been actively sharing content and commentary), was thrilled to see some interest developing. He was frustrated, however, that volunteer support, national media exposure and donations were not increasing quickly enough to make a very short–and clearly “up hill”– special election campaign viable. Without viability, who would bother to get involved or write a check?

That individual decided to bolster the social media efforts of the campaign team by creating a Twitter hashtag (a way to categorize content) called #41stVote. Together with blog engagement, personal outreach to influential “tweeters” and direct communication with main stream journalists, this #41stVote concept quickly caught on as a highly focused and compelling value proposition. Within days of its creation, interest swelled and the Brown message started to “go viral”. When that happened, money, volunteers and positive commentary escalated dramatically.

Interactions related to the #41stVote and associated social media devices increased donations to such an extent that substantial blocks of  traditional “media buys” were made possible. TV and radio exposure landed additional support, which in turn led to better poll numbers. When Rasmussen and other polling companies announced that the race was within single digits, viability had been achieved and cash poured into the campaign.

How much cash? Scott Brown’s January 11th, one day, “money bomb” secured $1.3 million! The average donation was only $75–a testament to the grassroots nature of this online campaign.

Lessons learned

While the Brown campaign used many social media venues to “broadcast” from the outset, its message only went “viral” after significant engagement, content sharing, value creation and tool utilization. The campaign had to answer the following questions from potential online “partners”:

1. Why should I follow you?

2. Why should I share your message?

3. Why should I write about you?

4. Why should I recommend that others follow you?

5. Why should I make calls on your behalf?

6. Why should I donate to your campaign?

7. Why should I interview you?

8. Why should I care?

Social Media Best Practices–How can we help YOU?

Understanding the needs of voters and potential donors,  providing valuable and easily shared content to online supporters and effectively engaging (as opposed to “talking at”) key strategic partners were all critical elements of Brown’s social media success. The #41stVote hashtag provided a unifying theme to these efforts. It also answered many key questions in nine simple characters.

Will social media change America?

Used in combination with the more traditional approaches, social media has emerged as an extremely powerful weapon in the Brown Brigade’s arsenal. Given the importance of this special election, and how the race has been trending recently, Scott Brown’s use of  “new marketing” may very well change the course of American history.