Social Media Platforms Changing 2012 Campaign Strategies
MIAMI (CBS4) - While traditional campaigning will continue until the 2012 election, a new forum is quickly emerging; candidates on social media.
GOP candidates Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum all have channels of YouTube, and mostly all of them have a Twitter handle, Facebook page, or both.
South Florida social media author Alex de Carvalho, who wrote a book called "Securing The Clicks, Network Security in the Age of Social Media", acknowledges following the issues online.
""As far as news, they are getting through traditional news channels but they are augmenting it with what is on line they are having conversations with those friends," said de Carvalho.
It's easy to see why they are using the power of social media to convey their message. Facebook has 800 million users and Twitters has almost 500 million
"It is a way to reach out to the masses without having to answer tough questions from reporters," said de Carvalho.
Even CBS4's Gio Benitez, who tweeted throughout Newt Gingrich's stop in Florida, was quickly followed by the Newt 2012 campaign.
Staffers see it as a critical tool in monitoring the campaign message before it reaches the voter.
