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Presidential Hopefuls Waste No Time With Web Strategy

Next year's presidential race is already being called the first "YouTube election." The proliferation of online video clips--particularly as email forwards--proved the downfall of several candidates for congressional positions during the 2006 elections. For the 2008 presidential race, candidates have learned that viral technology is both a threat and an opportunity if leveraged properly. It's also an inexpensive medium for addressing the public.

Tonight, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), who announced her candidacy for president just a few days ago, is set to participate in three live online chats, soliciting questions she'll respond to on her Web site. According to Peter Dao, her campaign Internet strategist, social and viral media will be vital to her campaign, due to its sudden "ubiquity."

Former Sen.John Edwards, meanwhile, has posted 2.5-minute clips outlining the themes of his campaign to YouTube and Rocketboom.com; more than 100,000 clips have already been viewed, his Web strategist says. Arizona Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is being followed around by a videographer, who will post to McCain's site, while Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has sent email blasts to his supporters describing why he's running for president.

Read the whole story at The Washington Post »

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