[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/12/12/gop.technology/art.blackwell.facebook.jpg caption="Ken Blackwell and other candidates for the GOP chairmanship have used Facebook to reach supporters."] (CNN) - When Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis decided to throw his hat in the ring to head the Republican Party, he announced his intentions on an unlikely forum: Twitter.
Not too long ago, the social networking Web site most popular among teenagers and 20-somethings was probably the last place you would expect to find a candidate for the Republican National Committee chairmanship.
But then Barack Obama's presidential campaign appeared to revolutionize the way technology could be integrated into every facet of a campaign - from fundraising to media outreach to voter mobilization.
The result was a Democratic Party that outpaced its rival in nearly every measure - in the process revealing how detrimental the GOP's apparent lack of tech fluency proved to be on Election Day.
The Republican Party is playing catch-up, hoping to compete with Democrats in the next two pivotal election cycles.
Showing concern for the average American wouldn't hurt, either. Oh, and maybe another use for the Bible than just a bludgeoning instrument?
At present, the GOP offers NOTHING.
End of GOP comes because people started to realize that they are being cynically used just for enrichment of a few wealthy families. GOP is shown itself as a force all too easy to launch a aggression, a war for profit.
give the nig a break. he's just chimpin out.
It's suicide.
Fine. Just don't let that be the focus. Return to the conservative pricinples that made this country great. It's better to be right and not in power but to have power and lose sight of principles and act like Democrats.
technology is NOT the problem. repubs are stupid,self-righteous, right wing nuts balls. that need to get a clue about REAL LIFE AND REAL PEOPLE. they always talk about morals, as if they are the only one that have morals. There are millions of dems, indeps that have morals, but they care about other people. so while they are trying to blame the lack of use of technology they REALLY need to get to know what the REAL WORLD IS ALL ABOUT.
They should send their messages via the pony express!
Most Republicans agendas these days aren't sitting well with the current society–they do really need to find inclusive ways if they really need to get back on their feet.
GOP is and will be remember as a one of the pasts.
You can't teach a pig to sing. They don't want to try, nor do they want to learn and if you persist in trying to teach them, you'll irritate the PIG. We've been hearing this slogan for years and nothing will change, except technology.
The GOP needs to change top to bottom, inside out. When people like Palin show up there is the sign that they,the GOP is tied up with their base. They listen to those who believe only they are right. Bible thumpers, super right wing nuts and their ilk are telling the GOP what to do.
If the GOP think people like Palin, who is too divisive for the rest of America, is a new voice for the GOP they can expect to lose more elections. She is way too far to the right and not listening to mainstream America. In fact she is the best thing for the Dems.
Reps just listen to what ALL the people want, Don't tell them what to do or who to vote for. By not putting the available technology to use like the Dems have, you will never get anywhere.
I find it incredibly revealing that the GOP leadership candidates still don't get it! They lost the election because of their MESSAGE. It did not appeal to young, black, hispanic and urban voters. And guess what, that segment of the population continues to grow, so where does that leave the GOP....in the land of the dinosaurs, extinct, just a matter of time.
Their policies of greed are nothing but a turn off. They will get CRUSHED AGAIN. AMEN
Better idea: Go back to being the reform party and the small-government party. I am outraged that Bush is now thinking about bailing out GM and the United Auto Workers.
The whole point of winning elections is to actually do something when elected. I was hoping after 2002 that we could make the changes that we need, like social security reform and tax code reform. Boy was I wrong.
Oh hateful Dems, here you go again blasting the GOP! Just think about this...you libs may have voted the most corrupt president ever. Can't wait to see how this Blagojevich saga is going to play out. It'll be very interesting...though I have the feeling you are going to be in denial for the next for years. After all, you have the liberal medial on your side. God Bless America!
Yeah yeah! Technology for the win.
You are in the dump not because of bush's record, but because of gadgets!
Dream on.
They better do something... but i dont think they will change. Actions speak louder then words and even then i wouldnt vote for anyone who comes from their party...they need to give it up!
Of course Dems preach diversity, but only if they can have a one party system. Groupthink, groupspeak, unibrain mentality that will forever demonize anything they can't recognize.
The only reason that Obama was so successful on social networking sites is because the youth supported him and connected with his message. Just putting your bankrupt Republican ideologies on "Twitter" will not help you.
This is a changing of the guard. The Echo is coming and you can either get in line or get out. The current GOP will face major backlash for trying to infiltrate the Gen Y world unless they wake up and change their philosophies.
The good news for the GOP... old men DIE. And with them their stupid, worn out ideas.
Technology didn't do the GOP in, it was their bankrupt, fossilized ideas that sunk them and they continue to cling to them like Texas roadkill clings to pavement. In the first Republican debate I saw 8 old white men on a stage looking like something out of the first half of the 20th century. The last time I checked, it was 2008, not 1908!
No amount of technology is going to help the GOP brand because all they can do is harken back to the days of Ronnie Raygun. Most of the new voters were in diapers when Bozo was president!! If these folks think that twitter and blogging is going to bring them back, they are only fooling themselves. This crowd has NO NEW IDEAS AND ZERO PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS. If all they have are Palin and Jindal all I have to say is "God Bless Ya!!" LOL
Technology isn't going to help them unless they get rid of the neocons and get back to their real values of conservatism. Ron Paul is the only one who is a true conservative.
GOP hate emails? If it's anything like their robocalls, nooo thaaaanks!
Good move GOP!. It's time to stop being so antiquated.
I can see if now!!!! GOP Discover Windows 95!!!!!! Or bettery Yet!!!!!!!! GOP try to bring back DOS technology!!!!!!!!!! GOP!!!!! Stick with Sneaker mail and tin can and strings!!!!!!
It's true that there is a technology revolution that all sorts of interest groups need to be aware of and active in.
But at the same time it is important not to ignore or alienate those who, for whatever reason, do not have equal access to these outlets.