Barack Obama’s recent election and transition to the White House has been interesting to watch, not just for the traditional and historic reasons, but also because of the powerful example that it provides of how loyal and engaged people can help spread the word to others and actively promote an organization and/or individual.
The Pew Research Centre conducted a survey on the enduring legacy of Barack’s approach to his presidency. Its key findings showed that:
• 62% of Obama voters expect to encourage others to support the new administration’s policies and actions during the upcoming year. 48% of these expect to do so in person, 25% expect to do so over the phone, and 16% expect to promote the new President’s agenda to others on the internet.
• Among Obama voters who were involved online during the campaign, 25% say they plan to mobilize support for the administration’s policies by using the internet.
Plus, Obama supporters also expressed a strong interest in remaining in the loop as the new administration took office and began promoting its legislative agenda: nearly half (46%) of all Obama voters expected to hear directly from the new President or other officials as the incoming administration took office.
As Aaron Smith, a Research Specialist with the Project and author of the report, so aptly put it: “The election may be over, but these voters want to hear directly from their leaders and they hope to remain part of the action. They plan to be in direct contact with the Administration and then carry those conversations back to their fellow citizens. This is a new kind of personal democracy.â€â€¦ And a powerful example of engagement!
Kimberly Carroll, MarCom Manager, Allegiance
