Most “Web 2.0″ Politicians June 14, 2006
In response to my post on politicians that podcast, a member of Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) staff left a comment pointing me to a blog entry on their site about new media tactics used by Republican House members. It sort of got me thinking: which politicians are most embracing Web 2.0? So, conducting no new research and working entirely from memory, here are the winners:
On the Republican side of the aisle, I think the winner is pretty clearly Rep. Kingston. The Kingston blog got a lot of attention for live blogging during the gunfire scare on the Hill a few weeks back. And here’s their own description about what they are up to:
“For our part, we have a true, interactive blog, and we also guest blog at RedState.com and PeachPundit. We also have a hidden video page for insiders, a podcast called the JackCast, and a flickr account for you to see and share multiple pics.”
I chose Rep. Kingston mostly because his blog reads like it’s written by real, living, breathing human beings and actually encourages discussion on issues.
On the Democrat side, I’d have to go with Utah Senate candidate Pete Ashdown. Not only does Ashdown blog and podcast himself, he actually took the time to personally comment on our blog here. Ashdown also has a wiki that he uses to collect feedback on issues and campaign tactics from supporters.
Lastly, Ashdown has posted a MySpace profile that he presumably uses to help him connect with young voters. Ashdown has clearly embraced the social spirit of Web 2.0.
Let me know if you think I’m neglecting somebody.
