GOP Backdoor Debate on Twitter #reagandebate

Tonight the GOP candidates debated at the Ronald Reagan Library. As they debated, I watched the Twitterverse to see which candidate took advantage of the backdoor debate. Clearly Perry seemed to “get” the backdoor debate and had ready @PerryTruthTeam. In the 2008 election, Barack Obama did the same exact thing. Obama’s team established a truth team.

Here is an example of a block of tweets from my list called “Candidates” that I created on Twitter.

As you can see, Perry’s campaign team kept Tweeting through the entire debate. Michele Bachman’s team did well, as did an occasional tweet from Ron Paul’s campaign.

How does Tweeting Help During a Debate

First, and foremost, Tweeting during a campaign can help a candidate answer the question for the audience. Sometimes under pressure the candidate is scrambling for words. The team such as Perry’s can help dispel any rumors or misrepresentations by other candidates. Tweeting also allowed the audience to take part in the debate. These comments can really gauge the public opinion in real time. When has THIS ever happened? The American citizen can partake in the debate as well and give our own commentary. Who needs television political pundits when you have the Twitterverse and a hash tag? I hope the candidates are looking over the hashtag #reagandebate.

Here’s a sample of #reagandebate:

Remember when audience opinion during a Presidential debate consisted of yelling at our televisions?  Tonight was different.  I was sitting in front of the television with my iPad on my lap tweeting and engaging with others about the debate. Never has politics felt so satisfying to watch. I could discuss with reporters, with the candidates, and with others watching. A candidate’s campaign team needs to do the same while the debate is on.  The campaign should be engaging the audience. A social media team is a necessity. Retweet positive tweets and tweet to help dispel poor remarks and opponent remarks.

Newt Gingrich had some really great points. He wasn’t trying too hard–well, that’s what I liked about it at least. In fact, I think he was vying for a Vice President position tonight. BUT, his campaign should be tweeting for him to reiterate his important talking points. Also, what about Jon Huntsman’s team. I saw absolutely no tweets from his campaign, especially when he should be vying for a front runner spot.  I did see some Facebook activity for Huntsman, but Facebook is not going to be shared with as many people. I do believe both are necessary, but I believe Twitter holds more reach for a message. Truthfully, I think Huntsman is where Newt is–vying for a Vice President position.

As for who won, I’m going to leave that up to the news media. Depending if the program slants more conservative or more liberal, all opinions on who won will be different.  I do know that Mitt Romney and Rick Perry were both center stage and received plenty of air time. Speaking of Romney,  I did not see one Mitt Romney tweet during the debate. I did notice some Facebook activity.

It’s still up in the air to see if social media activity during a debate helps or hurts a candidate. I know I would have enjoyed more tweets from the candidates. It was nice to occasionally look at links from @PerryTruthTeam.

Campaign Web sites: Perry vs. Romney

As for Campaign Web sites, I took a look at both Perry’s and Romney’s campaign. I am calling a winner for tonight’s social media debate, which is Rick Perry. I was surprised to see the Twitter feed on the front page of his web site tonight and Romney, well, he didn’t publicize the debate well at all. I call Rick Perry the winner of taking advantage of the social media rhetorical situation.

The Other Side is Watching

As for what the other side was doing while the GOP debated–they were busy analyzing the responses of each candidate (take a look at the web site below). It looks like Obama’s campaign was virtually debating with the GOP, but not responding to any of the soundbites they posted for each candidate. Obama’s campaign may keep score, but to me I would like a quick look at what HE believes as well. Obama’s stance would have been a great addition to this chart. Again, this chart only shows soundbites, but the candidates’ campaigns should expand their soundbites through their blogs about the debate to clarify any misunderstood quotes floating out into the media and on opponents web sites. Perry did this while the debate aired. Perry was wise to create @PerryTruthTeam, which was a defense tactic to help clarify any misunderstood points missed because of slants and twists in the media. The American citizen can then visit Perry’s links he provides that expand his talking points. The American citizen can read any expanded version to clarify any points misunderstood through the media, through Obama’s web site or in the debate and form their own opinion.  Expanding the soundbite is key, Obama did it, and now, like him or not, Rick Perry looks like he’s creating a strong online presence that may help him become the candidate of choice.