Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama (by Evan Vucci/AP), originally uploaded by stijn v..
Political Rock Stars. Celebrities. Senators. Pioneers. Ivy-Leaguers.
The 2008 Democratic presidential primary has all the makings of a great media story. It has sex (gender), race, and politics at its core at a time when America is ready for a political change. How much will personality, charisma, perception, image and branding impact this political race?
We are under the influence of brands with almost every decision that we make. Brands simplify choices, reduce risk for the consumer, and allow consumers to make decisions with confidence. Brands are shortcuts in the decision-making process. Personal brand management will be a strong catalyst in this race.
Every successful brand has name recognition, brand image, brand positioning and a brand promise. Obama and Clinton possess them all. Which candidate has the stronger brand–the Harvard or Yale Alum? Would you vote based upon political platform or brand? And is America ready for sex (gender) or race?
I do agree that America is ready for change, I’m just not sure of what kind. At first I thought America was ready for an African American President, but as I did a little more research I realized that I agree more with Clinton. I’m still not %100 sure who I plan on voting for, but after I do more research I should know by election time.
Keshon MooreheadMarch 23rd, 2007 at 7:19 pm
While a wishfull thinker would say that we all vote based on the platform of the presidential candidate, the unfortunate truth tells us otherwise. I believe there are too many americans that make a vote based on insufficient knowledge. I believe there are many americans that vote based solely on a brand. They see a sign advocating tax cuts and automatically vote for that candidate without looking at maybe the other action items on the candidates agenda. There is so much brand publishing of brands during election time it almost gets annoying. However, no matter how annoying it may be, it’s effective. Until america as a whole starts voting based on full platform information, I don’t think america is ready for gender or race in presidential elections. However, maybe getting a female or non-caucasian in the White House may be what it takes to take that big step for america. Who’s to know for sure?
DanaMarch 26th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
I would have to agree with both Keshon and Dana on some issues in this matter. Branding is now such a powerful venue, the media and cash-flow marketing associated with branding makes it almost impossible to avoid. There is no one on earth that is not exposed to branding (unless they are under some extreme circumstance.) People don’t realize the subliminal messages intricately weaved into the “bigger picture”, which gives some Americans false perceptions. As a country, we need to open our minds and keenly pay attention to the finer details of our surroundings.
Pavi ElleOur country will never be “ready” for change; it’s just the way of life. it’s what you do when that opportunity for change presents itself is what really matters; and it’s true for everything that happens in life— be it presidential elections or not. I would hope that common sense (though not common at all) would suggest that a person research, think and evaluate a candidate’s background before they vote on the bases of gender or color, but that wouldn’t be American way would it?
April 1st, 2007 at 8:30 pm
As previously stated, in a perfect world people would be responsible and would vote based on the platform of the candidate but because of the natural instincts of humans I believe that personality, charisma, perception, image and branding will impact this political race greatly. In general we as humans usually gravitate towards the familiar, what we identify with or what we aspire to be. Therefore in theory we would vote for the candidate whose political campaign would directly benefit us, instead of the good of the country.
I too am guilty of using branding to simplify my decisions. As a first time voter in these past state elections I voted all democrats because their brand image and promise is for the common people (underprivileged, underrepresented, hard working honest people) instead of taking the time to research and follow the campaign issues.
With the influence of brands in every decision that we make and how they simplify choices and have recognition, positioning, images, and promises it is inevitable that we will be able to vote based on the solid facts and not all the “extras.” And only then will America be ready for a positive change and race and gender would not be a worthy topic of discussion when considering candidates for the presidency.
NiyaApril 19th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
As I read the other comments posted, I too am in full agreement. I do believe that this is going to be a presidential election that will be recorded in history. We have 2 minorities running for office. While both of them have excellent branding, it is going to be hard to decipher.
I know that I am one that, as Niya stated, is all for branding. Which one sounds better? Which one understands my needs? Which one has a similar background?
Both of them having come from Ivy League Universities makes it even harder. Because now we can’t say that one has a better education than the other or anything. I know that I can’t wait to see the advertising, etc. for their campaigns as the voting date draws nearer.
We will then see how strong their individual brands are!
SherAaron HurtMay 1st, 2007 at 12:05 pm