He's Got a Database, and He's Gonna Use It

There's been a lot of speculation about how Obama is going to use the networks established during the campaign and use them for governance. David Carr writes,

As a result, when he arrives at 1600 Pennsylvania, Mr. Obama will have not just a political base, but a database, millions of names of supporters who can be engaged almost instantly. And there’s every reason to believe that he will use the network not just to campaign, but to govern. His e-mail message to supporters on Tuesday night included the line, “We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I’ll be in touch soon about what comes next.” The incoming administration is already open for business on the Web at Change.gov, a digital gateway for the transition.

This is huge. A president with direct access to the people, with the latest technology could upend business as usual in Washington. Maybe for the better. Maybe not for the better. Carr continues,

Special-interest groups and lobbyists will now contend with an environment of transparency and a president who owes them nothing. The news media will now contend with an administration that can take its case directly to its base without even booking time on the networks.

It could undermine the party system and limit the ability of Congress to check the president. Yes, you may like this president and willingly hand him the power of your inbox, but you might not be so happy about it if we get President Palin.

Comments

[Amy P]

"Special-interest groups and lobbyists will now contend with an environment of transparency and a president who owes them nothing."

No card check and no US auto bailout, then? That's good news.

[Zoe]

Have you seen this article?

Obama preparing comprehensive technology policy