Have You Abandoned the GOP?
On Friday morning, thousands received the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) email accusing them of abandoning the Republican Party. Why, you ask? Because they didn’t make any contributions to the group. I, too, was one of the many people who received this email.
When I initially opened the email, I was not only offended, but appalled. With all of the email testing and surveying that goes on by digital marketing firms, how could the RNC not test such a risqué message?
After I read the email, I went on Facebook. All of the people I met and connected with in DC – many of whom consider themselves GOP loyalists – were just as confused as I am.
Why do I bring up this email? Because this demonstrates the general publics distaste for the GOP. This goes back to the notion that the Republican Party is a party of old, rich white men. It’s as though they’re saying in order to contribute to politics, you have to give your money. Reality? There are MANY forms of contributions. I’ve contributed and donated my time by volunteering on campaigns and helping with grassroots movements in my community.
Point number two- this email is symbolic of everything the GOP does wrong. Regardless of how you feel about President Obama, no one can deny that is 2008 campaign revolutionized the world of campaign, and politics for that matter. His campaign mobilized youth voters, the ones who are the most apathetic. And how’d they do that? Through text messages, social media and digital marketing.
The GOP is behind in the digital marketing realm. It is the number one thing the party struggles with. My hope is GOP powerhouses – like the RNC – will that these types of messages alienate their base and push away the independent voters. 
