Lessons from the trenches 2008

2008’s electoral results are getting clearer as we close in on a final result in MN and GA. As President-elect Obama sorts out his administration and we all eat turkey sandwiches there are some great lessons to be learned from GOP campaigns of 2008.

In the coming weeks I will interview consultants, campaign staff and candidates to look at the tactics and where they made a difference. Before I start the interviews I want to hear from you on what questions you want answered.

Some of the questions I am considering asking are:

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  What campaign on the GOP side showed real innovation in fundraising?
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  What campaign on the GOP side had the most effective use of New Media?
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  What candidate on the GOP side best leveraged earned media to get traction?
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  What campaign on the GOP side showed the greatest comeback?
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  What campaign on the GOP side showed the best mobilization of grassroots supporters?
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  What campaign on the GOP side had the most effective GOTV organization?
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  What GOP media consultant showed the most appreciation for web video and integrated it into their mix?
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  What GOP pollster was the most accurate?
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  What GOP mail vendor had the most creative and effective designs? (yes, I am biased)
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  What GOP campaign showed the best ability to integrate it’s website into its’ over all campaign operation?
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  What GOP candidate has the biggest ideas for the future of our party (even if they lost)?
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  What GOP campaign showed the best use of its email list?
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  What GOP campaign was really good at the small stuff? (yard signs, bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc)

I also have a sizeable list of people to interview, if you have some you would like to see, let me know.Email your suggested questions and interviewees to chris@faulknerstrategies.com