President Obama's Campaign Manager

One of our salespeople here at the Bayview Branch, Susan Gucci, was presented with a Civic Award at the Toronto Real Estate Board recently. Her work with school councils was recognized, including her development of a breakfast program at East York Collegiate. Congratulations Susan!

Susan and I were fortunate to have reserved seats to hear the speaker at the event, David Plouffe, campaign manager for President Obama. In his fascinating address, he attributed the success of the Obama campaign to a number of things, including:
-a disciplined focus one theme, strategy, message
-small financial contritutions made my many rather than large contributions- their average contribution was $85, many made by retirees and students
-recognition of the many small contributors of their value to the campaign
-grass roots support groups organizing themselves, using the website www.mybarackobama.com, the website was used to identify supporters
-they successful changed the electorate, increasing the participation of latinos, blacks, younger people- Obama spoke to many student groups-used internet advertising, "viral marketing', sending Obama volunteers into restaurants, bars etc. where young people went
-winning the first primary in Iowa was key, establishing Obama's creditability as a presidential candidate- in Iowa, as many young people as old people turned out to vote
-"nothing is more powerful than a human being speaking"- many people voted because their friend or neighbour was voting- "my neighbour sees the work like I do"
-Obama supporters took responsibility for swing voters, getting them out to support Obama
-people tune out politicians because they know what they are going to say, but listen when their friends or neighbours speak
-the Obama campaign was willing to defy the conventions of politics and speak to the electorate like they were adults and not tell them what they wanted to hear, didn't speak in sound bites
-Obama volunteers like to do hard things, were very committed- didn't see volunteering as a ticket to the West Wing but rather believed in what Obama was saying, win or lose
-the campaign wasn't afraid to roll the dice and try risky things- there we no leaks from the campaign- those who didn't perform were not kept on
-the campaign was viewed as series of small elections, not a national campaign