Could it be a “mega-trend”? Hillary Clinton’s new lead campaign strategist, Geoff Garin, has sent out an email asking Clinton supporters not for their money (though there is a not-so-subtle reference to being outspent 3-1 by Obama and a big red contribute button at the bottom of the text) but for their input! “Tell me what you think” is the subject line.
He writes:
In the days and weeks (and hopefully months) ahead, I want to know what you think — about the state of the race, our campaign strategy, or your ideas for doing things differently. You’ve made an investment in this campaign, and I want your input as we plan the days, weeks, and months to come.
I can’t promise that I can reply personally to every single message — but I can promise to read them all.
Now, while this promise may come back to haunt Garin (will Obama supporters flood his in-box to tie him to his desk? will he actually read them all?), this email is a significant shift for a campaign that has, above all, sought to project an aura of complete authority. Ready from day one, if you will.
Unfortunately for Clinton, it’s also really late to shift from a top-down culture to one that is more sideways-up. Even Clinton’s latest attempt at “conversation” is still a 30-second TV ad built around a question from a supporter, rather than a real conversation. It takes time to shift practices and earn the trust of supporters who may not think they’re really being included or listened to. But I give Garin points for trying.
April 14, 2008