Barack Obama’s campaign for the U.S. Presidency saw the election of America’s first ‘Digital President’. Many ‘commentators’ agreed that his social media campaign was crucial in mobilising support amongst demographics that would otherwise have remained untapped. Conversely, a criticism of the unsuccessful McCain campaign was that his online offensive could be placed firmly in the “too little, too late” category. So, it would appear on the surface, that it was the ‘SocMed wot won it’ (sic). But, the reality is that the Internet was only the fifth most popular medium for US voters to learn about the election in 2008.

It prompts the question, does social media really have that much of an impact on voters? And therefore, what of the General Election in the UK?

On Wednesday March 10, political blogger and journalist Paul Evans will be joined by a panel of digital politicos, including Tom Watson MP, Jeremy Hunt MP and the Evening Standard's Deputy Political Editor Paul Waugh, to debate the topic of social media and the Election.

Should we prepare ourselves for a digital onslaught from all candidates or will the online space be the preserve of younger candidates?

Is the younger electorate as likely to cast a vote on the X Factor, as it is to exercise its democratic prerogative?

Just what is social media’s role and will it actually make a difference in deciding who forms our next Government?

These are just some of the questions that the panel will look to shed light on, as one of the most eagerly anticipated General Elections in years looms on the horizon...

Hosted by Paul Evans and featuring:

• Tom Watson MP (Lab, West Bromwich East) - confirmed
• Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor, Evening Standard - confirmed
  
• Dan Burton, SVP, Global Public Policy, Salesforce.com - confirmed
• Jeremy Hunt MP (Con, South West Surrey) - confirmed

Introductions by:

Paul Charles of LEWIS PR

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