Obama is also ahead of the pack when it comes to utilizing the internet to organize volunteers as well. As an article from PC World points out, “Obama's campaign has embraced innovative technologies that help him connect with voters, volunteers and supporters.” It is perhaps this application of the internet that has had the most profound impact on Obama’s campaign, propelling him from the ranks of obscure second-tear candidate, to Democratic front runner and likely nominee for the 2008 presidential election. Because Obama’s campaign has recognized the internet as a tool that is capable of bringing people together, organizing them, and motivating them to actually volunteer, Obama’s campaign has the manpower to achieve extraordinary feats and the financial fortitude to back it up. This is all thanks to his utilization of the newest communication medium known as the internet.

It is only fitting that a politician who essentially owes their political career to the internet would want to embrace such a technology for the good of the country once elected. That is why Obama has pledged to create a “Technology Czar” who would be in charge of keeping the US competitive in the newest technological advances including those made on the internet. Obama incorporates the internet into his plan for a more open and transparent government as well, promising to post bills that are being voted on on-line, and promising to place streaming live web cams in presidential meetings to keep the public involved (www.barackobama.com). Technology embracing ideas such as these, coupled with the execution of an unexpectedly successful technology-utilizing campaign makes it evident that Barack Obama is the most technologically advanced candidate thus far in 2008, and he has certainly benefited from this. By embracing and utilizing the benefits of what Al Gore would calls “new dominant communication medium” Obama has positioned himself in a very favorable place, and time will tell whether this advantage ends up making this once unknown candidate, President of the United States.