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Think back to long ago, way back to the beginning of 2008.

Eighteen months ago it seemed we didn’t have to deal with political spiel in social media all that much. But that was before an internet savvy presidential candidate came into the picture and Twitter went mainstream in a big way.

The results that Obama got from his internet campaigning opened the eyes of other politicians to what they were missing.  Simply having a website isn’t going to get the job done anymore; it’s not enough to get your word out to the people.

The result: a new social media political playing field.

The Motivation Behind the Political Twitter Movement

Like so many US citizens, politicians have many reasons for their Twittering and the general phenomenon that they’re feeding into. Some of those reasons include:

• Getting information to the people
• Connecting with the public
• Instigating more public participation in government
• It’s a more efficient media for speaking your mind
• Giving others a glimpse of the work they do
• Knocking down rumors
• Getting public response on issues
• Promoting an agenda
• Better transparency

Overall, politicians are split on the issue of whether Twitter is more for business or personal use. But really when it comes down to it, it’s all reputation management. Politicians see it as another way to control their message; a way for them to show people what they’re really all about, to limit the filters that their statements usually trickle through. It’s a modern day twist on the fireside chats that FDR conducted while in office.

Politicians using Twitter is a clear indication of how important social media has become in American culture. Public servants who get in the mix online recognize that conversations concerning them are happening and they’re better to do what they can to participate. And of course, politicians know that Twitter is a great tool for reaching out to the ever-valuable young voters who practically grew up online and doesn’t cost an extra penny in campaign funds.

It also seems that the euphoric high of watching the followers increase, much the same as pouring focus into poll numbers, is motivation for some. Politicians love being loved.

Politicians on Twitter: a Pro or a Con?

Ultimately, it can be nothing but good entertainment for the rest of us. For political junkies, Twitter has been a great means of supporting the addiction, providing access to politicians in a way that was previously unheard of.

However, politicians on Twitter face a few problems. Not all politicians manage their own Twitter accounts – they have staffers for that. So the intimate and personal aspect will often be met with warranted questioning. Case in point, when South Carolina governor Mark Sanford recently went missing his Twitter account stayed active, and not with updates from Argentina.

The other big problem facing politicians on Twitter is the exact opposite of the above point. Those who choose to post regularly to their Twitter pages on their own accord may need to pull off some serious damage control (see Tweets below). Many politicians are known to talk a little too much. Pair that with a universal platform that will blast your every random comment to whoever wants to see it, and you create a potential mine field for yourself and gold mine for your opponents.

Twitter has definitely led to some mud-slinging among the parties. This is great entertainment for us, but it serves as another reminder that reaching across the aisle for the betterment of the general public may not be all that easy for many politicians. The impulse to Tweet a snarky remark may come back to haunt some. (see Tweets below)

Twitter could come up in a few 2010 debates.

Which Politicians are on Twitter?

Which politicians in your state are Twittering away as you read this?

Tweet Congress is a handy site that tracks Representatives state-by-state and even provides Tweeting stats and contact info. Twitter Fan Wiki’s US Government page has links to the executive branch, Senators and Representatives Twitter accounts. And to find state and local politicians on Twitter GovTwit is a good resource.

Since there’s nothing specifically for state governors on Twitter, we put this little gem of a list together.

Haley Barbour (R-Mississippi)	Bobby Jindal – (R-Louisiana)	Bob Riley (R-Alabama)
Steve Beshear (D-Kentucky)	Sarah Palin (R-Alaska)	Bill Ritter (D-Colorado)
Charlie Crist (R-Florida)	Deval Patrick (D-Massachusetts)	Mark Sanford (R-South Carolina)
Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey)	Tim Pawlenty (R-Minnesota)	Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-California)
Mitch Daniels (R-Indiana)	Rick Perry (R-Texas)	Kathleen Sebelius – (D-Kansas)
Jim Doyle (D-Wisconsin)	Martin O’Malley (D-Maryland)	Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)
Jennifer Granholm (D-Michigan)	Pat Quinn (D-Illinois)
John Huntsman, Jr. (R-Utah)	Bill Richardson (D-New Mexico)

* accurate as of June 30, 2009

And this one seemingly for Nevada governor James Arthur “Jim” Gibbons, isn’t real, but man, if it was…

What Interesting Things are Politicians Tweeting?

As you can see in The Tweeting Governor’s List, Republicans are actually more active on Twitter than Democrats. However, Democrats are expected to cut that margin. For the most part politicians do keep it tasteful and informative. But here are some of the more interesting tweets from politicians, keeping in mind the imbalance of representation between the parties on Twitter.

Republican congressman Joe Barton during Presidential address to Congress: “Aggie basketball game is about to start on espn2 for those of you that aren’t going to bother watching pelosi smirk for the next hour.”

Damage control a few minutes later: “Disregard that last Tweet from a staffer.”

Amid controversy South Carolina governor Mark Sanford tweets: “I write to apologize and ask for your forgiveness…” (Through a Tweet, really? Is that considered a bigger faux pas than texting an apology?)

Palin leaks the foreign shoot location of The Colbert Report, a secret Colbert wasn’t wanting released: “Getting ready to tape shout-out for our awesome US troops serving overseas! Will be on ‘Colbert Report’ next month, broadcast from Iraq…”

GOP operative Mike Green of South Carolina: “Just heard Obama is going to impose a 40% tax on Aspirin because it’s white and it works.”

The tweet was promptly removed.

And on the other side of the aisle…

Democratic Rep. Paul Gardner tweeted about Republican colleague Tom Emmer: “Emmer seems to belittle his female colleagues (rage, sarcasm) on the House floor more than the men? Great face to the GOP?”

His Twitter account was promptly closed.

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