Deus ex Machina: Candidate Web Presence and the Presidential Nomination Campaign. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christenson, Dino P.; Smidt, Corwin D.; Panagopoulos, Costas
• Is Part Of: Political research quarterly. Volume 67:Number 1(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: presidential nominations -- Internet -- campaign contributions -- campaign expenditures; Political science -- Periodicals; Science politique -- Périodiques; 320
• DOI: 10.1177/1065912913494017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1065-9129

Abstract

Using data from the 2008 presidential nomination contest, we offer systematic tests of the relationships between traditional campaign factors, the Internet and campaign performance. We find that claims of the Internet's relevance to modern campaigns are warranted, as it is a unique facet of campaigns and significantly improves candidates' financial and electoral support. The Internet is especially helpful to candidates in generating small-donor contributions and in maximizing contributions after early primary victories. Overall, these findings suggest that the Internet offers a viable mechanism for long-shot candidates to overcome the resource demands of the current presidential nomination system.