What’s Old is New Again

DeSantis announcing on Twitter is a first in many ways, but also a throwback to another time

When I saw the news that Ron DeSantis would announce his campaign for President on Twitter Spaces with Elon Musk, I was immediately transported back about 17 years to 2007, when John Edwards announced his candidacy on YouTube. But this was a bit like Marty McFly going to the alternate year 1985. It looked a little similar but different at the same time. 

For twenty years, I’ve followed how candidates announce online extremely closely. I wrote a brief history of how technology was used in elections for the Bipartisan Policy Center last year. Given the DeSantis news, I thought I would share how this announcement is new in many ways, why it’s strategically smart for the Governor, and what it might mean.

This is a newsletter for my paid subscribers, though! I haven’t done one of those in a while. Please consider supporting this newsletter. For $5 a month or $50 a year, you’ll get full access to the archives and newsletters like this one that is just for paid subscribers. You’ll also support my ability to do more research and writing on issues at the intersection of technology and democracy. Also, a huge thank you to everyone who has subscribed!

PS: If you’re working on a story or aren’t able to upgrade to a paid subscription for any reason, reply to this email, and I’ll hook you up.

PPS: To my former Facebook colleagues. I’m thinking about you this week as the final round of layoffs looms. Please reach out if I can help - whether you are laid off or not. Not being affected can bring about different emotions that are just as valid.