Obama Supporters Have Edge As Internet Expands Role In CampaignsObama Supporters Have Edge As Internet Expands Role In Campaigns

information has reported on a number of developments showing that the role of the Internet in American politics is expanding rapidly. Now there's proof.Three times as many Americans (35%) have watched political videos online during this presidential campaign compared with 2004, according to findings from a survey (PDF) by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's supporters have an advantage online, according to the report.

Forty-six percent of Americans have turned to the Web, e-mail, or text messages to get news about the campaign or to share their political views, and 39% percent said they have used the Internet to get unfiltered information like speeches, position papers, and announcements.

It's no surprise that voters between the ages of 18 and 29 have begun to get more involved because of the Internet, but Pew found that 12% have posted their own political commentary. Ten percent of Americans reported that they have sought information on politics or become involved through social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook.

Fund raising through the Internet also has grown appreciably. Six percent of Americans already have contributed to campaigns online, while only 2% did so during the whole 2004 campaign.

Obama's supporters appear more inclined to retrieve and exchange information via the Web than those who back U.S. senators Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

"In a head-to-head matchup with Internet users who support Republican McCain, Obama's backers are more likely to get political news and information online," Pew stated in the 27-page report (PDF).

Interestingly, fewer than 30% of Americans felt the Internet has given them a greater sense of connection with U.S. politics.