Campaigns across the country are increasingly seeking viral moments and the support of internet stars to reach new voters, campaign officials and political observers say.
The approach aims to tap the broad audiences and cultural influence of social media personalities to boost name recognition and energize younger voters, according to campaign staff and consultants.
But the strategy, while flashy, has produced mixed results in key races this year, with some partnerships raising a candidate’s profile but others failing to translate into votes, observers say.
Political strategists say campaigns are weighing the potential reach of internet stardom against unpredictable outcomes and the risk that viral moments do not always align with traditional voter outreach goals.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
