Preparing for the "Youtubes".

• Author: Nussbaum, Jeff

To: All Democratic Presidential Candidates

From: Bridge to 2000 Consulting Group

We know some of you have been complaining that Democratic consultants are "old school," or "hackneyed," or "f--ing useless," but let us assure you that Bridge to 2000 intends to work for the people, not the powerful. The purpose of this memorandum is to share with you some insights we've recently developed on the role--and potential--of applying the newest technology, specifically the "Youtubes," to your political campaigns. To use the vernacular, it time to take the campaign bus for a ride on the "Information Superhighway." Please keep this proprietary close to the vest, as this technology may prove useful for fund-raising.

We are currently awaiting the data from our most recent polling, but overnight results indicate that a majority of Americans think technology has the potential to change the way we communicate and even, someday, the way we shop. This is especially true for the young people our party covets, those under the age of forty-nine. Understanding this is the key to political success in what we at Bridge to 2000 call the "Internet Age."

In preparation for the "Youtubes Debate," and expanding on it, we'd like to explain to you three key applications that will show you how to be hip to the groove of today's young voters.

1. Weblogs

   A weblog is an electronic diary. But instead of keeping it locked under your bed, you keep it on the World Wide Web. Most of these weblogs (folks who "surf the Web" call it a "blog") reveal that their authors have a lot of time on their hands and are very angry. In fact, the angrier you are, the "cooler" you are. You should, therefore, start your own blog immediately and use it to offer any idea that comes to mind, preferably an angry one. It's just like the Senate floor, but without the parliamentary procedure. (Note: we generally discourage rants about children, household pets, or minority groups.)

2. Social Networking

   Social networks are also places where you can let everyone see your electronic diary. But here you tell them things that make you happy as well as those that make you angry. People who like the same things you like can become your "friends." The "hottest" of these social...