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What the Obama Campaign Can Teach Us About Marketing

By Bruce W. Marcus
January 15, 2009

If, as a marketer, you've ever been involved in a political campaign, then you know that a political campaign is simply another form of marketing.

An analysis of the first Clinton campaign for the presidency, with James Carville's core message of 'It's the economy, stupid,' made that point very clearly. It was a classic case of positioning. But even that battle was merely a prelude to the campaign that elected Barack Obama ' which was, as well, an inspiring use of positioning. The campaign's message, based on a carefully devised position, was supported by a number of highly focused elements. More of positioning further on.

Both campaigns were won by little known candidates against better known opponents. Both candidates were unlikely ' for their youth and limited experience; and, in Obama's case, with a racial consideration and narrow elective experience. Both candidates had formidable opponents ' Clinton had a well-known and experienced George H.W. Bush, and Obama faced a popular war hero in John McCain. Both Clinton and Obama won with superior marketing and organizational skills.

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