First Credible Reports Of Bin Laden's Death Spread Like Wildfire On Twitter

The news actually hit Twitter before the President’s broadcast; CNN’s Steve Brusk first tweeted that the briefing was National Security-related at around 7:25pm PST. The first credible sign of the imminent announcement of Bin Ladin’s death came from Keith Urbahn, the Chief of Staff for former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who tweeted “I’m told by a reputable person they have killed Osama Bin Laden.” CBS news producer Jill Scott then confirmed the rumor shortly afterward with “House Intelligence committee aide confirms that Osama Bin Laden is dead. U.S. has the body.” Both Urbahn and Scott’s tweets were re-tweeted hundreds of times and Twitter itself experienced traffic spikes of 4,000 tweets per second. Unsurprisingly, “Osama Bin Laden” is now a Twitter trending topic. What’s amazing was that the news is already out before the President has even spoken.

OSAMA BIN LADEN DEAD

There is not so much news on this one other than every single media outlet basically has the words DEAD in large letters as the cover of the website. Sources report that the individual demanded anonymity in order to speak preceding President Obama. Details of this death have been sparse. Supposedly, he was killed in a military battle in Afghanistan according to MSNBC.com. CNN.com has reported that he was killed in a mansion outside Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. Hopefully, we will know more soon.

Obama Mocks Trump's Presidential Ambitions

And the battle continues. After Donald Trump continues to raise "birthed" questions regarding Obama, it appears that Obama, with the help of comedian Seth Meyers, is striking back in the media. On Saturday Obama noted, "that the billionaire businessman {Trump} could bring change to the White House, transforming it from a stately mansion into a tacky casino with a whirlpool in the garden." With Trump in the room, Obama used the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner to mock Trump's presidential aspirations especially regarding Trump's celebrity version of "The Apprentice." Comedian Seth Meyers later noted, "I thought Trump running was just a joke." The feud continues and it appears that Obama is clearly making a mockery of Trump who simply was piggybacking on claims about Obama's birth certificate. If the Republicans intend on challenging Obama in the next election, perhaps they need a more viable candidate then Donald Trump.

Obama's Birth Certificate

The White House finally released the president's long form birth certificate in an attempt to put his “birth” question to rest. White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer noted, “The President believed the distraction over his birth certificate wasn't good for the country. It may have been good politics and good T.V., but it was bad for the American people and distracting from the many challenges we face as a country.” President Obama already released his birth certificate in 2008, but many nonbelievers said the absence of a long form birth certificate was questionable. In recent weeks potential GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump has brought these “birth” related questions into the forefront of the media. I guess this ends the discussion. 

How To Launch A Social Media Campaign

Most small companies instantly are turning to Facebook, LinkedIn and other established groups to boost business. According to Network Solutions, 31 percent of small firms use social media, up from 24 percent in 2009. However, that still suggests that the majority of small businesses aren’t tapping social media at all. Although a lack of time and resources plays a big role in that reluctance, there’s another reason as well: uncertainty over how to get started.

 Lee Odden, the CEO of Top Rank Marketing explains that most businesses turn to Facebook without a real reason as to why they wish to have a page. Publicity is great, but without a reason, a purpose, it is simply isn’t helping business. As he notes, "There are other consequences from not knowing the "why." For example, you might have employees from two different departments engaging with people on, say, Twitter. If they lack a common understanding of the goal, they can actually confuse customers. Knowing the "why" will allow you to have a cohesive concept of how employees should behave online as they represent the brand. Keep in mind, however, that the strategy you use to accomplish those goals should be adaptive. There simply are too many variables at play and the dynamics of the social Web change so quickly. The reality is, after six months, your hypothesis may need to shift." 

Wendy King, the president of Kazoos, notes that one must understand the kind of media that’s best suited to the target audience. For example, only 8 percent of the U.S. population is on Twitter. And the demographics prove that the users are people under the age of 45. As he says, "If you’re using Twitter as a marketing platform, then it makes sense if that’s your target market. But, if your market is baby boomers, Twitter isn’t the best choice."

From businesses to capaigns, New Media is perhaps the most vital component in terms of growth of any project. Opposing candidates like Pawlenty must ready themselves to challenge Obama, who has clearly figured out how to best reach Americans through New Media. Without excellent and efficient use of New Media, a candidate cannot hope be victorious.

Obama Re-Election Begins With New Media

President Barack Obama formally launched his re-election campaign Monday, urging supporters to mobilize again to protect and conserve the change he's brought over the past two years. The official start of his second White House bid, in the midst of three wars, a budget fight with Congress, and sluggish economic recovery, comes 20 months before the November 2012 election. However, supporters have noted that they never expected change to be easy or quick. They firmly believe President Obama will come through in the end. Republicans were quick to criticize the news. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty released his own web video in which he says: “How can America win the future, when we're losing the present? In order for America to take a new direction, it's going to take a new president.” Much like the last election, President Obama is taking full advantage of New Media. President Obama himself acknowledged it best, “politics does not begin with expensive TV ads.” President Obama has been directing supporters to a brand new website featuring his new logo, 2012 with the rising sun in the background. The video on the website is a portion of testimonials from a demographically diverse group of backers who intend to stay involved in this campaign ensuring his victory.

I Stand Tonight With Israel

I found Glenn Beck's words to be incredibly inspirational regarding Israel recently. He explains that is is simply ludicrous to assert that Israel is standing in the way of peace when bloggers are begin jailed, homosexuals and adulterers being murdered amongst the surrounding Arab nations. I find the entire speech to be quite powerful. He uses many tactics including rephrasing all of points in question form to really give the listener a profound message. As he notes, "how many terrorists are wearing a yarmulke?" He also acknowledges that the media is trying to blame Israel. Beck asserts that it is impossible to stand my a country, namely the Arab ones, who will kill people for not joining their faith. Meanwhile, Israel promotes freedom in every regard. They will allow "Bibles and Korans" into their country. Overall, it's nice to know people are looking out for Israel. I've attached the link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM0DjOC74zI