Internet and Politics Both Barack

Internet and Politics

Both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are seeking the highest elective office in the land -- the presidency. In an attempt to reach out to voters, both presidential candidates have set up websites whose content might determine how well they connect with voters. In this text, I discuss the content of the two websites, their level of user friendliness and how well they cater for the needs of an important voter constituency -- the elderly.

Barack Obama's website http://www.barackobama.com / and Mitt Romney's website http://www.mittromney.com / are the two websites the presidential hopefuls are relying on to reach out to their voters. It is important to note from the onset that great effort has gone into designing the two websites. From a general perspective, the two websites are not only easy to navigate but they also have full functionality. However, in my opinion, Mitt Romney's website is much easier to understand than that of Barack Obama. To begin with, in comparison to that of Obama, Romney's website is rather lean. Most of the content on its homepage can be digested in just under 30 seconds. In contrast, Obama's homepage is packed with too much information which in my opinion would have been located elsewhere within the website so as to decongest the homepage. In that regard, Romney's website is far much easier to understand from the onset. Although both websites contain useful content, Romney's website tries to limit itself to only that information it deems critical. As of the date of this review, there were only three main items on the website's homepage. One of these key items sought to dispel some of the 'lies' Romney's team accused Obama's team of spreading about Romney. It is instructive to note that Romney has in the past come under criticism regarding his accomplishments and past record.

It is also important to note that both websites have a section dedicated to addressing some of the campaigns' main issues. However, unlike Obama's website, Romney's website has a more comprehensive collection of pertinent issues. Although the issues addressed on Obama's website are indeed important and critical, their perspective is in my view too general. Romney on the other hand tries to narrow down to the specifics. It is therefore unlikely that any user would feel left out in having his or her issue addressed. Basically, both websites are easy to navigate with the link to the homepage being consistent. Further, in both cases, functionality is enhanced with the clear labeling of each item of functionality. This makes both websites rather user friendly. However, it is much easier in my opinion to contact Romney's campaign team than it is to contact Obama's campaign team. In Obama's website, the user has to scroll all the way to the bottom of the lengthy pages so as to access the contact details. The leaner pages in Romney's website allow the user to easily contact the campaign team with little effort. This gives the user a clear path to the team's information.