Political Consulting: Internet Strategy and Intelligence

Communications is central to the arts of governing and campaigning. Online political innovation is rapidly advancing with each election cycle. New tools and techniques emerge to affect everything, including how we organize, mobilize, fundraise, and our general communications techniques.

As a political consultant, I'm able to offer a unique set of skills to individuals and organizations who are shaping public policy and engaged in advocacy. My approach is to listen to the client's mission and intent, and then work within their comfort levels to help them benefit from the latest developments in Internet, computer, and mobile technology.

I advise candidates, political parties, media organizations, and advocacy and community groups on how to effectively and strategically use the Internet to enhance their work and identity. Since the landscape and available Internet technologies are always changing, I help keep clients up to speed with regards to new developments, as well as successful strategies and tactics.

Another service I offer is to monitor a politician, candidate, group, or issue's online presence. In addition to the surveillance, I can run strategy sessions and give advice on how to engage and respond to any discussions that are occurring.

During elections and political news events I regularly appear on radio and television to offer insight and analysis. At the conclusion of the past Ontario election I wrote an analysis on the role of the Internet in the campaign, and the emergence of a dual-media strategy.

Jesse Hirsh at US Congress in Second Life

"Jesse Hirsh has a unique feel for the new media and what is happening. He is the "go to" guy on technology and its uses and abuses."
— Hon. Bob Rae, P.C., O.C., O.Ont, Q.C.

"Jesse Hirsh, one of Canada's preeminent internet strategists, has proven results in the political arena. With exclusive knowledge of emerging technologies and research strategies, Hirsh brings a much needed perspective to our multi-mediated political landscape"
— Greg Elmer, Director Infoscape Research Lab, Ryerson University and Columnist, The Hill Times

The Internet and 2008 US Primary Elections

Here's video of a conversation I had with Nancy Wilson on CBC Newsworld regarding the role of the Internet in political campaigns on the day of the Iowa Caucuses, Jan 3 2008.

Politics and Social Media: Thoughts after Super Tuesday
I was a guest on the Squawk Box Podcast hosted by Alec Saunders that was recorded on February 6th. The subject of our discussion was the role of social media in the current US elections, and the different ways in which the candidates are choosing to use the Internet as part of their campaign. The podcast was produced using interesting technology available via the Facebook application Free Conference Calls produced by Iotum.