Trump's Communication Strategy: Politics on social media is here to stay

There is no doubt of the vital role that social media played in the Presidential Election of 2012, the current campaign cycle, and inevitably politics going forward as a whole.  Still relatively new, social media is giving candidates and voters alike a more efficient method to connect and increase accessibility in general.  Not only can voters connect with candidates more efficiently, but candidates can now reach more potential voters like never before.  Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other forms of social media allows candidates to enter apart of the lives of Americans that has become extremely present in our everyday lives.  Now that races on both sides of the political spectrum are growing tighter as we approach the Iowa Caucus next Monday, candidates have also increased the frequency of their politically motivated, social interactions in the realm of social media.  It is no secret that of all of the Republican and Democratic candidates, Donald Trump is the most active in employing the still relatively new communication strategy.  Trump has been a constant presence on social media, commonly commenting on politics and our current President's performance, heritage, and ideology even before announcing his intentions of running for President.  In the past six months, Trump has gained over 7 million followers on various social media outlets, and participated in over 85 million social media interactions.  These numbers alone are an example of how social media is and will continue to change political involvement in this country. 

Trump also employs other forms of communication strategy, while maintaining a common message.  He is firm in his opposition to the idea of "politically correctness".  Where this notion can be viewed as radical, too much of America, it is simply refreshing.  Although some may confuse the language used throughout his campaign as candor, it is far from the stale candor of politicians we have seen for the past few decades.  During his speeches and debates, he speaks with no filter.  Where many politicians are well versed and experienced in relying on political candor, especially when tough issues are the topic of discussion,  Trump attempts to give a real answer.  Although many do not think he is experienced enough in the realm of politics to occupy the White House,  he is helping voters demand a decline in political candor.