January 27, 2000

Candidates' sites on Internet
leave words behind on Iowa process

By Erin Schmidt
CyberCaucus 2000 News Service
Drake University

DES MOINES, Iowa--Supporting a presidential candidate has become as easy as clicking a mouse, based on numerous Web sites appearing in the digital world.

In the wake of the Iowa caucuses, several candidates' websites called attention to different aspects of the Iowa process in which Republicans and Democrats participated.

For starters, Republican candidate George W. Bush's site features archives and current news. Overall, the site is quite extensive, and an "Iowa" search highlights articles on caucus events. Access to these articles brings up an assortment of speeches and news briefs, including the speech given by Bush after his victory in the Republican caucuses.

"Thank you, Iowa!" the Bush speech reads. "The values of the heartland are engrained in the hearts of America. Freedom. Family. Faith. Responsibility."

"Seven months ago, I came to Iowa on a plane dubbed 'Great Expectations.' Tonight, Iowa has exceeded them," Bush said.

Among other things, a search of the Bush site also turns up older endorsements from the Iowa Republicans in Congress and Bush's reaction to the support.

Across cyberspace, a site for Democratic candidate Bill Bradley seeks to draw in new supporters. "Bradley's vision is compelling..." reads a citation from the Des Moines Register's editorial endorsement of the former New Jersey senator, "That's where we give the edge to Bradley."

A small piece from Bradley supporter Nan Mathers adds perspective, reading, "He had something to say to everyone and took the time to listen to whatever we wanted to say to him. I've never seen another candidate do this. Bill Bradley will have my vote at the Iowa caucus, and I will try to inform as many people as I can about his honest approach to running for president."

The Bradley site includes a full text of the speech he made Monday night, Jan. 24, at the conclusion of the Democratic caucuses. "The job of president is to be president to all the people. That is why I came to Iowa," Bradley said. "Iowa is a special place. There is so much here that's wonderful--the candor of the people, their solid values, their appreciation of hard work and justice. In many ways, it epitomizes the best of America."

The official site for Democratic Vice President Al Gore is very inclusive. Among extras such as an electronic town hall, kids' site, photo gallery and archived videos of Gore speeches, his site also features several endorsements from Iowa and Iowa news as well.

Search results from Iowa show many endorsements and wrap-ups of pre-caucus events for Gore, one of which was a county caucus blitz in Clinton County, Iowa, with Tipper Gore on hand. "The event will be used to build an organization in Clinton County, Iowa, and will showcase the Gore campaign's support and organizational strength in Iowa," said an article on the site.

According the official site for Republican candidate Steve Forbes, news is "fast and unfiltered." This seemed to be the case, as news was literally updated by the hour. An "Iowa" search of the Forbes site pulls up comprehensive results. Everything from pre-caucus polls to tax reviews appear.

All in all, candidates' Web pages give supporters an easy look into Iowa caucus events and provide additional news. Each candidate's site handles Iowa materials in a different way, and even though the candidates are gone from the state, they left their Iowa campaign trails in cyberspace.