360DigitalInfluence

President-elect Barack Obama wasted little time in answering critics who wondered if the campaign’s innovative use of social media would translate into a tech-friendly administration. In an effort to continue the spirit “mybarackobama”, where users were able to create their own profiles and content, the Obama-Biden team has launched Change.gov.

The site was created by the “Obama-Biden Transition Project”, aimed to educating those interested in the critical next 75 days: the time between now and the inauguration.   Visitors to the site are able to learn about Obama’s policy, read the blog, and submit thier own content about the campaign and Election Day.

I checked out the technology agenda page and found a quote that would suggest a future social media-friendly White House:

“An Obama presidency will use cutting-edge technologies to reverse this [closed] dynamic, creating a new level of transparency, accountability and participation for America’s citizens.”

Historians remind us this transitional period is a time that’s not without consequence. The Bay of Pigs and Black Hawk Down disaster occurred during the Eisenhower-Kennedy and Bush 41- Clinton transitions, respectively.   It’s encouraging to see the launch of Change.gov and it’s even more promising to read an agenda that hints at a willingness for a more transparent, collaborative government.   Read more on the Change.gov site here:

CNN - Obama launches official transition Web site

“Barack Obama had a formidable online presence during his quest for the White House, and he is once again turning to the Internet to communicate with the American public as president-elect.”

Web Pro News - Obama’s Change.gov Goes Live

“you gotta admit that’s a new and transformational approach to the highest office in the land.”

Personal Democracy Forum - Transition Site Echoes Campaign Pledge of Open Government, By the People

 ”The content itself echoes the campaign’s language about creating a more open, more participatory federal government.”