The Obama 2008 presidential campaign had a very strategic and disciplined approach that led them to be certain they would win the election weeks before votes were cast. They devised multiple paths to winning, selected the victory speech venue and security, and had Obama's speech prepared early. Their messaging focused on hope and change, and they worked to engage new voters while keeping resources in all states. Obama's calm and poised leadership style was also a key part of the campaign's success.

1. Practical Application of the 2008 American Presidential Election to Marketing Communications Presented by Jimi Awosika With Franklin Ozekhome

2. A Week Before The Election… Over 150,000 invites had already been sent out to people for attendance at Obama’s victory address The venue had already been selected; security details put in place…

3. Few Days Before The Election… David Plouffe [then Obama’s Campaign Manager], commenting on Obama’s campaign future, revealed on ABC News that they had devised 6 routes for winning the electoral votes… … And Obama’s victory speech had already been prepared weeks in advance

4. Three Days Before The Election… During the election, McCain was still campaigning in two states… while Obama had retired to watch the poll results after voting, already assured of victory

5. Obama’s campaign team were ‘certain’ of victory…and had put things in place to prepare for this eventuality Their attitude was that of ‘we know WE WILL WIN’

6. Why was this? Knowing that with people, you can never be too sure

7. What Did ‘It’ For Obama? The Winning Formula

9. Plotting Strategy

13. Competitor Analysis Focus on the Two Front Runners

14. John Edwards & Hillary Clinton

15. Strengths Had run in 2004 as Vice Presidential running mate with John Kerry Self-made millionaire An Attorney Very strong debater Strong speaker Powerful orator Seen as strong with labour unions and labour issues so he was seen as far left

16. Draw Backs Weak fund raising capability and too far left Could John deliver the south, aside the primaries, in the overall elections ? Hails from North Carolina, a Republican bastion

17. Hillary Clinton

18. Great Orator Strong views on health care, social issues and foreign policy Strong foreign policy credentials More importantly the leading light for the Democrats; and a near-appointed democratic spokesperson in congress Strong Debater Her Strengths Highly focused; popular with the party’s liberals and moderates; strong democratic base Former First Lady

20. Perceived as a Washington Insider Some unproven cases of under-hand dealings Very entrenched opponents both within the Democratic and Republican parties Her Draw Backs

21. The Obama Strategy

22. The Strategy The Candidate The Organization The Message The Style Taking on Competition Getting Things Done

28. Disciplined Implementation of Strategy

32. Style

34. What are the Learnings from this?

36. Yes You Can !!!