Consumer data is used in elections

[edward]

We all know that a lot of consumer data is collected. I personally did not realize that it had gotten this entrenched into the political arena. Until I read a recent article about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign.

Employing technology honed in President Bush's 2004 victory, the Republican governor's re-election team has created a massive computer storehouse of data on personal buying habits and voter records to scout up likely supporters. Campaign officials say the operation, run in cooperation with the state Republican Party, is the largest of its kind in any state, at any time.

The idea is an outgrowth of techniques that businesses have long used to court new customers. Using publicly available data, the Bush campaign in 2004 knew voters' favorite vacation spots, religious leanings, the music and magazines they liked, the cars they drove.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/15847858.htm
or
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Schwarzenegger_Targeting.html

Few people might realize how much information is publicly available, for a price, about their lifestyles. Companies collect and sell consumer information they buy from credit card companies, airlines and retailers of every stripe.

This is a bit of a twisted version of a politician being in touch with his or her constituents.

 

[slugcountry]

suggested further reading: The Soft Cage by Parenti

 

[Astronuc]

I saw a program that mentioned the Republican Party has a database of every registered voter, and the Democrats are hoping to do the same.

We've been getting unsolicited phone calls regularly - its almost like telemarketing. And the computerized messages are really irritating. No wonder voters get turned off.

Not only are the politicians and parties calling, but pollsters and surveyors too. Why can't they just let people alone and wait like everyone else?

Why does it seem like some people feel they have Freedom to Annoy other people?

 

[edward]

I hate to use the term but it seems to fit. The whole scenario does sound very orwellian.

The Schwarzenegger campaign has stockpiled millions of names, phone numbers and addresses with consumer preferences, voting histories and other demographic information. The information allows the campaign to target a household with phone calls, mailings and visits from volunteers, with the message tailored to issues the resident is believed to care about