As an effective deployment of a modern media strategy, I want to share a recent example engineered by, among others, the Washington State Republican Party putting the hammer to Barack Obama after a *major* gaffe while campaigning in Oregon. I've been given exclusive insight on how this all went down.

Let's dig in...

Based on a few recent experiences regarding the YouTube community, and specifically how the tool could help increase citizen participation in our upcoming general election debates, this post seeks to encourage the Commission on Presidential Debates -- the Old Guards if you will -- to truly embrace the Internet in at least one of its three scheduled debates.

Let's dig in...

Today, one of the Republican Party's fastest rising stars, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, joined New Orleans Democratic Mayor Ray Nagin to announce that they are working with YouTube and Google to "bring American voices into a forum with Presidential nominees."

Video and more after the jump.

Chris Chiasson has unearthed an interesting nugget from Barack's now infamous April 6 San Francisco fundraiser speech where the meme "Bittergate" emerged in which Barack recognizes the success of his organization is due in part to his supporters and their effective use of the Internet.

Full story and transcript after the jump...

YouTube is expanding its popular YouChoose platform to Senators, Congressman, and state candidates. To apply for a "Politician" account, you can download the application here (PDF).

The RNC Convention has brokered a deal with UStream.TV to serve as its "Official Live Video Streaming Provider."

UPDATE Dec. 17; 9:56 AM: Ron Paul broke another record - hauling in $6M in 24 hours.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Ron Paul's loyal supporters have triggered their second "Money Bomb," and have already pulled in over $2M (as of 10:30 AM EST).

Of note, Ron Paul's fourth quarter total has exceeded $15M (his goal was $12M).

More after the jump...

Looking back on Fred Thompson's YouTube debate commerical, I would argue that it was one of the largest missed opportunities of the campaign. After all, 4.5 million viewers were tuned in and paying attention. This would have been a great time to get the momentum shifting back in Fred's direction.

Let me explain...

YouTube News and Politics Editor, Steve Grove, wraps-up the Republican YouTube/CNN Debate with a YouTube video. Of note, Grove comments about the CNN blowback and asks for feedback from the community for any future debates.

Video and more after the jump...

After the YouTube-CNN Debate, I spent some time in the "Spin Room" talking with folks about their thoughts on the Republican debate. (I did the same thing at the Democratic YouTube debate earlier this year.)

Below, find short vlogs from Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter, Patrick Ruffini, Robert Bluey, Mary Katharine Ham, James Kotecki, Jose Antonio Vargas, Meghan McCain, Charlie Smith, and, wait for it... Chuck Norris.

Ready.
Set.
Go.