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Micro-Targeting Voters with Big Data
We’ve all heard the talking heads on cable news declare that this or that election was the year of the “suburban soccer mom voter” or the year for voters who prefer Heineken beer and so on and so forth. Have you ever wondered who decides that these small voter niches have outsized importance in any given election?
If so, then you’re in luck! This week, Building Tomorrow interviews John Aristotle Phillips, the founder of the eponymous political campaign consultancy Aristotle. He leverages big data to micro-target voters for politicians from both sides of the aisle. Phillips has also run campaigns overseas, including in Kenya where he was deported for his efforts to unseat the party in power.
Why do you need access to all data when you are running for office? What is public record when it comes to campaigning and voting? How much does a campaign rely on data collection? What does Aristotle do? How does Aristotle help candidates who are not members of the mainstream political parties? Should Americans export political campaign consultants to intervene in the politics of other countries?
Further Reading:The A-bomb Kid Runs For Congress, written by Maryanne Vollers
American Consultant Seeking to Detect Polling Fraud for Kenya Opposition Was Deported Ahead of Elections, written by Matina Stevis and Joe Parkinson
Aristotle Website
Related Content:Libertarian Perspectives on Voting, written by David S. D’Amato
Should Libertarians Vote?, Free Thoughts Podcast
Nothing is Secure, Free Thoughts Podcast
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