gamepolitics: Likely Presidential Candidate Mark Warner Appears in MMO Today

Game Politics (

gamepolitics) wrote,
@ 2006-08-31 06:18:00

Entry tags:

forward together, linden labs, mark warner, mmo, pacs, second life, wagner james au

Likely Presidential Candidate Mark Warner Appears in MMO Today

When a presidential contender makes an appearance inside an MMO, it shows just how mainstream games have become.

Later today, former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D) will become the first U.S. politician to create a character - publicly at least - in the popular MMO, Second Life.

The ex-Guv, who is expected to make a strong run at the White House in 2008, will make his appearance in-game at 3:30 Eastern time. Once online, Warner will announce the first-ever "virtual town hall on American politics," scheduled for later this year.

"In Second Life," said Warner, "distances and time differences vanish. It will allow us to reach people through a whole new medium. Social technologies can be great tools for political change, and virtual worlds like Second Life might be the next tool for engaging people in the real world democratic process. We want to use Second Life to continue the conversation about the direction of our country. My avatar is also pretty funny looking. That alone makes it worth checking out."

Through his avatar, Warner will be interviewed briefly by journalist Wagner James Au (also in character) and then launch the Second Life group of Forward Together, his political action (i.e., fund raising) committee.

"Governor Mark Warner and Forward Together PAC are exploring the limitless potential of Second Life as a platform for communication," said David Fleck, an exec with Linden Lab, the San Francisco-based company which operates the popular MMO. "Second Life represents the new 'town hall' that allows intimate interaction directly with the voters."

The event will take place at The Second Life New Globe Theater, a virtual version of the proposed New Globe Theater. As Warner's press release points out, basic memberships for the game are free. GP readers who would like to attend can create an account here.

It would be great if any of the GP faithful with Second Life accounts could FRAPS some video and YouTube it. In any event, the Forward Together PAC promises to make video available soon at its blog. Wagner James Au offers his take on the event at his blog, New World Notes.

GP: Warner's use of MMO game tech is a bold and, perhaps, brilliant move. We all remember how the prominence of bloggers reached a tipping point during the 2004 election cycle. Could MMOs become a new platform for candidates?

(Post a new comment)

	Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. terminator44 2006-08-31 10:44 am UTC (link)
	I wonder what his stances on big issues (Iraq war, education, social security) are? I'm very close to casting my first federal vote (I turn eighteen next Febuary) on this guy. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. zippydsmlee 2006-08-31 12:11 pm UTC (link)
	I wodner what he's willing to do for votes....if he's wiling to go 180 on issues for acouple of votes...uhg.... (Reply to this)(Parent)

	Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. tollwutig 2006-08-31 01:26 pm UTC (link)
	From what I understand he would make a good candidate, while a Democrat he hails from Virginia so he isn't appalling to conservative leaning moderates. At the same time Liberals pretty much want anything as long as it isn't another Bush Regime. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

brainswarm, 2006-08-31 02:51 pm UTC

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

aerothorn, 2006-08-31 07:26 pm UTC

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain.

dacuzco
2006-08-31 02:33 pm UTC (link)

I'm not sure of his exact stance on those particular things (He hasn't even stated his stance on the Iraq War yet, smart move on his part), but he's a pretty moderate guy. He's one of the only democrats I've voted for (When he was governor of Virginia) and I'd probably vote for him no matter who he's against in a presidential election. He did great things for our state and would probably do the same for the whole country.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

braindead1, 2006-08-31 02:53 pm UTC

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

zippydsmlee, 2006-08-31 03:49 pm UTC

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

aerothorn, 2006-08-31 07:27 pm UTC

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

zippydsmlee, 2006-08-31 07:50 pm UTC

	Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. bhschenker 2006-08-31 06:13 pm UTC (link)
	You can learn more about the Governor and hear and watch him talk about various issues at the page below. He has a podcast and videocast you can subscribe to as well. Podcasts: http://www.forwardtogetherpac.com/media About: http://www.forwardtogetherpac.com/about Brett (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Finally, a prez. candidate with half a brain. -

terminator44, 2006-09-01 10:53 am UTC

	A prez candidate gaming. kurisu7885 2006-08-31 11:37 am UTC (link)
	I wonder how many older politicians will be heavily agaisnt using "the devil's tools opf corruption" as a way to reach voters. Hello, most of the time, liek with president Bush or certai nothers, they really turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to anyone who wants to say anything or suggest something, up to this guy for actually trying to communicate with potential voters. (Reply to this)

	Great idea blitzfitness 2006-08-31 11:45 am UTC (link)
	I don't know if the game can be played completely free or what, but this type of interaction could cut down campaign expenses in a major way. No need to pay the airlines, just log online and so forth. This could allow for a whole new level of interaction in political processes in the long run, but I bet it'll take a long time before it sinks in. (Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Great idea

bhschenker
2006-08-31 06:59 pm UTC (link)

This is exactly one of the reasons we're doing this. You saw in past elections the role Meetup played and there is no reason mmo's can't have a similar role as politics becomes even more entwined with the internet. I remember many people dissapointed that there weren't people in their area to have a Meetup, or the distance to the local one was too far. Second Life and other programs allow people to bridge those real world distances and get involved with others of similar political views and interests.

Brett Schenker
Forward Together

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Re: Great idea -

blitzfitness, 2006-08-31 07:37 pm UTC

Re: Great idea -

bhschenker, 2006-08-31 07:56 pm UTC

	hornsofvalmar 2006-08-31 01:14 pm UTC (link)
	I'm glad he's reaching out to younger crowds and gamers in general. I, too, would like to know where he stands on things, this requires some research. (Reply to this)

	persephoneflame 2006-08-31 01:34 pm UTC (link)
	There was another politician who used the SL platform earlier this year for speeches, rallies, and I believe a parade. I don't have time to find the reference right now, but I know the Metaverse Messenger (http://www.metaversemessenger.com) covered it, if Hamlet didn't. (Reply to this)

	ruekayarou 2006-08-31 02:03 pm UTC (link)
	Considering how abysmal the voting percentage is among the major demographic for MMOs (young'uns), I don't expect a whole lot to come from this. It's nice to see a politician use games as something other than a whipping boy though. (Reply to this)(Thread)

(no subject) -

jynxjynx, 2006-08-31 05:24 pm UTC

(no subject) -

aerothorn, 2006-08-31 07:28 pm UTC

	grimm24 2006-08-31 02:09 pm UTC (link)
	Eh, I wont vote for him just because he knows how to use the internet (although that is a plus) (Reply to this)

	Good for him. elixer44 2006-08-31 02:13 pm UTC (link)
	This is much better than opposing MMO"s, like every other politician seems to do. (Reply to this)

chuma
2006-08-31 02:14 pm UTC (link)

While I'm not against politicians using the latest that technology offers and keeping up to date, this does just seem like yet another gimmick. We condemn those that make politically motivated technological press releases when they are negative; lets not rush to congratulate someone just because it is the reverse. For all we know, his political stance and view on a range of other subjects could be terrible.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

(no subject) -

goodrobotus, 2006-08-31 02:41 pm UTC

Political Stunts. -

g_dog_dre, 2006-08-31 04:18 pm UTC

Re: Political Stunts. -

gamepolitics, 2006-08-31 04:24 pm UTC

Re: Political Stunts. -

bhschenker, 2006-08-31 06:21 pm UTC

Re: Political Stunts. -

goodrobotus, 2006-08-31 08:28 pm UTC

sure its a publicity stunt, but it's also a good one

rpanganiban
2006-08-31 03:51 pm UTC (link)

Gov Warner's campaign may or may not have legs. But it will start to bring into the public debate the idea of using this technology to engage people better.

The potential for virtual worlds and the web to be used to improve our democracy will first have to be ridiculed before it will seen as inevitable and then just a normal part of political life.

I be there today and will certainly blog this later. I'm sure there will be a taping of it, but I'll try and record it too.

More thoughts on this at http://www.rikomatic.com/blog/2006/08/governor_warner.html

(Reply to this)

Anyone else?

misstigerpounce
2006-08-31 04:00 pm UTC (link)

Okay, I wanted to check on this one. Was anyone else's first thought at reading this: "If this guy wants to reach out to ME he should log in to *insert MMO of choice* and duel me. Then I might listen."

I'm very mixed on this one. Yes, it is nice to see a political figure who is willing to try something different, but I also feel...almost like he's patronizing gamers. Even then, that's not exactly right. Maybe I've just got my heckles up because an outsider is violating our turf. Personally, I don't want to see:

/2 Trade: [Voteforme] WTB Support in North Carolina

well...maybe if he was handing out gold.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Anyone else? -

gamepolitics, 2006-08-31 04:22 pm UTC

Re: Anyone else? -

boffo97, 2006-08-31 04:45 pm UTC

	Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner andrew_eisen 2006-08-31 05:12 pm UTC (link)
	It will be interesting to see if anyone tries to deface, humiliate, or otherwise harm Warner’s avatar. Even more interesting will be the reactions and repercussions to such an event. Andrew Eisen (Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner -

gamepolitics, 2006-08-31 05:15 pm UTC

Re: Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner -

andrew_eisen, 2006-08-31 06:10 pm UTC

Re: Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner -

bhschenker, 2006-08-31 06:26 pm UTC

Re: Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner -

jabrwock, 2006-08-31 09:17 pm UTC

Re: Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner -

mrpat___, 2006-09-01 01:28 am UTC

Re: Just to be clear, I don't personally have anything against Warner -

mrpat___, 2006-09-01 01:29 am UTC

	thefremen 2006-08-31 05:18 pm UTC (link)
	I wonder if he'll promise a purple item in every inventory and an epic mount in every stable? Seriously though, it's good to see someone who actually has a clue. He might even have a chance in hell as long as he can decide what he wants to do in Iraq and withstand the constant attacks from Conservatives accusing him of being a terrorist. (Reply to this)(Thread)

(no subject) -

boffo97, 2006-08-31 05:59 pm UTC

Hello everyone

bhschenker
2006-08-31 06:10 pm UTC (link)

Hi everyone. My name's Brett and I work for Gov. Warner and Forward Together. I've posted a couple of times here at Gamepolitics (but read it every day). I'll do my best to answer some of your questions. I encourage all that can make it to please try and come see us in Second Life and at our website, www.forwardtogetherpac.com.

We'd love to hear what you have to say about this as well as any suggestions/criticisms that you have. Thanks!

Brett

(Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Hello everyone -

gamepolitics, 2006-08-31 06:12 pm UTC

Re: Hello everyone -

goodrobotus, 2006-08-31 08:18 pm UTC

	Good first step..... trenthowell 2006-08-31 07:22 pm UTC (link)
	but I won't be quick to jump the gun and say I'm going to vote for Warner just yet. Its still too early and I do not know his standpoints. This is however a plus in my book for reaching out in a new way. Just try not to get upset or try and ignore those that speak 1iK3 tH!5 (it says "like this" for l337 illiterates). I find that rather annoying to speak like that (Reply to this)

	i_dislike_ljs 2006-08-31 08:51 pm UTC (link)
	Gimmick. (Reply to this)(Thread)

(no subject) -

goodrobotus, 2006-08-31 09:06 pm UTC

(no subject) -

bhschenker, 2006-08-31 09:57 pm UTC

(no subject) -

i_dislike_ljs, 2006-08-31 10:36 pm UTC

	mharpold8 2006-08-31 09:34 pm UTC (link)
	Man, way to give us advance notice! I totally would have been on this with my fetished-up SL character. "Yes, the gentleman in the back with the pigtails and the Alice in Wonderland dress has a question about Virginia's bond rating." (Reply to this)(Thread)

(no subject) -

gamepolitics, 2006-08-31 09:41 pm UTC

(no subject) -

mharpold8, 2006-08-31 09:53 pm UTC

(no subject) -

curiousthompson, 2006-08-31 10:38 pm UTC

(no subject) -

curiousthompson, 2006-08-31 10:48 pm UTC

There'll be many more to come -

bhschenker, 2006-08-31 09:53 pm UTC

	Short Video of Warner Online rpanganiban 2006-08-31 10:48 pm UTC (link)
	I posted some pics of the Warner event. And a short video. I thought it was a very successful experiment. The real trick will be pulling of a true virtual town hall meeting, which he promised to do in the Fall. (Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Short Video of Warner Online -

phoenixzero, 2006-09-01 01:13 am UTC

Re: Short Video of Warner Online -

gamepolitics, 2006-09-01 01:26 am UTC

	Answering the BIG question bhschenker 2006-08-31 11:10 pm UTC (link)
	I'm sure many of you have wondered if it was really the Governor in Second Life. Below is a photo of the Governor himself typing away and guiding his avatar: http://www.flickr.com/photos/govmarkwarner/230417724/ Brett Schenker Forward Together (Reply to this)(Thread)

Re: Answering the BIG question -

terminator44, 2006-09-01 10:56 am UTC

Re: Answering the BIG question -

bhschenker, 2006-09-01 02:58 pm UTC

thaddeusrrboyd
2006-09-01 07:43 pm UTC (link)

We all remember how the prominence of bloggers reached a tipping point during the 2004 election cycle.

Er, my memory's a little rusty, but I'm PRETTY sure that John Kerry won the nomination in '04, not Howard Dean.

2004 showed bloggers beginning to gain prominence, but I think you exaggerate grossly with your "tipping point" claim. Bloggers' influence on politics is growing, and if Ned Lamont wins Connecticut's Senate seat in November, I think THAT will be a tipping point, but 2004 was the start of a trend, not the climax of it.

(Reply to this)(Thread)

(no subject) -

gamepolitics, 2006-09-01 07:51 pm UTC

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