In a move reminiscent of 2008, Obama team fires first email

Even before Republicans cast lots for their 2012 standard-bearer, it appears the Democratic machine is in motion. In a familiar return to its grassroots organizational strategy that amassed expansive voter records, the Obama re-election team has sent out a first round of emails to supporters.

Jim Messina fired emails to registered Obama supporters late Thursday. “You're in for 2012: Welcome and thanks.” he wrote. Messina is one of the fresh faces on Obama’s team, taking over from David Plouffe as campaign manager after stints in the White House and Congress.

The email was short, simple, lacked the verve and charm of 2008 but went straight to the point. It comprised about 190 words. Supporters are asked to join either by volunteering, donating or spreading the word. In 2008 Barack Obama tapped into his community organizing skills by running a prolific grassroots campaign which grew into an enthralling movement.

“…whether you're a first-time supporter or a veteran organizer, this campaign belongs to you. You own it, and you power it” Messina said.

This email comes as no surprise as President Obama recently launched his re-election bid in a flurry of emails and web messages. No presidential candidate is known to have amassed as huge a record of ordinary citizens as Obama did in the previous elections. Equally important, the current president effectively employed new media and social networking tools to elicit more support especially among the country’s young population.

If observers are looking for any signs regarding how similar or different this campaign will be from the last, then this introductory email gives little or no clue.

Messina’s email mentions no specific details as to how the campaign will be run except to indicate in broad terms that it will be “different”.

“Now forget everything you know about politics. Because I can tell you that the next year and a half will be like nothing you've seen from a campaign. If we're going to win, we have to be tougher, smarter, and more innovative than ever before” the new campaign manager said.

In an effort to recapture the spirit and excitement of 2008, Team Obama is asking voters to take an active part in running the campaign in their individual communities.

“This is an exciting time to get involved -- your leadership today will help shape what kind of campaign we can run over the next few months.”