Campaigning in the Digital Age

The New York Times gives a glowing review to a new book by Garrett M. Graff '03, one of this magazine's former Berta Greenwald Ledecky Undergraduate Fellows...

The New York Times gives a glowing review to a new book by Garrett M. Graff '03, one of this magazine's former Berta Greenwald Ledecky Undergraduate Fellows...

The New York Times gives a glowing review to a new book by Garrett M. Graff '03, one of this magazine's former Berta Greenwald Ledecky Undergraduate Fellows.

In The First Campaign: Globalization, the Web and the Race for the White House, Graff explores the influence of the Internet on campaigning. He deems the current presidential race the first campaign of a new era—hence the title.

Graff, who was a webmaster for Howard Dean and later became the first blogger to get official White House press credentials, contests the argument others have made that Republicans, rather than Democrats, have made the best use of new media. Rather, he writes, "the reins of power online are firmly in the hands of the Democrats." As examples, he points to Barack Obama's success at on-line fundraising and the rise of left-leaning blogs such as Daily Kos.

In addition to the review, the Times offers an excerpt from the book.

Most popular

Harvard’s Epstein Probe Widened

The University investigates ties to donors, following revelations in newly released files.

U.S. Military to Sever Some Academic Ties with Harvard, Hegseth Says

The defense department will discontinue graduate-level professional programs for active-duty service members.

Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Toasts, Roasts Michael Keaton

The Batman actor was “encouraged as hell” by the students around him during the 2026 Man of the Year festivities.

Explore More From Current Issue

A jubilant graduate shouts into a megaphone, surrounded by a cheering crowd.

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.

Four men in a small boat struggle with rough water, one lying down and others watching.

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

Historic church steeple framed by bare tree branches against a clear sky.

Harvard’s Financial Challenges Lead to Difficult Choices

The University faces the consequences of the Trump administration—and its own bureaucracy.