Who Wants to Marry the President?

For the candidates in the 2008 presidential election, it appears the honeymoon is just beginning. In a move that signals the emergence of a new form of social voting blocs, a new political website, BridesDecide.com, hopes to "humanize the candidates and provide a forum for brides-to-be to discuss politics and the upcoming elections".

Now, I must admit, when I first heard about this idea, I may have snorted indignantly. On the surface, it seemed like this site was part of the anti-politics movement that places personality in front of policy when it comes to voting. The country's voters seem to have been voting for the guy they'd want to have a beer with for the past few elections, and we all know how that's turned out:


He'll tell you when he's had enough.

So, it was with great trepidation that I made my first visit into the world of bridal politics. I must say, all things considered, it wasn't nearly as surreal or uncomfortable as I'd expected. The site itself is well-produced and easy to navigate and, despite the name, the bridal content actually takes a backseat to things like policy comparisons and political discussion forums. In fact, BridesDecide.com offers some of the most engaging candidate profiles that I've seen so far in this election.

While the issues discussed are primarily those that appeal to female voters, they are treated with depth and insight. As a quick reference point for candidate positions, the site is actually quite handy. If you can look past the bridal trappings, there's actual content underneath.


Rumplestilskin gets the girl.

Perhaps more importantly, this site is an interesting example of the ways in which voting bloc are beginning to evolve thanks to the emergence of the social internet. Instead of joining communities bound together by common political beliefs, we're now seeing people join together based on other, politically neutral factors. Obviously, a site like BridesDecide.com will attract members of both parties to an even playing field where they can exchange ideas without being labeled as a homer (agreeing with a political site's philosophy) or a firebrand (a dissenter who shows up just to make trouble). By sharing a common bond outside of the political realm, the people in the BridesDecide.com community are more likely to start from a place of agreement regardless of political affiliation. Clearly, this may become the preferred means of political action on the internet, and could also help redefine how people look at themselves as voters.

Has anyone heard of any other communities like this that serve other social communities? Leave links in the comment section.