The document discusses how the internet and new technologies increased citizen participation in government, particularly through Barack Obama's successful 2008 presidential campaign. It notes that Obama was the first major candidate to fully utilize digital tools and social media to engage and mobilize voters. Specifically, Obama raised record amounts of campaign funds online and recruited nearly 14 million supporters through sites like Facebook and YouTube to communicate and get out the vote. However, it remains to be seen if this increased online participation will translate to lasting changes in policies or citizen involvement with government.