The 2016 US presidential election will be the fifth election cycle in the 21st century, and social media is a bigger piece of each candidate's strategy than ever before. Keep in mind, though, that with the exception of maybe just a few, these candidates weren't exactly born into the social media generation.
Bernie Sanders (age 73) obviously isn't running his own Twitter account, and the same is true for each campaign, I'm sure. There are dedicated teams of communications professionals completely in charge of running socials and creating "witty" and "shareable" content that connects to younger voters. See last week's Chillary Clinton vine pulled from the 2016 Snapchat story (LOL, what?) for an example.
Even though at times a little kitschy, political social media really is doing an alright job of making these candidates seem younger, more approachable, and more "real." (See Lindsey Graham putting his flip phone in a blender for another example.)
However, like always, there is one exception-- a Twitter account that seems to be literally run by the 69 year old candidate himself: @realDonaldTrump.
Mr. Trump, your staff wins for making your Twitter seem the most genuine, that's for sure.
These are just a few of the many highlights from The Donald's Twitter feed, which may or may not give you flashbacks to the one time your grandma tried to join the Twittersphere.
Macy's-- no guts, no glory. Looks like The Donald may be a Bloomingdale's kind of guy.
If Trump doesn't win in 2016, looks like Dan here's getting the heck out of America, but in a seemingly polite way, being sure to not swear.
I mean, The Wall Street Journal, who cares? It sounds like a small town paper to me.
RT, homedog. U R Doing So Well With UR New Twitter.
Ouch.
Tourists beware.
Lawrence, you dopey fool. You're fired.
Irrelevant clown with no cred. I might start using that one myself.
.... No comment here.
Not only Obama, but also Republicans. Aren't you a Republican, Mr. Trump?
Just for reference, here are a couple #throwback tweets from Trump:
Don't take her back, Robert!
Everyone knows The Donald is right. He's only got Robert's best interests at heart.
He doesn't have time to speak on Robert and Kristen anyway, so stop asking. The exception is, of course, the several tweets he made on the issue.
What the hell is wrong with you Obama? Ebola is on the way, you irrelevant clown!
Uh oh. Watchdog Donald on the scene.
And finally, an American societal analysis from The Donald himself, who is sure he will become our next President:
