The early states of Iowa and New Hampshire have long been stomping grounds for organizers hoping to use the national attention focused on these battlegrounds to elevate their issue, and maybe force some of the leading candidates to adopt their cause. But this year, something new is happening, fueled by the rise of online video. It's one thing to get supporters to go to candidate events and ask your question about the need for affordable health care or campaign finance reform. It's another thing when you can get the candidates on tape answering -- or not answering -- a question, and then show that to the world.

The greatest opportunity for a campaign/committee to make a difference on the trail is with online video. That's just commonsense, but there is at least one study out there on the subject which now confirms the importance of video.

With the rise of available and accessible distribution mechanisms, e.g., YouTube, blip.tv, etc. there's no longer an excuse for a candidate not to appear early and often on our desktops talking about all of the issues we care about.

Dig in after the jump...

John McCain has released a new 12-minute documentary which effectively tells his story of courage, leadership and survival.

Video and popcorn after the jump...