Danny, I had a similar experience with the Obama campaign back in February. At first, it was quite hurtful. But I began to realize they *know* they are reaching the *masses* and, honestly, most of those masses are not online like you and me.
So, the campaign, as I have come to learn, is about face-to-face and door-to-door… and buying TV & online ads because it’s an *easy* way to get to the masses. This campaign wants to convert you (a generous donor) to be *active* for them. They are communicating that it’s about basic human touch: finding citizens who have *never* voted or care less about the political noise.
I got the sign and it’s been there for 8 months: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barbara_kb/2264841933/ (Actually stolen one time…). But I also went to the local office and signed up to for door-to-door canvassing in my neighborhood.
I’m not suggesting you do the same but I do believe that’s the *difference* about this campaign: they know only so much can be done through online activity or television advertising. The Obama campaign wants us to get out and connect with people directly. True “social media” of old: face-to-face!
Peace to your day.

I think you might be confused about the difference between buying something and donating to something?

I donated about two months ago. On my way out, I sent them a long long list of all the things I found wrong with the site and wrong with their online & email strategy. Never heard back (which I expected), plus I didn’t even get the car magnetic sign I was supposed to get. It’s better than last election; maybe in the next four or eight years we’ll have a candidate who really knows how to do it right.
I would have put out some banner ads (in all sizes!) on their site with links directly to the donation page, so people could easily add it to their blogs and websites; you could even make it into a contest if it doesn’t break any campaign financing rules.
I would make it very easy and cheap to get yard signs and other promotional materials.
Well, I could go on, but it doesn’t matter now.