It's been a long time (a long long long time) since i've blogged -- without an excuse (or at least, a good one), I thought it appropriate to tackle the upcoming 2008 Presidential election -- minus the politics -- and focus on the candidate websites, ranked according to design (taking into account not only the overall look, but the functionality and usability).

It appears that splash pages are back. Nearly all the Democratic candidate websites start with a short introductory page graphic, typically highlighting their campaign message, and a quick and easy form for volunteering, donating or inquiring. And the vast majority of Democratic websites are better (though not specatular) in design and information architecture -- futher reiterating long standing generalities that Republicans are old white men who are out of touch. So here is a list of the major candidates from the 2 major parties, from best overall website, to the worst.

1. Barack Obama
   Hands down the best site, not only amongst the candidates, but overall a very well done website. With subtle flash touches, swooshing and energic, yet empathetic touches and swashes of color to make the site feel sophisticated, modern, accessible and friendly.
   
   
   These remaining are really just determining which sites suck less:
   
2. Hillary Clinton
   Very nice, large action box -- with a form, rotating images. A consistent color palette and a simple grid that directs you where to go, without overwhelming you with information. The many graphic buttons are a bit much, and distracting (toward the bottom of the page); but overall cohesive and farily well done.



3. Mike Huckabee
   One of the few candidate sites that is short on content; keeping everything within a contained box. Uses a tab window fairly effectively, along with a nice and short form and a summary of recent blogs. Visually, the site could have a more consistent color palette and graphic look.



4. John Edwards
   A bit too much information crammed into a 5 column grid. I don't understand the beige/tan background color -- it doesn't fit with the red/green/blue (perhaps a more neutal blue or green to add some vibrancy). Overall a nice template, with consistent graphics, but doesn't know when to stop with the text and the text and the more text.



5. John McCain
   John McCain was a prisoner of war for 7 years, and he's ALLOWED to be dark, or perhaps that was the intial thoughts when the site was designed. An odd choice, black, as the primary "color", but it still works overall for the site. I don't like the gold touches (I think they should have just stuck with the manditory red/blue), but the upper area of the site feels nice.



6. Dennis Kucinich
   Kucinich Rep: "So, why isn't there a picture of Dennis featured predominantly on the site?"
   Designer: "Well, we thought it might be in the best interest of Dennis to not frighten possible votes by distracting them with his elvish ears and Carnie-like small face which makes small children cry, so instead we put a portion of the 'Declaration of Independence' there, you know -- something non-threatening."
   Kucinich Rep: "Well stated."



7. Fred Thompson
   Someone got the "Web 2.0" memo -- the public DEMANDS large, graphic buttons. It appears Fred's primary concern is gas. He has gas issues. The site could be FAR worse, and at the very least, it doesn't feel overwhelming, but the message and mission are not clear.



8. Rudy Giuliani
   Please (please) please remove thoe fugly logos from the middle/bottom column; they made me throw up in my mouth. There is no consistent font usage, and the color palette feels omnious and scary (as does Rudy's portrait, which suggests a man that might hide out in your bushes and rummage through your trash looking for receipts).



9. Ron Paul
   Its simple, but misguided. The palette isn't too dark, but too generic and un-remarkable. I do like the left-hand sidebar tabs, but thut everything is a little bit too "even".



10. Mitt Romney
    Gray. Very very gray.Everything is gray, and thus, uninspiring. The site says " go cry for awhile in the shower as I think of the future of our country -- but doggonit we're patriotic, almost, with our blood red splatters of violence"