You are so correct! I worked a couple of campaigns back in the late 60's in Ohio. You got people to register, you kept in touch with those favorable to your cause, and you made sure they did in fact vote by using telephone banks and transportation if necessary. Obama's campaign was nothing more than using those tactics, but enhanced though the use of technology so the efforts could be taken state wide if necessary.
Tokyo Rove doesn’t make money from GOTV efforts. He makes his money from making TV ads and buying advertising time. And it’s a lot easier to run ads than having to go out and talk to people.