Carly Fiorina's status update: Out of White House race - CNET

Fiorina's exit wasn't really a surprise, and neither was the platform for her announcement. Both GOP and Democratic candidates are actively using social media to reach potential voters and have dedicated staff manning their Twitter and Facebook pages.

The active use of Facebook and Twitter is part of the new political wisdom that winning on social media is part of winning at the ballot box. By that thinking, it's no wonder Fiorina dropped out.

As of the beginning of February, Fiorina wasn't even close to cracking a million Twitter followers or Facebook likes. Republican front runner Donald Trump, by comparison, has more than 5 million Twitter followers and Facebook likes.

Fiorina was the only former technology executive in the race for the White House, but tales of her leadership at HP may have worried some voters and party leaders. Fiorina controversial decision in 2001 to merge with PC maker Compaq led to a rift with the company's board and culminated in a messy ouster in 2005. In 2010, Fiorina made a failed bid for a US Senate seat in Califoia against incumbent Barbara Boxer. Fiorina's tenure at HP was heavily criticized during that race.

During her presidential run, Fiorina played up her time at HP and tried to connect with women voters by focusing on her ability to lead in male-dominated Silicon Valley.