The Impact of YouTube On Politics

 

      On Aman5000’s Weblog, fellow blogger Aaron recently wrote a post about political debates being held on YouTube.  Since anything pertaining to next year’s election seems to be a hot topic right now, I thought I would post a response containing my own thoughts about the “YouTube-ification of Politics,” as it has been called.  I agree with Aaron’s opinion that allowing users to submit questions to candidates on the viral video site is a great idea, though the concept is not without its faults.

      The effects of Presidential debates being made available to the public have been evident from the beginning with the first televised debate in 1960.  If you’ll remember from your high school history class, those who listened to the debate on the radio declared Richard Nixon to be the winner, while the 70 million viewers who watched it on television overwhelming said the tan and fit John F. Kennedy beat his pale and sickly-looking opponent.  The image of political candidates has only increased in importance as the years have passed.  I suppose that’s the danger of using sites like YouTube to promote, tear down, or question candidates.  Sometimes with all the video capabilities out there, people can tend to get too focused on superficial traits.  They may can become more concerned with how a candidate looks than they are about the major issues.  However, since this trend on focusing on outward qualities seems inevitable in today’s culture, we might as well try to find some way to use it for good.  I think YouTube is doing just that.  By allowing users to submit questions, the site is forcing contenders to tackle the tough questions that they had tried to avoid in the past.  Or as my future husband…er…I mean CNN host Anderson Cooper likes to say, we’re “keepin’ em’ honest.”  Since no subject is offlimits and anyone can participate, it really is revolutionizing the way we do politics in America.

       So go ahead…Get involved!  Send a candidate a question or at least view some sent in by others.  YouTube is making it easier than ever for us to take an active role in shaping the leadership of our nation.  Just be sure you keep the issues in mind as you navigate through the wave of images of candidates on the Internet.

     

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