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YouTube 2008: The Cyber Race for the White House One major difference in this year’s presidential race is the frequency that the candidates and their supporters utilize the Internet and the especially popular video streaming site, YouTube.com. As the Republican candidate seems to be chosen, and the Democratic race is drawing to a close YouTube is now full of videos endorsing and attacking many of the candidates that entered into the bid for the nomination. Each candidate also maintains a website outlining their positions, highlighting press releases, and most importantly asking their followers for money. Through these websites, individual supporters are able to donate large and small sums of money from the comfort of their homes. The online aspect of these presidential campaigns is helping to spread interest about the races and allowing ordinary people an easy way to follow and learn about the candidates. A look at the main candidates’ websites illustrates clearly some of the differences between them. John McCain’s sleek website (www.johnmccain.com) has a picture of the Arizona senator proclaiming in simple white lettering, “John McCain: Ready to Lead on Day One.” The two Democratic frontrunners’ websites show the similar message of change that they are trying to get across. On Hillary Clinton’s page (www.hillaryclinton.com), visitors are greeted with a picture of the female senator, with the statement, “Hillary Clinton for President: Help Make History.” Along with a personal note from the presidential hopeful, the website invites potential supporters to “join our team” or make a donation. Barack Obama’s visitors (www.barackobama.com) are greeted with a family portrait of the Obamas below the blue block lettering that spells out, “Obama ’08: Change We Can Believe In.” Similar invitations to donate or “make a difference” are prominent on the main page. While the candidates’ positions on various issues, recent statements, and articles are all found on their websites, the more entertaining side of the races is found on YouTube, a popular video website. Obama, the candidate that has received an enormous amount of support from young people, may have the most commanding presence on YouTube, but each candidate is tagged in tens of thousands of videos either poking fun or supporting the presidential hopefuls. The video that has been receiving the most attention lately is the “Yes We Can” video supporting Barack Obama. The video features a cast of various stars put together by the Black Eyed Peas front man will.i.am and has a view count numbering well into the millions. A similar video, “john.he.is,” claims to be the idea behind “Yes We Can” and criticizes McCain in a satirical way. Other videos, such as one titled, “I’ve Got a Crush on Obama,” have even received national news coverage. Another string of videos, by the so-called “Swift Kids for Truth,” parodies the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth that attacked John Kerry in what many deem one of the dirtiest political tricks in recent history. These “Swift Kids for Truth” jokingly attack Clinton, Obama, Edwards, and others using farfetched and ridiculous allegations that are nevertheless absolutely hilarious. Many other videos out there contain commentary, satire, parody, support, or praise for and about the various candidates. Some are funny, while others take on a more serious note. No matter which side of the aisle you are on there is sure to be something on YouTube that agrees with your beliefs. With the race for the White House transcending electronic barriers, this year promises to bring more people into politics than ever before without even requiring them leave the comfort of their own home. We can only wait and see what will happen in November, but one thing is for sure. When November does finally arrive, we can watch it all unfold on YouTube. |
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