Back in the day, politicians didn’t have to watch their every move, and worry that someone was going to videotape them saying something inappropriate or stupid. During the 1948 campaign Harry Truman could be as candid as he wanted to be while out on the stump. Now things have changed. Everyone has a cell phone that his video capabilities and thus can be a reporter. Anyone can post videos on You Tube and his can either hurt or help your campaign.
George Allen’s “Macaca” is a good example of a You Tube video hurting someone’s campaign. He was out campaigning for re-election to the Senate when the “Macaca”moment was caught on tape by a tracker from his opponent’s campaign. The video went viral on the web and caused his chances for re-election.
The beauty of You Tube is that anyone can upload videos to the site. You Tube has helped turn some average Joes into semi-celebrities. Take Obama Girl for instance. She was a girl who had a crush on Obama. Her video has now turned her into an internet sensation.
Maybe his good looks and charm could win over those desperately needed women voters. Katherine Hamill, a 25-year-old actress living in New York isn’t afraid to hide her feelings for Obama. “It’s like finding this guy who cooks and cleans and is nice to your mother, who will also just happen to get us out of Iraq.”
You Tube has played an integral role in the 2008 election. We even had a debate sponsored by You Tube where people submitted questions for the democratic candidates to the video sharing website. Barack Obama has been able to use You Tube more effectively than John McCain. “As of September, his campaign had released more than 1,200 vids, attracting more than 62 million views, compared with McCain’s 259 vids and 14.6 million views.”
As hurtful or helpful You Tube may be, it has provided voters with some entertainment.
