I can't stand voter apathy. We live in a system that allows adults the right to elect who runs the country; take advantage of it. Naturally, I was giddy when I saw ads for YouTube presidential debates and '08 candidates' MySpace pages. But I'm starting to believe that maybe these tactics to reach out to my generation are overkill. It feels like social networks are dumbing down the election, and people are getting turned off quickly.
Take Obama Girl, for example. It was funny at first and boosted Barack's online media fame, but then everyone started in. We joked in class that I should parody "Brownback Babe", but it looks like someone beat me. Though they are humorous, these videos take time away from candidates talking about real issues.
Facebook has even found its way into the political mix, allowing my friends and foes to show their support for candidates. Note: This blog is not meant as an endorsement of any of the candidates for the 2008 election.
Photo: Facebook.com
It's a double-edged sword, in that this election started picking up steam way before any in the past. Because of that, candidates and their teams are exhausting every bit of new technology long before Election Day, and it's overload. A kid videotapes Ron Paul and posts everything on his site. CNN adds political blunders to a nauseating long web page. My friends promote their favorite candidates on their Facebook pages. This politically obsessed girl is even getting sick of it. Why? We'll see on Nov. 4, 2008, if all these flashy videos made anyone (especially my generation) more likely to vote. My guess is that it will be the same, pathetic turnout. At least the world knows that girl has a crush on Obama.
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