Given Obama’s masterful campaign, particularly his use of the Internet, do you see a new age in communications?
by admin on Jun.29, 2009, under Media & Journalism
Like him or not, Obama ran one hell of a campaign. Two years ago, would you ever have imagined a man with the name of Barack Hussein Obama would be elected President? Yet he ran a cohesive, intelligent campaign that used the internet masterfully. Now, word is that Obama will deliver a weekly “radio” address similar to the fireside chats given by FDR – and that they will also be broadcast over the Internet. It looks as though Obama will take his Presidency directly to the people – bypassing the media altogether. What does this say about the media, particularly outlets like Fox News, and how they will represent politics in the future?
July 2nd, 2009 on 4:35 am
Who are you kidding the media put Obama in the White House not the Internet. Plus the fact that he spent $650 million dollars to get there. He bought the White House it has nothing to do with the internet.
July 3rd, 2009 on 5:25 pm
Politics are still the same. For all his talk about “it’s time for a change” three quarters of his proposed appointments are from the Clinton administration. Politicians are all liars.
July 6th, 2009 on 12:56 pm
I agree with you … he DID run a brilliant campaign, and in particular he made good use of the internet as an additional way to reach out to American voters … voters who were too young/too busy/too disenchanted/too disinterested to sit down and watch the political coverage on Fox or CNN.
I’m not crying any tears for Fox or CNN, though … they aren’t going anywhere. True, Obama will be essentially bypassing the TRADITIONAL media when he gives his weekly internet updates, but there will still be plenty for the news outlets to cover.
I think using the internet (and using it as adroitly as he has shown he’s capable of) just adds to his image as a leader who will be forward-thinking. It also means that he will KEEP the interest of (particularly) young people … those who are “wired” just about 24/7!
NOT using the internet to full advantage may well have played a part in John McCain’s loss … why NOT use all the resources that are available?
But it seems to me that Obama and the news media have a good working relationship, and I don’t see Obama “hiding” from or necessarily circumventing the media by using the internet instead. Obama will most likely use the internet to, as you said, “take the Presidency directly to the people” … which fits with his desire to lead, not rule, and with his stated wish to be a more “available” commander-in-chief (smart move, I think) but I don’t see him making much attempt to elude the newspaper and TV coverage.
July 8th, 2009 on 7:38 am
like all politicians, he is a puppet on a string. he simply says what he’s told to say.
July 11th, 2009 on 1:16 am
yes, if he and his staff run the country like they did the election, I cant wait