Election 2008

As you briefly mentioned in class, images are playing an integral role in the campaigning for the 2008 election. The media has been focusing on the potential candidates since early last year. The power of the media and electronic technologies has made this election unlike any other. The internet has become an integral aspect of both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton's campaiging, as they have both placed videos on blogs, taken advanatge of social networking websites (such as Facebook), raised campagain funds, etc. In this case, I feel that the internet provides most Americans, well those with computers or acess to library computers at least, an opportunity to engage in politics. Whether or not this is more democratic or not is another issue, but at least it provides a sense of involvement.

The media also has a greatly deal of power with regards to the fact that only a select few candidates have received substantial coverage. During the Democratic debates, the networks often stood Clinton, Edwards, and Obama side by side and focused the camera solely on them (leaving out a number of candidates). The media thus has the power to greatly persuade who the front-runners are. Because Dennis Kucinich, for example, received little attention, few people know anything about his policies or even who he is. However, if the media would have chosen to focus more coverage on him, it would be a different story.

With regards to images, Senator Obama has greatly benefited. He has a very powerful presence and the ability to give "moving" speeches. This is evident through the fact that he even won a grammy for the audio version of his book. I find it interesting that Obama focuses less on issues at his rallies and more on giving firey speeches about "how he will bring about change for America". Senator Clinton certainly offers more concrete plans for the future, but is not nearly as charismatic. I must say that I have found myself swayed by Obama simply by hearing his voice. This interaction with the media is an advantage for candidates that was certainly not available before the advent of technology.

Focusing more on what you mentioned in class, I think that is very interesting that the international community is intrigued with the prospect of Obama as president. The media/images/internet are all the reason that the international community is able to view news that is happening across the globe. However, I wonder if the damage done by Bush in the recent years is irreversible. (we can only hope!)