Olivia's Blog

Blog Entry # 4: Election ‘08

I registered to vote in August when I turned 18 and ever since I have paid more attention to politics. 2008 is a presidential election year and I have tried to follow the news regarding each of the candidates so I could be a well informed voter in November. By following this election, I recognized how much they use the media as a tool. I feel like now more than ever each contender is using all forms of media to attract voters. I always knew there were television debates and commercials advertising each candidate but I just realized in this election how they are using the Internet as an instrumental advertising device. Not only do they air the debates just on the news stations, but immediately following they are available on the stations website. Each candidate has a website with their personal and professional information. In posting news and information on the web, it is not just text and pictures; it is videos, sound, and other forms of media to keep citizens stimulated. Information is easily accessible. Also, in an attempt to attract young voters, the nominees have each created a Facebook application. Any Facebook member can become a fan of Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, or any other contestant. By adding this application, each member receives messages altering them of recent news concerning the candidate they choose to support. A young voter does not have to do much more than just check Facebook (which I am sure they do daily, anyway) to get up to date information. I think using Facebook will correlate to a rise in the number of 18-24 year-old participating in the 2008 election. It will not just be the 18-24 year old bracket that will be effected. Election information is in your face every time one is on the Internet. This will cause more to take an interest and by using all forms of media, it will keep citizens interested. Contenders will have more supporters then ever because they are taking advantage of the Internet. This election is important to the health of our country and the easily accessible information will make it one that people care about. There will be more voters than ever and I think media has to do that. The candidates better take note.