Free Range Politics

Dear Internet:

So I understand you are really expanding. Your new updated version Web 2.0 is allowing you to reach people who never really experienced your power. Can you believe that politician’s are using you to expand their campaign initiatives. They are using tools like Facebook, Myspace , etc. to connect with citizens. But are they really connecting?

How is it that by a politiicans creating a Myspace pages and Facebook profiles make a them a “peoples- candidate” . I understand the connection that some might feel knowing that a political figure has joined their world, or interest, but what does that say about their political agenda. Absolutley nothing.

While I feel that it is important for political candidates to connect with constituents, I don’t think that using web 2.0 is going to take the place of that one on group interaction. People still need to hear and connect to what their candidates are saying in order to get a better understanding of their agenda.

As we reviewed the Dean campaign in class I began wondering how did he stay connected in all those new media tools he’d all of a sudden was becoming apart of . And the answer is probably someone on his staff played “Dean” on those newtork sites , in order to give the impression that Howard Dean was truly internet savvy.

That doesnt work for me

I’d rather be able to go see a candidate speak rather then have his assistant write a blog post. Wouldn’t you? I believe it adds to credibility and sincerity. Just a thought