Democratic Debates on Youtube

The internet has undoubtedly changed the design and approach to the presidential race. Starting this year, the democratic debate not only was aired on the internet through CNN and Youtube, but it also gave citizens the chance to in a sense, interact with the candidates. Youtube accepted video clips of questions for the candidates to be submitted prior to the debate. During the debate, the host would present the candidates with the video clips to receive their response. In past years, it is generally a panel of reporters who are asking the questions, however this approach has completely changed the way the debate is designed. It is said to be a more democratic approach to the debate, which I agree with. It is in the best interest of the voters to present their own questions, since it is the voter who needs to make an informed decision as to which candidate will best serve our country. This format allows the voters to receive answers to the questions that really matter to them.

Besides allowing the voters to take a more directly involved role in the debates, the use of internet has also led to a more informed nation overall. This is the first election that has been so highly reported on in an online media format. It grants access to the information to those who depend so heavily upon the internet as it is. This also happens to be the generation that has been heavily criticized for their loack of knowledge and participation in the elections and politics as a whole. This gives the 18-24 demographic the ability to not only have the information readily available, but in a format that they are exposed to daily. It in a sense makes it "cool" to be informed, which as wrong as it sounds, is the only way to motivate a nation of young people to become involved in such an important part of our country and its politics.