Thread: US Democrats hold YouTube debate

Source

US Democrats hold YouTube debate



Analysts say online video could play a big role in the 2008 election

The first US presidential candidates' debate using only questions submitted online by the public has been held.

The eight Democratic Party hopefuls were asked questions on issues ranging from the war in Iraq to health care, taxes and same-sex marriage.


The link-up by broadcaster CNN and the video-sharing website YouTube is being hailed as a political milestone.
Questions were chosen from nearly 3,000 submitted in the form of 30-second video clips posted on YouTube.
Analysts say online video could play a big role in the 2008 White House race.


Iraq exchange
Candidates from both parties have been trying to build up internet support using social networking and video-sharing sites, with Democratic Senator Barack Obama proving particularly successful.


The Republicans will be asked questions submitted via YouTube on 17 September in Florida.
The time to ask how we're going to get out of Iraq was before we got in
Barack Obama
Senator, Illinois



Changing face of debate


Some of the strongest exchanges between the candidates were over the war in Iraq.
Illinois Senator Barack Obama criticised his rivals in Congress who voted to support the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
"The time to ask how we're going to get out of Iraq was before we got in," he said.
Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich said he had voted against the war and blamed political game-playing for continuing the conflict.
"The Democrats have failed the American people," he said.


Quirky and personal
Raising another contentious issue for Americans, a lesbian couple asked if the candidates would allow them to be married.

Candidates disagreed about marriage rights for gay couples

Mr Kucinich said he would. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut said he would not.
After being pressed on the issue, North Carolina Senator John Edwards said he did not support gay marriage.
"But I think it's wrong for me as the President of the United States... to use my faith to deny anyone their rights," he added.
CNN's politics team selected the questions to be asked. The videos, which ranged from high-production numbers to grainy webcam shoots, were often quirky and very personal.
In one, a 36-year-old cancer patient called Kim pulled off a wig to reveal hair loss from chemotherapy as she asked about health care for those without health insurance.
About 10 members of the public who submitted questions were invited to South Carolina to watch the debate and were given access to the candidates afterwards in the "spin room", where they usually talk to journalists.


The candidates have already tried to engage with the YouTube audience, with Senator Joseph Biden, for example, uploading a guide telling supporters how to submit a question on Iraq.
Some commentators, however, have suggested the excitement over the debate may turn out to be more hype than a real turning point in US politics.

Originally Posted by Pepper

No...this isnt' true, is it? THat would be funny, but I can't believe it happened.

It wouldn't be funny, it would make all these politicians suddenly take a stance on Internet Regulations so they could look like they are being tough when really they are just trying to save face....