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June 17, 2008

In this entry: quotes, warm up questions, discussion questions, resources

VIDEO SUMMARY:Website
This video looks at how the Internet has helped and hurt the 2008 presidential campaigns. Candidates have used the Web to raise money and organize supporters at an unprecedented level. Blogs and social networking sites have also played an important role in this election, spreading news and videos of candidates' successes and mistakes instantly. The impact is reflected in a new study showing more Americans than ever are using the Internet to participate in politics.

SELECTED QUOTES:
"Political activism isn't just about going door-to-door anymore. It's also about making the videos, posting on blogs, tying everything together, commenting, sending text messages. All of this is a new wave of political activism."- Julie Barko Germany, George Washington University

"Even as people are enthusiastic about using the Internet themselves for political purposes, they're quite worried about misinformation, lies, and smears being passed out to other people and being accepted as truth and as fact by people who are a bit more gullible." Lee Rainie, Pew Internet and American Life Project

WARM UP QUESTIONS:
How have you gotten news and information about the 2008 presidential election? Have you volunteered for a campaign or done anything online to show your support for a candidate? How do you think the Internet has changed politics?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Do you trust the information you read about candidates online or see on YouTube? Why or why not?
How does a campaign ad, video or article catch your eye and make you interested? Is the most interesting content made by the campaigns themselves, or by supporters, entertainers or comedians?
What should candidates be doing online that they aren't already? Do you think technology is having a positive or negative effect on politics? Please explain.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Transcript of this report
Online NewsHour's Vote 2008

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