It’s a YouTube World
I confess.I'm a YouTube junkie.
From videos featuring highlights of my beloved Auburn Tigers, to my favorite Saturday Night Live skits, I just can't get enough of the online video exchange. But it's become much more than just a lunch hour distraction, YouTube is playing a role in picking the next President of the United States.
On Wednesday night, CNN and YouTube teamed up for a debate featuring dozens of questions recorded on home video cameras and uploaded to YouTube. People from across the country submitted more than 3,500 videos for the two hour debate. A Democratic debate this summer included variations on typical debate questions from unusual questioners, including a melting snowman frightened about global warming. Tonight's debate featured a cartoon version of Dick Cheney, snarling at the candidates and asking if they'd give their Vice President as much power as he has been given.
Another video featured a retired, openly gay Marine General asking the candidates where they stand on Don't Ask, Don't Tell. (Mitt Romney's answer sounded a lot like Hillary Clinton on the Driver's License for Illegal Immigrants issue).
The format for these debates is absolutely great. The videos are creative, and often poignant. I am amazed at their ability to cut through the B.S. and get to the heart of the issue in uniquely engaging way.
As we look to produce local and state debates in 2008, we may give this format a try. The Zoom It feature on scnow.com allows you, the viewer, to submit your videos directly to News 13.
If you had a chance to ask the candidates a question, what it would be?
Posted by on 11/28 at 09:23 PM
