Body Paragraph: Given that the United States is all about technology, staying connected on Facebook, Twitter and any other social network roaming the internet, do our politicians have to succumb to the point of having to make accounts on all these social networks in order to get votes from young voters and get their points across to them in this form? President Obama seems to believe so given that he used Facebook and Twitter to reach out to the younger generation and it worked out well in his favor seeing that he became our first African American U.S. President. Dr. Simmons a Professor at Concordia College stated, "He [President Obama] is the first president elected by massive, organized, committed, efficient and effective use of the Internet for campaign organization" (Simmons, 118). President Obama even appeared a couple of times on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' not only to speak about politics or the issues going on in the United States but to find out his interests and his thoughts on basketball games and the way he would handle a potential date for his daughters. Mayra Vasquez whom I interviewed made a great point when stating, "America doesn't need a hip president, America needs presidents that can lead America out of the current economic problems and into a positive future" (personal interview 2012). I agree with her 100% because I find it unfortunate that if our future leaders don't take the path of being on social networks or appearing on entertaining television shows that Americans will frown upon them for not being as "cool and outgoing" as President Obama. Being cool and satisfying the public eye with unimportant topics not concerning the United States isn't a president's job. A United States President has seven roles that have several responsibilities that a U.S. President must abide by and one of those don't include entertaining the people or sharing their personal interests or issues to the world because it can be a security threat. It's also hard to take someone of such a high authority seriously when he is commenting on personal and entertaining issues one day and giving a State of the Union address the next because it's expected for him to give some form of entertainment during such a important address. Although we can't escape the negative causes of technology and the influence of the new generation, a pro of having advanced technology and communication with the world is that the internet helps inform and connect with people on important issues quickly and effectively. This is an advantage for politicians to win more votes and connect with their potential supporters. It also has pushed more Americans specifically young voters to begin voting and participate in political issues than ever before. Yet it's hard not to wonder whether the votes of these young voters are based on their genuine interest in politics or for the popularity and personality of the politician.
I think i agree that people won't see a president as cool or outgoing if they don't connect with the public using technology and social media. however, we need to keep in mind that president's job is not to respond to people's comments or stay connected with them online. Their job is to improve the country not so much as to their relations with the public. ALso, presidents are a little bit old to be technology savvy, and too busy to be socializing with people...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that politicians are winning the votes of the Millennial Generations by Being, "cool and outgoing" instead of actually persuading voters with their ideas. You are seeing a lot more politicians moving their campaigns online because thats where the generation spends most of their time. The political game has become more of a popularity race with the Millennial Generation leaving the politics as a second thought.
ReplyDeleteI like the topic, but I'm going to have to disagree with what you said about President Obama. I don't think he did those interviews and said those things to be "cool". I think he did it more for the fact that people forget that presidents are people too. They're not robots designed to run our country. So, by giving us information about himself personally, I feel like I can relate to him more and see him as an actual person, not just a public figure :)
ReplyDeleteYeah i feel like the "cool and outgoing" part would mess up our country. it seems like they are focused on other things besides improving our country.
ReplyDeleteWhile i do agree with the fact that our generation sees the president on face book as an easy way to access it, i do not think it matters as much as you think. How many times have you really payed any attention to campaign adds on face book and twitter? i know i dont at all, maybe the internet election was more because of political websites and not facebook. Also im confused if you agree or disagree with the idea that the president should be tech savy.
ReplyDeleteI like the topic, but i disagree with the perception that Obama is trying to appear cool. Obama's tactic to let the public see that he's a human being, and he's not so different from us helps show that he actually cares fir the people. Being like us states that he's not corrupt, and he will do what is best for the nation.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that a politician would try to be "cool" by having accounts to social sites. However, I still sometimes feel that it brings down their credibility in some way. At the same time, though, most people really do only get their information on people like politics by following them on Facebook or Twitter.
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