This conference is supported by awards from the UMass RLA Program and the National Science Foundation (SES 0903886). Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Massachusetts or the National Science Foundation.
An Interdisciplinary Conference Hosted By the University of Massachusetts Amherst
A New Opportunity for Democratic Engagement:
The CNN-YouTube Presidential Candidate Debates
Abstract
The 2007 CNN-YouTube Presidential Candidate Debates provide a unique opportunity for the American populace to become engaged in national political discussion through the submission of video questions to YouTube for inclusion in two nationally broadcast debates (Democratic and Republican) on CNN. By using content analysis, a sample of the 7,916 videos submitted was examined for the demographic populations represented and characteristics of submitted questions in an effort to ascertain if the debates were a viable method for increasing citizen mobilization and redefining democratic participation. The study found that traditionally politically disengaged populations (specifically minorities and young voters) were present in a significant proportion of the videos and that individuals used the debates as an opportunity to ask politically relevant and substantive questions of the candidates. (26 votes)
