YouTube Impacts State Politics

Just as the Web 2.0 world has impacted public relations crises, social media will increasingly influence politics at the state and local levels.

A story yesterday highlights the effects of YouTube on campaigns for various Minnesota offices. A state Democratic official notes how the site is a great way to reach younger, Internet-savvy voters. And because several of the clips have generated thousands of views, candidates cannot afford to overlook or dismiss these emerging tools.

For the U.S. Senate race between Mark Kennedy and Amy Klobuchar, YouTube already features campaign ads from both candidates and footage from a Klobuchar speech. Early Kennedy ads have focused on his family and political independence. But now Kennedy opponents have posted ”Makeover Mark Episode 1,” a satirical commercial with photos of the candidate with President Bush, Vice President Cheney and Karl Rove.

The biggest outcome? You no longer need big bucks or highly-organized groups to stir up controversy. Dozens of campaign kerfuffles will be created with a hand-held camcorder and a high-speed Internet connection. Within minutes, a candidate’s official response, verbal gaffe or awkward moment can be documented and posted for the world to see.