the politics of the internet – lecture five ii blogs, politics and the media blogs (weblogs) – a...

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIBlogs, Politics and the Media

Blogs (weblogs) – a new form of Blogs (weblogs) – a new form of publishing – somewhere between an online publishing – somewhere between an online diary and a collection of op-eds.diary and a collection of op-eds.

Have begun to play an important role as an Have begun to play an important role as an alternative medium of communication.alternative medium of communication.

Millions of blogs out there on a huge Millions of blogs out there on a huge variety of topics – how do they affect variety of topics – how do they affect politics?politics?

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIBlogs and Politics

This week’s lecture – blogs affect politics This week’s lecture – blogs affect politics through two key channels.through two key channels.

Indirect effects – Indirect effects – through their influence on through their influence on other media (primarily print media).other media (primarily print media).

Direct effects –Direct effects – to a lesser extent, have to a lesser extent, have political consequences in their own right.political consequences in their own right. Influencing political decisions.Influencing political decisions. Organizing political action.Organizing political action.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IILecture Outline

Studying blogs and the blogosphere.Studying blogs and the blogosphere. Examining their direct consequences for politics.Examining their direct consequences for politics.

DirectDirect IndirectIndirect

Case-studiesCase-studies Trent Lott affairTrent Lott affair Dan Rather affairDan Rather affair Sinclair broadcastingSinclair broadcasting Social securitySocial security

ConclusionsConclusions Consequences in current electionsConsequences in current elections Polarizing influence? Polarizing influence? Long term implications.Long term implications.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIWhat is a blog?

Difficult to define a blog in precise terms.Difficult to define a blog in precise terms. “ “Web page with minimal to no external editing, providing Web page with minimal to no external editing, providing

on-line commentary, periodically updated and presented in on-line commentary, periodically updated and presented in reverse chronological order, with hyperlinks to other reverse chronological order, with hyperlinks to other online sources”online sources”

But some ‘blogs’ don’t fit this description very well, while But some ‘blogs’ don’t fit this description very well, while other webpages which aren’t blogs do.other webpages which aren’t blogs do.

To some extent, a question of self-identification – a To some extent, a question of self-identification – a website which identifies itself as a blog probably is.website which identifies itself as a blog probably is.

Most blogs have separate posts, and a ‘blogroll’ of external Most blogs have separate posts, and a ‘blogroll’ of external links as well as links within each post.links as well as links within each post.


Blogs are relatively recent phenomena.Blogs are relatively recent phenomena. Term coined by Jorn Barger of “Robot Term coined by Jorn Barger of “Robot

Wisdom” (defunct early weblog).Wisdom” (defunct early weblog). First blogs were collations of links to First blogs were collations of links to

‘what’s interesting on the web,’ with ‘what’s interesting on the web,’ with occasional comments.occasional comments.

But minority pursuit – less than 50 blogs by But minority pursuit – less than 50 blogs by the end of 1999.the end of 1999.


Blogs began to grow exponentially from Blogs began to grow exponentially from 2000 on.2000 on.

Aided by access to software that made it Aided by access to software that made it super easy to blog – even if you didn’t super easy to blog – even if you didn’t know HTML.know HTML.

Blogger.com (Blogspot)– where most Blogger.com (Blogspot)– where most bloggers cut their teeth.bloggers cut their teeth.


Now – perhaps 200 million blogs out there. Now – perhaps 200 million blogs out there. Cover a wide variety of different topics.Cover a wide variety of different topics. Knitting, diaries, politics, technology, Knitting, diaries, politics, technology,

writing.writing. Political blogs have become increasingly Political blogs have become increasingly

important over the last two years.important over the last two years.


How do blogs have influence?How do blogs have influence? In order to understand this, we need to look In order to understand this, we need to look

more closely at the political economy of the more closely at the political economy of the ‘blogosphere’ (the universe of blogs).‘blogosphere’ (the universe of blogs).

Blogs should not be conceived in isolation – Blogs should not be conceived in isolation – like many other topics we cover this like many other topics we cover this semester, their effectiveness depends on the semester, their effectiveness depends on the network that they are embedded in.network that they are embedded in.


Huge disparities in the blogosphere between Huge disparities in the blogosphere between more popular and less popular bloggers.more popular and less popular bloggers.

More popular bloggers have many More popular bloggers have many incoming links – and readers.incoming links – and readers.

Less popular bloggers may have few or no Less popular bloggers may have few or no incoming links, and very few readers incoming links, and very few readers (friends; their dog). (friends; their dog).

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IISkewed distribution of links


This has a number of key implications for This has a number of key implications for the relationship between blogs and politics.the relationship between blogs and politics.

(1) Some blogs count a lot more than others.(1) Some blogs count a lot more than others. More readers, more influential readers.More readers, more influential readers.

(2) Less influential blogs can try to become (2) Less influential blogs can try to become more influential – but their best way to do more influential – but their best way to do this is by getting big blogs to link to them.this is by getting big blogs to link to them.


Small blogs have an incentive to tell big blogs Small blogs have an incentive to tell big blogs about interesting stories or viewpoints.about interesting stories or viewpoints.

Norm of attribution means that big blog is likely Norm of attribution means that big blog is likely to link back to the smaller blog if it goes with the to link back to the smaller blog if it goes with the story (thus bringing more readers to the small story (thus bringing more readers to the small blog).blog).

Big blogs have an incentive to play fair – so that Big blogs have an incentive to play fair – so that smaller blogs will continue to send good stories to smaller blogs will continue to send good stories to them.them.


Similarly, readers will have an incentive to Similarly, readers will have an incentive to concentrate their (initial) attentions on big blogs.concentrate their (initial) attentions on big blogs.

They know that most interesting stories are likely They know that most interesting stories are likely to percolate through to the big blogs from the to percolate through to the big blogs from the small ones.small ones.

Thus big blogs come to serve as a kind of filter for Thus big blogs come to serve as a kind of filter for interesting stories.interesting stories.

They become the gatekeepers between the They become the gatekeepers between the blogosphere and the outside world of readers. blogosphere and the outside world of readers.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIIndirect Effects

Blogs can have very important indirect effects on Blogs can have very important indirect effects on politics through influencing the media.politics through influencing the media.

There is substantial evidence to suggest that the There is substantial evidence to suggest that the media is paying more and more attention to blogs media is paying more and more attention to blogs (especially the bigger ones).(especially the bigger ones).

Reporters and op-ed columnists say that they read Reporters and op-ed columnists say that they read blogs – and that these blogs sometimes influence blogs – and that these blogs sometimes influence what they write. what they write.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIBlogs and the Media

What does the mainstream media look for in What does the mainstream media look for in blogs?blogs?

Not usually new stories or information. (bloggers Not usually new stories or information. (bloggers aren’t reporters – usually rely on the media for aren’t reporters – usually rely on the media for information, although some bloggers have expert information, although some bloggers have expert knowledge).knowledge).

Instead – look for new viewpoints, new ways of Instead – look for new viewpoints, new ways of spinning stories or events, stories that perhaps spinning stories or events, stories that perhaps should have been given more play in the should have been given more play in the mainstream media, but weren’t.mainstream media, but weren’t.

How blogs influence journalists

Thomas Edsall (Washington Post)Thomas Edsall (Washington Post) ““We in journalism, there is an orthodoxy to our We in journalism, there is an orthodoxy to our

thinking. Blogs can … break the ice and make thinking. Blogs can … break the ice and make it clear that there is something pretty strange or it clear that there is something pretty strange or pretty unique or pretty interesting or pretty pretty unique or pretty interesting or pretty awful about something … They … open up a awful about something … They … open up a lot of doors.”lot of doors.”

Survey evidence suggests that 83% of journalists Survey evidence suggests that 83% of journalists have used a blog, as opposed to 7% of the general have used a blog, as opposed to 7% of the general public.public.

Other elite actors

Other elite actors besides journalists read Other elite actors besides journalists read blogs, and are influenced by them.blogs, and are influenced by them. Federal court clerksFederal court clerks Political activistsPolitical activists Senate/House aidesSenate/House aides Senators? Congresscritters?Senators? Congresscritters?

Roberts confirmation

Cornyn at Roberts hearingCornyn at Roberts hearing ““this hearing is a subject of a lot of activity and interest in the this hearing is a subject of a lot of activity and interest in the

blogosphere. One of these blogs said that your comparison of a judge to a blogosphere. One of these blogs said that your comparison of a judge to a baseball umpire reminded him of an old story about three different modes baseball umpire reminded him of an old story about three different modes of judicial reasoning built on the same analogy. First, was the umpire that of judicial reasoning built on the same analogy. First, was the umpire that says some are balls and some are strikes, and I call them the way they are. says some are balls and some are strikes, and I call them the way they are. The second umpire says some are balls and some are strikes, and I call The second umpire says some are balls and some are strikes, and I call them the way I see them. The third said: Some are balls and some are them the way I see them. The third said: Some are balls and some are strikes, but they ain't nothing till I call them. Well, I don't know whether strikes, but they ain't nothing till I call them. Well, I don't know whether it's a fair question to ask you which of those three types of umpires it's a fair question to ask you which of those three types of umpires represents your preferred mode of judicial reasoning. But I wonder if you represents your preferred mode of judicial reasoning. But I wonder if you have any comment about that.”have any comment about that.”

Role of blogs in Miers nominationRole of blogs in Miers nomination

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIDirect effects

Increasingly, blogs are coming to have direct Increasingly, blogs are coming to have direct effects too on politics.effects too on politics.

Surveys suggest that 32 million Americans read Surveys suggest that 32 million Americans read blogs.blogs.

Still a minority – but in the future, they may not Still a minority – but in the future, they may not need to rely on the media to shape politics.need to rely on the media to shape politics.

Might communicate ideas directly to the public – Might communicate ideas directly to the public – and thus shape public perceptions of the issues at and thus shape public perceptions of the issues at stake.stake.


Blogs have been used to raise money for Blogs have been used to raise money for candidates and for political parties.candidates and for political parties.

Much more common on left than right.Much more common on left than right. While interesting, not enough money to change While interesting, not enough money to change

national races (but may have real local national races (but may have real local influence).influence).

More interestingly, blogs have begun to organize More interestingly, blogs have begun to organize direct action in order to pressure businesses, direct action in order to pressure businesses, parties and individuals to take actions that they parties and individuals to take actions that they otherwise might not take.otherwise might not take.


Again, ‘big blogs’ play a key role here.Again, ‘big blogs’ play a key role here. Serve to aggregate information and resources.Serve to aggregate information and resources. Direct readers (and other bloggers) to take specific Direct readers (and other bloggers) to take specific

actions, providing necessary information (email actions, providing necessary information (email addresses, mail addresses, phone numbers etc).addresses, mail addresses, phone numbers etc).

Report on results of actions, changing tactics as Report on results of actions, changing tactics as appropriate to meet changing needs (perhaps appropriate to meet changing needs (perhaps changing targets over time). changing targets over time).

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIDirect and indirect combined

Increasingly, blogs combine both forms of action.Increasingly, blogs combine both forms of action. Indirect action – efforts to interest media in a Indirect action – efforts to interest media in a

particular ‘outrage’, or even to influence media particular ‘outrage’, or even to influence media directly (especially common on right).directly (especially common on right).

Direct action – efforts to take effective action Direct action – efforts to take effective action against this ‘outrage’ by boycotting, organizing against this ‘outrage’ by boycotting, organizing protests, etc etc.protests, etc etc.


4 brief case studies in blogs and politics.4 brief case studies in blogs and politics. Trent Lott affair.Trent Lott affair. Dan Rather affair.Dan Rather affair. Sinclair media boycott.Sinclair media boycott. Alberto Gonzales’ resignation.Alberto Gonzales’ resignation.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IITrent Lott affair

Excellent example of how blogs can exercise Excellent example of how blogs can exercise indirectindirect influence.influence.

Trent Lott made comments at Strom Thurmond’s birthday Trent Lott made comments at Strom Thurmond’s birthday party indicating that he supported Thurmond’s racist, party indicating that he supported Thurmond’s racist, segregationist past policies.segregationist past policies.

This was not picked up properly by mainstream media This was not picked up properly by mainstream media (mentioned briefly on ABC TV, and in ABC’s (mentioned briefly on ABC TV, and in ABC’s The Note, The Note, but died).but died).

However, two weeks later to the day, Lott resigned as However, two weeks later to the day, Lott resigned as Senate Majority Leader. Why?Senate Majority Leader. Why?

In large part because of blogs.In large part because of blogs.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIBlogs and Trent Lott

Blogs picked up on the Trent Lott, story, Blogs picked up on the Trent Lott, story, beginning with Timothy Noah in beginning with Timothy Noah in SlateSlate, and , and rapidly spreading out through the left blogosphere.rapidly spreading out through the left blogosphere.

Right wing blogs (Glenn Reynolds’ Right wing blogs (Glenn Reynolds’ InstapunditInstapundit, , Andrew Sullivan’s Andrew Sullivan’s Daily DishDaily Dish) began to pick up ) began to pick up on the story too, and demand that Lott resign.on the story too, and demand that Lott resign.

This prompted newspaper journalists (Edsall at the This prompted newspaper journalists (Edsall at the Washington PostWashington Post) to pick up the story again – and ) to pick up the story again – and investigate it properly. investigate it properly.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IITrent Lott’s Resignation

Within a few days, there was a media firestorm – Within a few days, there was a media firestorm – while blogs had provoked the initial reaction, it while blogs had provoked the initial reaction, it only really began to be politically salient when only really began to be politically salient when mainstream media picked it up.mainstream media picked it up.

Lott sought to explain and to apologize (first Lott sought to explain and to apologize (first through his spokesman, then in person on Black through his spokesman, then in person on Black Entertainment Television), but did a very bad job.Entertainment Television), but did a very bad job.

Republican party began to canvas for an Republican party began to canvas for an alternative Senate leader – and pushed Lott into alternative Senate leader – and pushed Lott into resigning his position.resigning his position.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIDan Rather affair

On September 8, Dan Rather ran a story on CBS On September 8, Dan Rather ran a story on CBS claiming that it had memos showing that George claiming that it had memos showing that George W. Bush had gotten preferential treatment in the W. Bush had gotten preferential treatment in the Texas National Air Guard.Texas National Air Guard.

This could have had important consequences for This could have had important consequences for the election.the election.

However, it swiftly became clear that there were However, it swiftly became clear that there were problems with the memos. problems with the memos.

Their provenance was fishy, and they appeared to Their provenance was fishy, and they appeared to have been typed using modern equipment, rather have been typed using modern equipment, rather than the kinds of typewriter available in the 1970s.than the kinds of typewriter available in the 1970s.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIMS-Word and Typewriters

This was established relatively quickly by right This was established relatively quickly by right wing blogs in the immediate aftermath of the 60 wing blogs in the immediate aftermath of the 60 minutes episode.minutes episode.

Showed that it was possible to recreate the Showed that it was possible to recreate the documents quite easily using MS-Word.documents quite easily using MS-Word.

In some ways, a perfect story for bloggers (Steven In some ways, a perfect story for bloggers (Steven Berlin Johnson) – they didn’t have to stray very Berlin Johnson) – they didn’t have to stray very far from their keyboard to do the necessary far from their keyboard to do the necessary research.research.


Dan Rather and CBS tried to maintain the veracity of their Dan Rather and CBS tried to maintain the veracity of their story over the following days.story over the following days.

Again – story made its way into the mainstream media, Again – story made its way into the mainstream media, and became much more politically topical when it did.and became much more politically topical when it did.

But facts continued to come out that suggested problems But facts continued to come out that suggested problems (CBS’ own experts were unsure at best; the documents had (CBS’ own experts were unsure at best; the documents had come from someone with a known grudge against Bush).come from someone with a known grudge against Bush).

Within a couple of weeks, Dan Rather resigned.Within a couple of weeks, Dan Rather resigned. After an internal investigation, CBS fired others involved After an internal investigation, CBS fired others involved

in producing the show.in producing the show.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IISinclair broadcasting group boycott

Sinclair Broadcasting Group announced in Sinclair Broadcasting Group announced in October that it would require affiliate stations to October that it would require affiliate stations to broadcast broadcast Stolen HonorStolen Honor, a documentary attacking , a documentary attacking John Kerry.John Kerry. Had previously refused to broadcast an episode Had previously refused to broadcast an episode

of of NightlineNightline with names and photographs of with names and photographs of troops killed in Iraq war.troops killed in Iraq war.

Caused some public criticism – but story died Caused some public criticism – but story died down quickly.down quickly.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IITalking Points Memo and others

However, Josh Marshall’s However, Josh Marshall’s Talking Points MemoTalking Points Memo, , a popular left wing blog, decided to organize a a popular left wing blog, decided to organize a boycott along with other prominent left wing boycott along with other prominent left wing blogs (borrowed an idea from a smaller blog, the blogs (borrowed an idea from a smaller blog, the Left Coaster).Left Coaster).

Another individual formed a website called Another individual formed a website called BoycottSBG.com.BoycottSBG.com.

Other blogs took up the story – and started Other blogs took up the story – and started spinning it to mainstream media.spinning it to mainstream media.


BoycottSBG.com proved a key resource – a BoycottSBG.com proved a key resource – a list of advertisers on Sinclair with contact list of advertisers on Sinclair with contact details.details.

Encouraged readers to contact advertisers Encouraged readers to contact advertisers and (politely) deplore their relationship with and (politely) deplore their relationship with Sinclair stations.Sinclair stations.

Also targetted pension funds with Also targetted pension funds with investments in Sinclair.investments in Sinclair.


Caused a substantial fall in Sinclair’s stock-price Caused a substantial fall in Sinclair’s stock-price – and a backing down by Sinclair’s management.– and a backing down by Sinclair’s management.

Sinclair recast the documentary, so that it would Sinclair recast the documentary, so that it would give a less biased and more scrupulous account of give a less biased and more scrupulous account of Kerry’s war record.Kerry’s war record.

The coalition of bloggers and others who had The coalition of bloggers and others who had targetted Sinclair evaporated swiftly, declaring targetted Sinclair evaporated swiftly, declaring victory.victory.

Here, emphasis was not on framing the issues for Here, emphasis was not on framing the issues for the mainstream media – but on direct action the mainstream media – but on direct action against Sinclair.against Sinclair.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IISocial Security

2006 battle surrounding Social Security.2006 battle surrounding Social Security. Again, Josh Marshall’s Again, Josh Marshall’s Talking Points MemoTalking Points Memo and and

other left wing blogs had interesting political other left wing blogs had interesting political consequences.consequences.

For the Democrats to win their battle on Social For the Democrats to win their battle on Social Security, they had toSecurity, they had to (a) avoid any defections on their side on Social (a) avoid any defections on their side on Social

Security.Security. (b) try to break down the Republican coalition (b) try to break down the Republican coalition

in the Senate and Congress on Social Security.in the Senate and Congress on Social Security.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIBlogs and Framing

First, left-wing blogs (TPM, Brad DeLong, Matt First, left-wing blogs (TPM, Brad DeLong, Matt Yglesias) created new ways of framing the issues Yglesias) created new ways of framing the issues of Social Security.of Social Security.

Suggested that it involves incompatible Suggested that it involves incompatible assumptions about growth.assumptions about growth.

These frames were taken up in the media, via These frames were taken up in the media, via pundits like Paul Krugman who had strong pundits like Paul Krugman who had strong connections to the blogosphere.connections to the blogosphere.

And then became established as legitimate points And then became established as legitimate points of view in the media debate on the topic.of view in the media debate on the topic.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIName and Shame

Second, Second, Talking Points Memo Talking Points Memo named Democratic named Democratic politicians who appeared to be considering supporting politicians who appeared to be considering supporting Social Security reform – and shamed them into backing Social Security reform – and shamed them into backing down.down.

Also highlighted Republicans who are against reform.Also highlighted Republicans who are against reform. This had clear effects – the Democratic party saw far fewer This had clear effects – the Democratic party saw far fewer

defections than in similar instances in the first defections than in similar instances in the first administration – and some Democratic politicians thanked administration – and some Democratic politicians thanked the blogs for this.the blogs for this.

Both indirect and direct methods were used.Both indirect and direct methods were used. This time it was the Democrats – but there is no reason This time it was the Democrats – but there is no reason

why the Republicans and right leaning blogs can’t do the why the Republicans and right leaning blogs can’t do the same thing. same thing.

““Porkbusters” campaign.Porkbusters” campaign.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIConclusions

What are the long term implications of blogs for What are the long term implications of blogs for politics?politics?

Some interesting implications.Some interesting implications. Lowering of costs to voice.Lowering of costs to voice. Polarization of politics?Polarization of politics? Replacement of traditional gatekeepers.Replacement of traditional gatekeepers. Changing in norms of journalism.Changing in norms of journalism. Lowering of transaction costs for political action.Lowering of transaction costs for political action.

Limits of blogs.Limits of blogs. Advent of new technologies (YouTube)Advent of new technologies (YouTube)

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IINew Voices

Blogs are making it far cheaper for everyday citizens to Blogs are making it far cheaper for everyday citizens to engage in political communication.engage in political communication.

All you need is five minutes to set your blog up – and you All you need is five minutes to set your blog up – and you can publish.can publish.

New technologies such as Youtube add new possibilities.New technologies such as Youtube add new possibilities. In some ways resembles 18In some ways resembles 18thth century pamphleteering. century pamphleteering. A raucous, rancorous, but A raucous, rancorous, but livelylively political debate, with all political debate, with all

the strengths and weaknesses that this implies. the strengths and weaknesses that this implies. May sometimes produce interesting policy insights – as in May sometimes produce interesting policy insights – as in

Social Security debate (even if you don’t agree with the Social Security debate (even if you don’t agree with the blogs, they have still made a serious intellectual blogs, they have still made a serious intellectual contribution to current arguments on the topic).contribution to current arguments on the topic).

Blogs and polarization

Blogs (together with other forms of media) Blogs (together with other forms of media) may be leading to an increase in political may be leading to an increase in political polarization.polarization.

Evidence suggests that there are few Evidence suggests that there are few genuinely ‘centrist’ blogs in the US.genuinely ‘centrist’ blogs in the US.

Blogs on the left of the spectrum tend to Blogs on the left of the spectrum tend to link to other left-wingers, and blogs on the link to other left-wingers, and blogs on the right of the spectrum to other right-wingers.right of the spectrum to other right-wingers.

Source: Glance and Adamic (2005)

Cyberbalkanization?

Cass Sunstein – argues that when like-minded Cass Sunstein – argues that when like-minded people talk to each other, they tend to reinforce people talk to each other, they tend to reinforce each others’ prejudices.each others’ prejudices.

Result: increased polarization, and the creation of Result: increased polarization, and the creation of mutually exclusive political universes.mutually exclusive political universes.

Some evidence – though mixed – that blogs are Some evidence – though mixed – that blogs are contributing to this.contributing to this.

Mixed views as to whether this is a good thing.Mixed views as to whether this is a good thing.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIReplacement of gatekeepers

Some bloggers claim that this is a new and more Some bloggers claim that this is a new and more accountable form of journalism.accountable form of journalism. Don’t bet on it.Don’t bet on it.

Old gatekeepers are losing power.Old gatekeepers are losing power. CBS forced to back down; Eason Jordan resignation.CBS forced to back down; Eason Jordan resignation.

But bloggers themselves are becoming new gatekeepers – But bloggers themselves are becoming new gatekeepers – especially the elite bloggers.especially the elite bloggers.

There is no obvious restraint on them – especially given There is no obvious restraint on them – especially given ideological divisions of the blogosphere.ideological divisions of the blogosphere.

May lead to problems of accountability as lines between May lead to problems of accountability as lines between citizen and journalist blur – Obama and Clinton stories.citizen and journalist blur – Obama and Clinton stories.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIChanging norms

As blogs become more influential, they are affecting As blogs become more influential, they are affecting journalistic norms.journalistic norms. Less emphasis on always giving two sides to the story.Less emphasis on always giving two sides to the story. Less deference to established powers and cosy Less deference to established powers and cosy

relationships.relationships. But also see some problems of their own.But also see some problems of their own.

Easy to slip ‘ringers’ in (Thune’s bloggers in South Easy to slip ‘ringers’ in (Thune’s bloggers in South Dakota).Dakota).

Less direct accountability (bloggers’ relations with both Less direct accountability (bloggers’ relations with both Democratic and Republican party).Democratic and Republican party).

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IIDirect democratic action

Blogs can empower direct democratic Blogs can empower direct democratic action, as in Sinclair story.action, as in Sinclair story.

Can also directly affect politicians’ Can also directly affect politicians’ incentives through providing information incentives through providing information and pressuring them.and pressuring them.

Yet to be seen whether this can be Yet to be seen whether this can be maintained over sustained periods of time.maintained over sustained periods of time.

But an interesting augur for the future. But an interesting augur for the future.

The Politics of the Internet – Lecture Five IILimits of blogs

Still, blogs have clear limits.Still, blogs have clear limits. Limited information gathering abilities – except for a Limited information gathering abilities – except for a

few experts (and new blog/newspaper hybrids), these few experts (and new blog/newspaper hybrids), these are ‘guys in pajamas.’are ‘guys in pajamas.’

Often fundamentally dependent on the media – even Often fundamentally dependent on the media – even when they claim to despise it.when they claim to despise it.

Unrepresentative in many ways – prominent bloggers Unrepresentative in many ways – prominent bloggers tend to be white, upper middle class, and male.tend to be white, upper middle class, and male.

Often more interested in ideological pointscoring than Often more interested in ideological pointscoring than in the practice of politics – lively, but certainly only an in the practice of politics – lively, but certainly only an imperfect example of deliberation and debate.imperfect example of deliberation and debate.

Advent of YouTube

YouTube is starting to be a highly important force YouTube is starting to be a highly important force in politics – may eclipse blogs in the long run.in politics – may eclipse blogs in the long run.

May have more May have more directdirect consequences for politics consequences for politics than blogs do.than blogs do.

Many more people watch TV than read serious Many more people watch TV than read serious articles about politics.articles about politics.

Similarly, people may be more willing to watch Similarly, people may be more willing to watch short video clips (if emailed to them etc) than to short video clips (if emailed to them etc) than to read earnest blog posts.read earnest blog posts.

George Allen and Macaca Controversy During his senatorial re-election campaign, Sen. During his senatorial re-election campaign, Sen.

George Allen used the term ‘macaca’ to refer to a George Allen used the term ‘macaca’ to refer to a camera operator employed by the Webb camera operator employed by the Webb campaign.campaign.

This blew into a major political controversy – This blew into a major political controversy – thanks in large part to YouTube.thanks in large part to YouTube. Claims that this was a racist term.Claims that this was a racist term.

Helped lead to a major upset, the election of Webb Helped lead to a major upset, the election of Webb and a changeover in control of the Senate.and a changeover in control of the Senate.

New uses of YouTube

Has become key means for both campaigns to get Has become key means for both campaigns to get message out in 2008.message out in 2008.

Cheap and easy way of making video press Cheap and easy way of making video press releases that may get wider pick-up.releases that may get wider pick-up.

Also allows for differentiating between audiences.Also allows for differentiating between audiences. But this may change as TV shifts towards Internet.But this may change as TV shifts towards Internet. 2012 will be very interesting …2012 will be very interesting …

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