The MySpace generation's got a crush on Obama
(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET News.com)
NEW YORK--Right before Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama addressed the MySpace-MTV "Closing Arguments" event via videoconference from Minneapolis, one of the young studio audience members whispered, "He's the whole reason why we're here."
And those of us inside the studio could hear enthusiastic cheers from outside in Times Square, where dozens of Obama supporters had gathered before the event.
Obama might not have the online cult following that Republican candidate Ron Paul does, but he has arguably amassed the most significant online following out of all the Democratic candidates; he was MySpace users' favorite candidate from the party, and let's not forget the "Obama Girl" online video sensation. (Okay, so that was unofficial.)
But as with Paul's "dialogue" earlier in the evening, technology policy was wholly absent from the conversation. Maybe it just isn't high-profile enough for the crowds tuning in via MySpace and MTV; Obama has become famous for a broad-based message of sweeping change. Geek policy might just seem too narrow in focus.
"The future is about more than just gender or race," Obama said when asked about the fact that the two Democratic front-runners are a woman and an African American, and then quipped, "If it were about race, I wouldn't have to...(campaign). I could just show up." The young audience, receptive to a bit of humor in an otherwise serious event (minus the red-and-blue lightning bolts on the walls) cheered and applauded.
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline. 
you did not included the result of the OnLine opinion coming from
the people who watched the debate. The result is by far Ron Paul's
idea captures the minds of young people compare to Obama,
Clinton and Huckabee. Why is your title biased? The title must be:
Ron Paul win the MTV/MySpace Debate.
http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9863667-36.html
If Obama had the most support, would his following be a "cult following"? Doubtful. If Ron Paul got the same amount of media time without the negative slant, would the uneducated masses who can't be bothered to research for themselves be more receptive to Ron Paul's message? Probably. Only the reporters can say for certain, but there must be some sort of requirement that any reporting on Ron Paul is required to have verbiage marginalizing him or putting him in a bad light.
Either way, I for one want a stronger dollar, smaller government, and my guaranteed freedoms, which means I'm going to vote for Ron Paul, even if I have to write his name in. I will not be voting for the status quo this election.
sense to many of them do nothing to make America a better
country and would actually have the a negative effect.
Would 50 different education system really be better. Not that
the one we have now is ideal but really? Would not being a
member of world organization really help US business and our
interest abroad.
Libertarians mask the real problems they will create by selling
the market the popular parts of their platform. But I encourage
people to dig deeper and ask more questions.
We need somebody who can address the REAL issues. Not someone that is supported by people experiencing a frickin crush.
Duh.
I hope they do this time...
up in a lot of areas the 2004 election, but it was off set by other
things.
But hey, he's my MySpace friend, so he must be way cool!!
- Caroline McCarthy: Favoritism
- by hastinbe February 2, 2008 9:37 PM PST
- In the future could you save us your favoritism when writing your articles? Out of all the MySpace/MTV stories it's quite clear you favor Obama.
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(10 Comments)