Blogs, Television, Election 2008: Demonstrating Technological Philosophy Questions: What role does blogging play in a presidential election? What noticable difference is there between campaign media released through blogging compared to television?

Questions:

What role does blogging play in a presidential election?

What noticable difference is there between campaign media released through blogging compared to television?

Television and Blogging in the 2008 Presidential Election

Television and Blogging in the 2008 Presidential Election (cont'd)

Technological Determinism Blogs Direct communication with campaign Opportunity for more intimate interaction with members of a campaign and supporters Inexpensive Television Large audience Messages are generalized Very expensive

Blogs

Direct communication with campaign

Opportunity for more intimate interaction with members of a campaign and supporters

Inexpensive

Television

Large audience

Messages are generalized

Very expensive

Social Constructivism More unique internet users chose to view Obama's campaign blog McCain received more feedback from a smaller amount of users Televisions are available in 99% of American households whereas broadband is available in a mere 19.9%

More unique internet users chose to view Obama's campaign blog

McCain received more feedback from a smaller amount of users

Televisions are available in 99% of American households whereas broadband is available in a mere 19.9%

Concluding with Technological Momentum Conclusions: Blog interaction, while allowing for more dynamic and intimate discussion, is a minority of support. It can be seen that while older, television is still a dominant campaign medium due to it's larger demographic.

Conclusions:

Blog interaction, while allowing for more dynamic and intimate discussion, is a minority of support.

It can be seen that while older, television is still a dominant campaign medium due to it's larger demographic.

Limitations Assumes media coverage is a determining factor in election results Examines effects and relationship of only two types of media

Assumes media coverage is a determining factor in election results

Examines effects and relationship of only two types of media