CNN / YouTube Debate: Wrap & Highlights
Maybe it was just the novelty of seeing questions posed entirely by citizens, but that may have been the most entertaining debate ever broadcast.
It was a great debate not so much because the candidates moved very far off their talking points, they didn’t, but because seeing relevant questions, direct from Americans living the major challenges facing the country brought together the candidates on the stage.
Tonight’s debate for put the focus on squarely on the issues. Ordinary Americans are far more interesting than politicians. And the draw became not duels of words but the question of how to best improve the United States.
All the selected questions are available here.
The Highlights: (will be updated as more comes in)
Shelby Highsmith got a good wrap-up interview with CNN’s John King.
John Edwards’ Hair Video was a fan favorite and a departure from the candidates’ other YouTube-style videos, many of which appeared to be re-purposed TV spots (hey they’re effective).
The question of whether the candidates would work for the minimum wage generated the most discomfort. This was a question they clearly were not expecting.
This question on health care had the greatest impact of any user video.
The final question generated some pretty funny responses in part because it was one of those uncomfortable throwaways to which a witty response is required.
July 24th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Its odd to be commenting on your own blog, rather than writing an original post. But in response to Ben’s thoughts on the debate, I couldn’t disagree more.
I wasn’t entertained in the least, and as a political junky, thats hardly what I’m looking for anyway. While the questions were relevant, they were boring and basic and didn’t expose much of anything about the candidates that anyone paying attention didn’t already know.
What did I learn? That the YouTube debate format is better applied to a general election than a primary where the differences among candidates is subtle. I didn’t hear one new question, or even a new spin on an old question. Does it change anyone’s answer to have a lesbian couple rather than Anderson Cooper ask if a candidate is for gay marriage?
The YouTube-style videos, however, were the highlight, sad as that may be.
July 24th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
We should totally get a show like Hannity and Colmes.