Barack Obama - Hillary Clinton - USA
The shoot-and-upload booth at the convention
Thursday 28 August 2008
In the latest twist in what has been dubbed 'the YouTube election', participants at the 2008 Democratic Convention can check into a special YouTube booth and have their video testimonies recorded and uploaded - instantly.
Special Report Democrats gather to endorse ObamaThursday 28 August 2008
By FRANCE 24Watch an interview with Steve Grove, YouTube’s news and politics director, by clicking the video above.
Diary from Denver - Read the FRANCE 24 team's collective blog
FRANCE 24 Observers plug into the buzz at the Democratic Convention – click here for more
At the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, participants at the 2008 Democratic convention are getting an all-new techie treat.
Convention-goers who feel the need to have a presence on YouTube, the mega video sharing Web site, can simply walk into the YouTube booth set up at the stadium, position themselves before a camera mounted on a tripod and deliver their discourse - typically on why they support Barack Obama.
The rest, it seems, is magic.
YouTube staffers at the booth record the video and then upload them onsite to YouTube’s dedicated channel site for the conventions.
The 2008 US presidential election has been called “the YouTube election” and the Obama campaign has been particularly adept at using voter-generated content to get out their message.
‘Politics has taken on a new life on the Internet’
At the YouTube booth located at the Pepsi Center, Steve Grove, YouTube’s news and politics director, maintained that his company has helped change the nature of political campaigns.
“Politics has taken a new life on the Internet because citizens are using platforms like YouTube to have their voices heard,” he told FRANCE 24’s James Andre. “They’re uploading videos on the campaign trail and holding politicians accountable for what they say.”
An example of the new YouTube accountability, according to some media experts, is the failed 2006 reelection bid of George Allen, the former Republican senator from Virginia. Allen was caught on tape during his campaign trail using a racial slur. Within days, the video clip “went viral,” precipitating, according to Grove, his subsequent failure in the polls.
That was two years ago. Today, the site’s political content includes YouTube’s Politicians Channel, which offers all the official campaigns released in the 2008 presidential race. On YouChoose08, candidates across the US post video responses to voters’ questions on a host of issues.
Global spread and local reach
“We’ve got to the point where you can’t really be a politician if you don’t have your platform on YouTube,” said Grove. And the phenomenon, according to Grove, is not just American. “In the French elections,” he said, referring to the 2007 presidential runoff between candidates, Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal, “both candidates used YouTube very effectively. It’s happening all over the world.”
While the YouTube political experience is fast becoming a global phenomenon, for Brad Newton, a volunteer at the Democratic convention from the US Virgin Islands, the appeal is largely local.
Shortly after recording his testimony at the YouTube booth, Newton told FRANCE 24 he did it primarily for the folks back home. “I just opened a YouTube account for the Democrats back in the Virgin Islands,” he said. “Coming from such a small place, it gives us an opportunity to reach other Americans. But the reason why I opened a YouTube account is for friends and comrades back home so they can have an opportunity to see what’s going on here.”
Special Report on Democrats gather to endorse Obama
Special Report on the race to the White House
-
FRANCE 24 REPORT
"Her speech is all about making that rivalry a thing of the past" - A FRANCE 24 report by G. Fenwick and G. Meyer, 27/08/08
-
SPEECH EXTRACT
'The time is now to unite as a single party' Hillary Clinton. 27/08
-
IN THE FIELD
'Hillary Clinton set the Pepsi centre alight with her speech' C.Galloway reports 27/08 6am (GMT+2)
-
IN THE FIELD
'Convincing Clinton supporters to back Obama will be an uphill task' C.Galloway reports. 27/08 3am (GM+2)
-
REPORT
Why did Hillary Clinton get the thumbs down?
Vidéo
Pour aller plus loin
Pour aller plus loin
30/09/2008 15:37:23 Alert a moderator
Obama
By Myron - Newprot NH
I will be voting for Obama, I like his Ideas on things, and McCain sucks as a person.
10/09/2008 17:15:50 Alert a moderator
american elections
By Anonyme -
NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANDIDATES
09/09/2008 20:16:09 Alert a moderator
elections americaines
By Anonyme -
AUCUNE DIFFERENCE ENTRE LES DEUX CANDIDATS QUI REPRESENTENT TOUS LES DEUX LA MENTALITE AMERICAINE (POUR NE PAS DIRE CROYANCE): GLOBALE HEGEMONIE ET SUPERIORITE DU PEUPLE AMERICAIN
03/09/2008 21:42:31 Alert a moderator
Obama
By Daniela - Johannesburg
the point is not who but the one that delivers and change sthe image of the USA, please no more interventions for profiteering etc into Irak, Afghanistan etc. If they intervene it should be for peace.
History repeats itself and will we ever learn?
03/09/2008 20:05:07 Alert a moderator
OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT
By JOHN,ENGLAND - BRIGHTON
EIGHT YEARS OF BUSH IS MORE THAN EHOUGH AND McCAIN PROMISES MORE OF THE SAME AND WHAT AN AWFUL CHOICE OF RUNNING MATE,MS PAULIN HAS A LOT OF ANSWERING TO DO!
03/09/2008 19:51:13 Alert a moderator
President Elect
By Anonyme -
No one in his/her right mind would choose McCain. I am insulted as a woman that he picked Palin to be his VP pick...what a desperate move. I wholeheartedly support Obama and his movement for change. Its time America had a change...we deserve a vision that all Americans can be proud of. McCain has already got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel!
03/09/2008 17:40:33 Alert a moderator
Election
By Anonyme - USA
We do not have good choices from either party however, a vote for Mc Cain is just 4 more years of the Bush tactics.The country can't withstand 4 more years of the same
03/09/2008 15:33:40 Alert a moderator
FRANCE 24
By distantwings4747 - USA-LEESBURG, FL.
THIS WHOLE INTERNATIONAL, IS A SHAM. WE SENT OUR HELP, TROOPS AND USD TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES IN TROUBLE. AMERICAN DOLLARS NEED TO STAY AT HOME WHERE CHARITY BEGIN. HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL SECUIRTY, MEDICARE AND THE ECONOMY BROKEN
SO WHY NOT SHORE US UP AND CONTINUE TO MAKE US THE STRONGEST COOUNTRY IN THE UIVERSE.
I AM APPALLED AT OUR GOVERNMENT. MACCAIN IS NOT THE ANSWER. BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE OBAMA IS.
PJ
03/09/2008 13:33:00 Alert a moderator
Obama vs. McCain
By Lori Drohan - United States/New Jersey
I fully believe that McCain can not help this country to make positive changes or work through the many issues facing us. He does not understand our economic or social issues. Obama has a much better grasp on human rights, every day economics and his eloquent speeches should not be underestimated. We need someone to help us regain respect in the world. After the ignorance and insensitivity of Bush we can not afford another ineffectual leader. Obama is a leader who will bring about real change.
03/09/2008 13:12:57 Alert a moderator
John McCain for President
By Anonyme - New Jersey, United states
John McCain has the experience to lead and the personal and political history to back it up.
Obama is a two year Senator with never being out of the USA until his tour of Europe last Summer.
John McCain has challenged the Washington political circle numerous times during his career. He has always put the people and the USA first in his beliefs as his record shows. His service to our country in both wartime and supporting the US in his present position in politics is impeccable.
There is no one better to lead than a proven leader with charactor and universal experience than John McCain.
03/09/2008 11:45:51 Alert a moderator
McCain vs Obama
By Sharon - USA, Kingsland
Say what you want about the right, Obama does not have a day's worth of leadership under his belt, he gives a great speech but its doubtful he will be a good leader. He hates his white side so bad he never associates with it. McCain has a great deal of leadership and is anxious to leave the Bush admin behind given his opposition to their politics. Our country and our world need more conservatism not liberalism, we need to get back to the basics and still advance in technology on all levels without sacrificing human life before it is born. Obama does not salute our flag McCain believes in our flag and salutes it with honor. I will be voting McCain and Palin in November because I believe in our constitution, our first amendment rights, God above all and smaller government. I believe all Americans should be as profitable as they want as long as it's done legally. McCain and Palin will uphold those beliefs.
03/09/2008 10:00:20 Alert a moderator
us presidential candidates
By colin rees - swansea glamorganshire
The wheel, penicillin,the steam engine ,the telephone, etc etc. were discovered by caucasians. I cannot think of one discovery by a ulotrichan. Maybe, McCain will be the better US president, as he possesses the right genetic structure.I am not a racist, but I simply point out the facts!!
03/09/2008 09:41:11 Alert a moderator
McCain or Obama
By Anonyme - USA
Easy decision-the only one that has the background and experience for the job-McCain!
30/08/2008 11:44:07 Alert a moderator
obama better
By Anonymehassan g. pella - nigeria/kaduna
i have closely followed your coverage of the american presidential campaign and arrived at the conclussion that obama is a better option for america, this is because there is need for america to look inwards to solve her internal problems like education, econony, housing etc and improve its relations with the outside world. at this moment /what america needs is more friends not more enemies.,
29/08/2008 18:53:14 Alert a moderator
Ring wing Scare tactics
By Anonyme - Naples, Florida
Its interesting reading some of the comments, as usual, the only real thing left for the right wing to hold on to is their scare tactics, "the end of the world" "obama bin ladin"- its laughable. Thankfully it seems apparent that their right wing ideology of hatred and fear is dying, just like the other political and ideological extreme, communism.
29/08/2008 13:56:50 Alert a moderator
Change is coming
By XYZ - Lebanon
The only constant thing in life is change. I think this election is already a change in itself. An Afro-American as candidate to the U.S Democratic party! I tell you, if and when Obama wins this election (as it seems inevitable) the world will never be the same again. Hopefully, it will be for good, as more and more people will be inspired to do unimaginable things. Minorities will rise to become majorities and vice versa. As any WASP in America, I would fear this election but for the greater good, this election will be a beginning like no other.
29/08/2008 09:40:49 Alert a moderator
Obama is the only logical choice.
By John C. - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
As most of the world has already figured out, almost without exception, Republicans are arrogant, agressive, condescending and just plain mean spirited. They are desparate to hold on to their power but they have nothing left to run on, so they have taken the low road and have resorted to personal attacks. The "Obama bin Laden" comment from the anonymous poster from Chicago is an example of that. (Obama is NOT a Muslim, but so what if he is? There are well over a billion perfectly decent Muslims.) When Obama gets elected the entire world will be SO much better off. The Republican's fear tactics aren't going to work this time.
29/08/2008 08:07:58 Alert a moderator
Barak Obama
By Anonyme - Ethiopia
In my view, most elections promises are the major tools to win voters, however, we don't see them living up to their promisses. Talking the talk is easy, but walking the talk is very hard. If Barak is up to the task and meant what he said and address those critical issues, he can become a great President
28/08/2008 17:46:59 Alert a moderator
testing
By Ossi -
testing
28/08/2008 10:14:36 Alert a moderator
"Politics has taken on a new life on the Internet"
By Anonymous -
Re: Former Senator George Allen's campaign slip-up
Correction:
For the sake of being fair, Allen uttered an arguably "racial slur."
28/08/2008 10:09:19 Alert a moderator
common sense
By dave jones - auckland
It is really great to see a level headed canditate get the nomination. I know the American people have previously re-elected a president hell bent on destabilsing the world, (maybe it is a "dated" electoral system which is to blame for this), but I hope this time common sense will prevail and the American people will make the right choice, and vote for Obama. No more right wing war lords please!!!!!!
27/08/2008 18:21:06 Alert a moderator
Useless press.
By Anonyme - USA/chicago
PLEASE!!! Stop the obama bin laden / hillary clinton MADNESS!!! I read france24 because I want to be informed of what is happening around the world. NOT what the stupid american press bombards the USA EVERYDAY with. There are more newsworthy stories other than the demagogues in USA. Just because the lazy american press publish only obama bin laden/clinton, France 24 does not have to do the same.
Sincerely,
R Mena.
25/08/2008 07:46:40 Alert a moderator
On the streets of Denver
By Sonarweb - Denver
Denver - the end of the world? www.sonarwebtv.com