Web 2.0 is Changing the Face of the Political Convention

By Marisa Peacock | Published Aug 21, 2008

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, most everyone can agree that how politics is covered online has changed dramatically from four years ago. With political convention season within days of peaking, the impact that online media has on coverage is hard to overlook.

As it turns out, political conventions have very little to do with television anymore.

From online video to Facebook journals to Twitter, here's a look at some of the resources to be employed over the next few weeks.

Streaming Video

Both Newsweek.com and The WashingtonPost.com are boasting seven hours a day of live Web coverage of the Democratic and Republican conventions. Much of that coverage will include streaming video featuring feature star reporters, editors and analysts. Unlike previous conventions, live video will allow mobile users (among others) to engage in the convention experience as well.

Microblogging

With the democratic candidate's Twitter feed alone, many soon-to-be voters will be following his every move from Chicago to Denver to small town, USA and back again. Yet, there's more than one Twitter feed following the election. The New York Times recently added a feed, following in the footsteps of C-SPAN.

It's an easy way to stay up-to-date on the whereabouts and going ons with the conventions and candidates, but you may want to update your phone's texting plan before becoming a loyal follower.

Social Networking

With the Olympics wrapping up its record-breaking run in time for the democratic national convention, Michael Phelps might not be the only one with overflowing friends requests. The DNC has a Facebook page featuring news feeds and video coverage. The RNC has one as well and features photos and video from past conventions while it awaits its convention in September.

Blogging

A simple search for blogs covering the 2008 conventions pulls up more than your newspaper or network television sponsored pundits blogs. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of blogs providing their own unique perspectives on the election and the subsequent conventions.

With so many web-based venues sprouting their own coverage of the 2008 conventions and election, news and information will be in abundance. We can only hope that such variety will present voters with a fair-and-balanced look at the candidates.

After all, Web 2.0 is about engaging users and providing access to many different perspectives and outlooks in an interactive format. Politics will never be the same.