YouTube Ignites Online Presidential Campaigning
YouTube, a leader in online video, recently announced YouTube You Choose ’08, a voter education initiative that enables political candidates to easily inform millions of potential voters about their campaigns through video.
YouTube You Choose ’08 www.youtube.com/youchoose is a centralized hub of candidate-created channels that feature campaign videos, speeches, informal chats, behind-the-scenes footage, and more. In addition, YouTube You Choose 2008 provides a platform for people to engage in dialogue with candidates and each other through the use of community features such as video responses, text comment, and ratings.
Presidential candidates Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) are among those who have embraced YouTube as a new way to interact with an influential online audience.
“As I said on my blog, I believe that the Web is not only creating new forms of political dialogue, but offering a new wave of opportunity for all Americans,” said Senator Hillary Clinton. “Having a strong online presence at sites like YouTube, one of the most active communities on the Web, and on www.hillaryclinton.com allows me to use online video to share my views with Americans on important issues as part of our ongoing conversation.”
“YouTube provides a unique opportunity to connect directly with voters,” said Christian Ferry, eCampaign Director for Senator John McCain’s Exploratory Committee. “The ability for voters to give direct, unfiltered feedback and insight into the issues that matter most to them is an invaluable asset to the Senator.”
“Online video has quickly become an essential way for the general public to become politically informed and empowered,” said Chad Hurley, YouTube co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “At its core, YouTube is about democracy and self-expression, and we’re proud to be providing politicians with an environment where they can share information with voters.”
Other presidential candidates, including those from independent parties, are encouraged to join the YouTube You Choose ’08 program to reach Americans through this powerful medium.
Founded in February 2005, YouTube is a leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through Web sites, blogs, and e-mail. YouTube has quickly become a leading destination on the Internet for video entertainment. YouTube is a subsidiary of Google, Inc.
Abstracted from Market Wire Newsletter, 03/01/07.
