Katie Couric's Notebook: Obama And The Internet

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

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Obama And The Internet

In 1960, John F. Kennedy ushered in the era of the television presidency. Millions watched together as he took the oath of office, declaring "ask not what your country can do for you." The medium proved as powerful as the message.

Today, that medium is the Internet. The number of Americans who get their political news primarily from the Web tripled since the 2004 election.

Barack Obama successfully captured young voters by finding them where they hang out online. The Obama campaign used Facebook, YouTube, and even text messaging to seal the deal.

The election is over, but the new administration has sent signals it intends to stay wired.

If Obama could motivate young people to step away from the keyboards and vote, maybe he could ask them to volunteer, or tutor, or recycle.

All that modern technology could be used to revive a very old-fashioned value, civic responsibility. As John F. Kennedy said, "what you can do for your country."

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by kojipham November 16, 2008 1:34 AM EST: I see all the racist and haters are in full session on this blog. Still fighting the last war I see. How sad! I feel bad for you all. See you in 2012, when we''ll whip Sara Palin''s (your ignorant heroine) *** once again.; Reply to this comment


by onarollagain November 15, 2008 9:05 PM EST: Katie, The best thing responsible Americans "can do for their country" is to stop listening to YOUR evening news program. What does JFK have to do with this Obama jerk...JFK had substance, this guy is full of hot air...you are so blind to all his ***.; Reply to this comment


by misfy November 14, 2008 5:39 PM EST: Correction: " S-l-i-c-k " Willy.; Reply to this comment


by misfy November 14, 2008 5:59 AM EST: "social" life? Willy meant his Internet "***" life.; Reply to this comment


by petersemkiw November 14, 2008 5:10 AM EST: As former President Bill Clinton put it:

"Advances in computer technology and the Internet have changed the way America works, learns, and communicates. The Internet has become an integral part of America''s economic, political, and social life."

President Elect Barack Obama and his campaign team certainly used the power of the Internet very wisely and effectively to inform and motivate many people, especially young people, to get involved and vote in this recent Presidential Election. It is a good sign that his new administration has sent signals that it intends to remain wired, and continue to harness the power of the Internet in positive ways to help young people develop an increased sense of national responsibility, and motivate them to participate in various forms of much needed national service here at home.; Reply to this comment