Staff Reports
In the 21st century, innovation has played a big role in presidential elections. Starting with Abraham Lincoln and going through the 20th century, the trend of using new ideas to win elections has continued. Bill Clinton, after the Cold War, showed how having charm and humor could help a candidate connect with voters. He even played the saxophone on a popular talk show, showing his fun side. This made him more relatable and appealing to a wide range of people. Candidates have learned from his example and continue to find new ways to connect with voters.
In 2008, Barack Obama and John McCain were very different candidates. Obama embraced social media, using platforms like Twitter and Reddit to engage with voters in a new way. This made him seem modern and in touch with the concerns of the people. McCain, on the other hand, seemed older and out of touch in comparison. Obama’s use of social media set a new standard for how candidates interact with the public.
*New Paper on AI & Democracy*
Imagine two approaches to democracy. The one we have today, where citizens choose a professional politician to represent them and others. Or an augmented form of democracy, where each citizen controls a personalized AI that helps them participate in… pic.twitter.com/D6nxufWhyU— César A. Hidalgo (@cesifoti) November 20, 2024
Then came President Trump, who used Twitter extensively during his 2016 campaign and beyond. He took a confrontational approach to debates, giving his opponents nicknames and using colorful language. This style appealed to many voters who liked his boldness and outsider persona. In the 2024 election, Trump focused on reaching out to young men through alternative media platforms like podcasts. This strategy helped him connect with new audiences and secure his re-election.
Looking ahead, it’s likely that future elections will continue to see new technologies being used in innovative ways. Virtual Reality and artificial intelligence programs could become tools for candidates to engage with voters in a more personal manner. The evolving landscape of political campaigns shows that there are always new ways to connect with the electorate and shape the outcome of elections.
Editorial: The use of alternative media by President Trump in the 2024 election shows the power of reaching out to diverse audiences. By embracing platforms outside of traditional mainstream media, Trump was able to connect with voters who may not have been reached otherwise. This strategy highlights the importance of exploring new avenues for political communication and engagement, a trend that conservative candidates should continue to explore in the future.
