Thursday, February 4, 2010

Agenda Setting- President Obama- Citizen Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pqzNJYzh7I&feature=featured


In class we discussed the theory of agenda setting. We also discussed some of the most important issues being dealt with in America today, some of which being economy, education, and health care. As a running candidate for presidency it is your main concern to address these topics with voting America. Political candidates will make promises to reform the ongoing problems within our current system. We learned about a causal relationship between politicians, the mass media, and the public when dealing with agenda setting. There is also a feedback loop in which the cycle reverses. The public will set the agenda that will then affect the mass media and the political candidates. In this YouTube video titled "Citizens Tube: Interview with President Obama" American citizens are able to submit questions they want answered about reform that President Obama had promised. The first question brought up involved concerns about health care reform. Health care would be considered first level agenda setting from the public. The second level would be the attribute salience dealing with insurance reforms. President Obama shared his ideas of instituting better practices and a more effective health care system. Other question included jobs and economy, financial reform, and education. President Obama broke those big topics down into smaller sections, and discussed what he plans to do for small businesses, the unemployment rate, and tax credits.
It amazes me how technology like the Internet and YouTube allows the public to set the agenda for such a powerful man as the president. This interview took place five days after the President's State of the Union Address. American citizens were able to voice their opinion and get feedback on which issues are effecting them the most. This allows the president and the American people to stay connected and keep a strong, trusting relationship.

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