Charleston, S.C. — Young, Internet-savvy voters challenged Democratic presidential hopefuls on Iraq, the military draft and the candidates' own place in a broken political system, playing starring roles in a provocative, video-driven debate Monday night.
A YouTube contributor identified only as Jordan poses a question to the Democratic presidential hopefuls on stage at the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., in this image from television. Seen Monday, from left, were candidates Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
"Wassup?" came the first question, from a voter named Zach, after another, named Chris, opened the CNN-YouTube debate with a barb aimed at the entire eight-candidate field: "Can you as politicians ... actually answer questions rather than beat around the bush?"
The answer was a qualified yes. The candidates faced a slew of blunt questions - from earnest to the ridiculous - and, in many cases, responded in kind.
To Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois: Are you black enough? "You know, when I'm catching a cab in Manhattan ... in the past, I think I've given my credentials," he replied.
To Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: Are you feminine enough? "I couldn't run as anything other than a woman," she said.
Her answer drew a challenge from former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, who said that he was the best advocate for women among the contenders. "I have the strongest, boldest ideas," he said.
Posing a question that few, if any, of the candidates had fielded before, one voter asked whether young women should register with the Selective Service, as do young men in case the draft is reinstated. Clinton, Obama and Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut said yes.
The debate featured questions submitted to the online video community YouTube and screened by staff members of the all-news cable TV network.
A talking snowman, two rednecks and a woman speaking from her bathroom were among the odd, Internet-age twists to the oldest forum in politics - a debate.
A Clio, Mich., man named Jered asked about gun control while brandishing an automatic weapon.
"He needs help," Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware snapped.
When was the last time a presidential candidate was forced to promise to work at minimum wage? That is effectively what happened when a voter asked whether the candidates would serve four years at $5.85 an hour rather than the president's annual $400,000 salary.
"Sure," replied Clinton.
YouTube's founders and executives said Monday that they hope the video phenomenon will draw more people into politics.
"It's breaking down barriers," YouTube cofounder Steve Chen said during a lunch with reporters. "You don't have to be in Iowa or New Hampshire to pose a question of the candidates."
In the presidential campaign, buzz-worthy video clips have included Bill and Hillary Clinton's spoof of "The Sopranos" finale, Edwards' combing his hair to the tune "I Feel Pretty," and a buxom model professing her crush on Obama.
In the spirit of the era, each candidate was asked to produce his or her own video.
Edwards' video poked fun at the attention paid to his pricey haircuts at the expense of more serious issues. Set to the theme from the 1968 musical "Hair," the video opens with several close-up of hairdos, giving way to less frivolous images including several from Iraq. It ends with a white-on-black slide: "What really matters? You Choose."
Clinton's video-ad ended with the kicker, "Sometimes the best man for a job is a woman."
Dodd tied his white hair with valuable experience, closing with the slogan, "Dodd, the guy with white hair for the White House."
Other Democratic candidates are former Sen. Mike Gravel of Alaska; New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson; and Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio.
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The_Twelve (anonymous) says…
How bad is LJW getting that they run a wire story that references a question from a KU student, but they can't even identify the same? Are your investigative skills sinking to the level of the Daily Kansan?
BTW, I am NOT that student, not even an acquaintance.