Changes in Politics 
In the political sphere, Web 2.0 tools have allowed grassroots campaigns to flourish. Some candidates have used the tools to their advantage, reaching out to people and encouraging involvement. Other political figures have been affected negatively as bloggers have brought information of scandals and controversies to the public attention.
Consider these examples:
- Barack Obama's presidential campaign relied heavily on online social networking, including a space for individuals to create their own profiles and groups for interests and locations.
- John Edwards announced his campaign for the 2008 presidential elections on YouTube.
- Political bloggers have brought attention to stories which otherwise might have been missed by traditional media outlets. They also can collaborate to share and publicize research.
- In 2002, Trent Lott made comments at Strom Thurmond’s birthday party about how proud he was of Thurmond’s 1948 run for president as a segregationist. The story was circulated by political bloggers for several days before it was picked up by the traditional media. The bloggers researched Lott’s history and unearthed previous comments to show that Lott had a pattern of similar statements. This controversy resulted in Lott’s resignation as Senate Majority Leader.
- The unsuccessful 2006 Senate re-election campaign of George Allen was affected by the Web 2.0 after he called a campaign volunteer “macaca,” an ethinic slur. The video of his comment was widely circulated on YouTube. Political bloggers publicized other comments made by Allen about his Jewish heritage and possible other use of racial epithets.
For further information, review these resources:
- Eight Reasons the Internet has Changed Politics Forever
- How Technology Changed American Politics in the Internet Age