The Internet and the Political System

[John Simkin]

Speaking at the Edinburgh Festival, Al Gore has argued that the internet has the potential to re-engage the electorate with politics. Gore points out that at the time of the Iraq War, 77% of Americans thought Saddam Hussein was responsible for the attack on the Twin Towers. He uses this as an example of the right-wing agenda of the American media. Gore adds: “The only thing that matters is that you have enough money to put 30 second TV commercials on the air to persuade voters to elect you.”

The internet clearly has the potential to change the political system. However, so far, there is a lack of a detailed explanation of how this will take place. Any ideas?