Discovering Politics

I feel as though the only experience I get regarding politics is through the media.  Focusing on the President,  I have never seen the President's speeches live nor have I never talked to him directly.  Therefore, how I see the president is always through the media.  This does not mean the media always filters or changes what we see. Sometimes it is just about the live broadcast of historical events like watching debates through CNN that reflect the media and politics. 

How I view politics has changed dramatically over the past years, but it seems only right.  This was the first election I have been able to vote, and it was a learning experience.  As I get older, I am more affected by the government, and it has been a culture shock over the years.  When you are young, the president is the president and that is it.  Now, I know just how important it is because the country depends on it.  I was fine thinking that all presidents had the same view-- almost like there was a handbook they had to follow.  It was the naivete of being 10 years old.  

This year, the media was buzzing with the presidential election.  I do not know if it was because I was paying closer attention or if because there was more excitement over the craziness that was the 2008 election.  People were generally scared and stressed about Obama being President.  I could not imagine why anyone would be "scared."  What did they think he was going to do?  Support terrorism?  Make the USA a socialist country? Again, I may just be ill-informed, but there are checks for the president, and I didn't see it something to stress over because essentially, when all boils down, it is out of our hands because it is a combined effort.

What exemplified it even more was that the media was in a frenzy over Obama's every move.  For instance, I had never seen such outlandish commercials for each campaign as the competition heated up.  I was tired of seeing anti-Obama commercials by McCain's party.  I could not believe people would believe it, but they did.  It is interesting to see that as the election gets closer, the more and more malicious the campaign gets.  Thanks to the media, this it is possible for it to reach vast audiences.  And the parties use and almost abuse the power of the media.

The biggest media influence that hit me personally was when Obama was sworn into office.  I had class all day.  I wanted so much to see this piece of history.  Thankfully, my teacher recognized this and let the class out early.  Had it not been for broadcasting technology, I would have never been allowed to witness the ceremony.  A long time ago, only a select part of the United States could witness, but now, people all around the world can see the Inauguration.  Same with the debates.  I would have never seen those either, and I feel like they are a big part in helping Americans decide who to vote or.