You have to presume two changes. One that the new media reaches people that hasn't happened before and that the people it reaches change their behavior and vote. Give it 20 years and people who grew up in the social media will likely also be voting more and social media will likely be more relevant.

In the late 1960's, there was a sense of 18-22 year olds being more politically aware than ever before. When they lowered the voting age to 18. Nixon won in a landslide in the first election the 18 year olds could vote in.

You have an interesting theory, but I suspect that this election isn't the one for it. Now viral video is more likely to impact 2008. Witness Hillary's singing of the national anthem. As the gatekeepers control on what gets disseminated is eroded, the rawer coverage of the candidates is likely to impact those who are already inclined to vote.

Perhaps the generation using these tools doesn't vote because politicians tend to be out of touch with them.

I really doubt that "being in touch" is the issue. Education, demographics and income are probably more important factors for explaining turnout. Sure, socialization is important, but I am not sure how prevalent social networking tools are being used anyway.

I have no statistics, but I would think that the number of people who actively use those technologies is a relatively small percentage to begin with. Furthermore, they probably have higher levels of income and education, making them a poor sample of "young people."

The whole social networking thing sounds like circa-1999 bloviating by startups hoping to get bought by google.

Yes, and the generation that embraces it doesn't vote.

You make my point for me, Triumph. Perhaps the generation using these tools doesn't vote because politicians tend to be out of touch with them.

Social media is a generational thing, and the vote cannot be secured simply by speeches.

Yes, and the generation that embraces it doesn't vote. Ask Howard Dean.

However, the message to the candidates is that if you expect to win, you must embrace social media.

You should also embrace CB radio. It has about as much relevance as Twitter.

There is a reason that the campaigns are raising millions of dollars and its not to set up myspace pages--it's for TV ads. The Anti-Hillary has 57K Facebook members?!?! Wow, thats pretty damn impressive. You could reach three times that many people with an infomercial on the Oxygen channel at 3:00am.