The Power of YouTube

On Wednesday January 10, Mitt Romney had easily his "biggest" day in the blogosphere (at least in the last six months, which is as far back as blogpulse goes -- and it seems highly likely that this means ever).

The likely cause of the extra commotion is a video showing Romney in a 1994 debate with Ted Kennedy that was uploaded onto the video website Youtube (Marc's post about the video is here, and his post about Romney's response is here). While it seems no one is really sure who is responsible for the video it is worthwile to point out the remarkableness of Youtube and the power that a single individual has to influence and shape public debate in something as large and as highly managed as a presidential campaign. Until now this has been virtually unheard of, probably even as late as 2004.

Mitt's Response

Mitt Romney's campaign responded quickly yesterday to the uploading of excerpts from his 1994 debate on Youtube by issuing a press release and uploading a video of its own on Youtube. The video has Mitt calling into the Glenn & Helen Show and responding to the 1994 debate clip by saying he was wrong on some issues back then and asking to be judged by his record as Governor.

A Nagging Thorn?

What role is Mitt Romney's 1994 debate with Ted Kennedy going to play in next year's primary? Has Romney done enough to ease the doubts of social conservatives? What more does he need to do? Someone recently uploaded an edited segment of the 1994 debate onto Youtube and it's making waves on beltway political sites today. Will Romney be able to put the stances he took back them to rest once and for all? Moreover, who is responsible for stirring this pot again?