What was unusual about the birthplaces of Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain?
The birthplace of both presidential candidates was a reason for debate during the 2008 election. The two of them come from non-continental states of the US. Barack Obama was suspected of not being a native American, which, if it were true, would make him not eligible to take part in the election. However, his birthplace was Hawaii, which gained the status of a US state in 1959. John McCain’s eligibility for candidacy was questioned and considered controversial as well. He was born in the territory of the Panama Canal Zone, which was controlled by the United States at the time of his birth. There were debates concerning whether he should be considered a natural-born citizen, which is a requirement for a presidential candidate. Still, these debates did not become grounds for excluding him from participating in the election.
What was the impact of social media on the election?
Social media had a significant influence on the election of 2008. It helped Barack Obama to win as it provided him with the majority of votes. This result was achieved because active internet users, who counted more than half of the adult population of the United States, followed the news about politics online. Using social media in 2008 was compared with the first incidents of politicians’ radio and television communication with their electorate since it led to political success as well.
Which aspect of the 2008 presidential election do you think will be remembered most 100 years from now?
I suppose that the first thing that people remember about the presidential election of 2008, 100 years from now, will be the fact that Barack Obama won. It is important as it was the first time when the country chose an African-American as president. This event seems to be a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. It was an election that set a record in the number of African-American and Hispanic voters as well.