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President-elect Barack Obama’s transitional website, Change.gov, has swept the media as a new way to keep in contact with the American people.  Aside from the news about his agenda items being taken down for a short period of time, most of the coverage has focused on Obama’s move to post weekly addresses on YouTube, an upgrade to video format from the radio format used by presidents dating back to FDR.  Obama’s use of YouTube signals the leader’s desire to remain connected to the millions of people who contributed to his campaign – with time and/or money – and make them foot soldiers in the revolution he will soon be commencing.  Obama’s “fireside chat” may be seen in the video below, along with commentary about his decision to go with video:

Discussion Questions:

1.  What message is Barack Obama trying to send through his creation of Change.gov and messages designed for YouTube?  Why might some consider this a power PR move?

2.  Which demographic of Obama supporters do you think will read Change.gov?  Which will watch his YouTube clips?  Why might some consider this a revolutionary move?

3.  What are some potential dangers of a rhetorical move to “open up the government”?  How could this come back to haunt Obama?