Modernizing Our Democracy: The Political and Policy Implications of the Digital Age - led by Matt Lira

Week Four: The Revolution Wasn’t Televised

During this week, we will explore the transition from the era of television-centric politics towards digital-centric platforms.  For the past half-century, television has been the dominant force in American political life, giving rise to sound bite politics and ever-increasing fundraising to pay for ads.  Over the past decade, the way our society communicates has been undergoing a fundamental transformation, challenging traditional campaign tactics and altering the balance between mass communication and mass engagement.

• What have been the impacts of this transformation on political campaigns?  
• How is it changing which candidates succeed?  
• How is television’s decline changing the power structure in Washington?  
• What are the benefits of moving away from broadcast-based politics to engagement-based politics?  
• What are the risks?   

Guests: Joe Trippi, Democratic campaign strategist

Dorrance Smith, former producer, ABC News Nightline; former assistance secretary of defense