During the last couple weeks leading up to the presidential election, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) have made several last attempts to sway voters. By utilizing unconventional campaign strategies such as appearances on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Monday Night Football and purchasing a 30-minute infomercial aired during television's prime time, the presidential hopefuls have helped merge politics and pop culture. The editorial board of The Miami Student believes that these tactics have helped mobilized the youth vote while maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere during the intense campaign season.
Tina Fey's impersonation of Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaksa) has made SNL's viewer ratings skyrocket. With the popularity and accessibility of Youtube.com, anyone can replay and watch these skits. McCain and Palin have both appeared recently on SNL, poking fun at themselves and their party. The Republican ticket has combated criticisms by addressing its flaws with humor. For the GOP, this sense of humor has allowed the party staying power. It may have served as a good distraction in a news cycle that included questions of Palin's ethical decision-making in firing of Alaska's public safety commissioner.
Obama's 30-minute infomercial Wednesday during primetime captured an audience larger than American Idol's 28 million viewers but smaller than the 57 million who watched the presidential debates. The move may not have swayed voters, but it reinforced the message of the Democratic ticket.
While we would be hard-pressed to say that McCain's SNL appearance or either candidate's spot on Monday Night Football might win them the election, these moments allow the candidates' personalities to show through, which may appeal to voters still trying to make up their minds.
These moments are necessary with a long and bitter campaign finally coming to a close. With an election boasting an unprecedented number of newly registered voters of all ages, these lively and entertaining moments are a necessary facet.
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