RealMe

If the 2008 presidential election were held on YouTube, Barack Obama would win in a landslide.
Candidates of both parties have established channels on the video-sharing site. Earlier this month, YouTube set up a hub specifically for '08 candidates.

It has attracted the participation of Democrats: Illinois Sen. Obama, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich and Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd; and Republicans: Arizona Sen. John McCain, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

(A handful of declared candidates, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and California Rep. Duncan Hunter, don't have profiles on YouTube.)

YouTube has proven its power in influencing political campaigns in virally spreading clips such as when former Sen. George Allen, R-Va., uttered the word "macaca" during a campaign event. Though the site is adept at highlighting gaffs and blunders, whether it can do anything to swell positive support is another question entirely.


But in the real life...