Technology has always been something that enthralled mankind since the first caveman pushed a wheel and two children spoke through cups connected by string. Most people would say that technology is about the newest way to transmit things: whether it’s people via plane instead of horse and buggy or data via telegraph or Internet. I believe technology is about connecting: people with data and people with people.

Each technological breakthrough improves our ability to connect with one another. From cars to planes, radio to television, telegrams to cell phones or still pictures to Skype, the ability for humans to communicate is at the root of each step up the technological ladder. These technologies spill over into politics and have had both wonderful and devastating consequences for various politicians. The first televised Nixon/Kennedy debate firmly put the young Kennedy ahead of the senior Nixon after the American people could watch them perform instead of merely listening on the radio or read the newspaper about it. Kennedy connected better through the new technology and used it to become one of the most beloved politicians of the 20th century. Ironically, this same television technology would also capture his assassination in Dallas and burn the image into the memories of every American.

Abraham Lincoln, for example, was rumored to be crazily out of proportion physically with a long face and gaunt features that made many Americans leery of voting for him until a brand new technology, still photography, captured an image of Lincoln that humanized him. In fact, Lincoln was quoted giving that initial photograph credit for his being elected president by saying “[the photograph] dispelled the opposition based on the rumors of my long, ungainly figure, large feet, clumsy hands, and long gaunt head; making me into a man of human aspect and dignified bearing.”

Each president has used their era’s technology for their own purposes to highlight their personal skills. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, for example, masterfully used the radio to speak to the American people during World War II and used his resonating voice to capture the hearts of Americans listening to his legendary “Fireside Chats.”

Sen. Barack Obama was able to skyrocket past Sen. Hilary Clinton to be chosen as the Democratic nominee for president by totally mastering the use of the latest technology to connect the world: social media.

From Lincoln’s photo to Obama’s tweets, technology has changed the world. What will the next political technology be? 3D political commercials? Online voting? Regardless of what’s next, the best way to connect is still the original: a good old-fashioned handshake.

 

The last bite….

Sunday, my family and I went to see Courtney perform in the newest Victory Belle show at the National World War II Museum, “A magical, musical Christmas show.” The show was great and had classics such as “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and “Silent Night” sung so beautifully that everyone wanted an encore. Before the show, we ate the brunch that was served by Chef John Besh’s American Sector Restaurant and included everything from prime rib and eggs benedict to cheese grits. However, my favorite was the sticky bread pudding! I give the meal served at the Victory Belle Christmas show 4 (out of 5) crumbs!

Buddy Boe, a resident of Garyville, owns a public relations and program management company and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes. His column appears Wednesdays in L’Observateur.