The New York Times has come up with a nifty online feature — a presidential debate analyser that allows you to see word-by-word what the candidates at this week’s GOP presidential debate said about what, and how many times.
It’s worth a look. Those looking for statements by the contenders on Internet or telecommunications policy, however, are likely to be disappointed. A few quick searches reveal that — although this was bill as an economic policy debate — anything having to do with digital world seems absent. “Telecommunications”? 0 mentions. “Net neutrality”? Not there. Television? Surprisingly absent. FCC? Mentioned only once, by the moderator, Chris Matthews.
The word “Internet” was mentioned six times, after Matthews asked Rudy Giuliani how he would police the Internet culturally. He stated firmly that he wouldn’t tax the Internet (reassuring, but not really responsive), and indicated broadly that existing laws should be sufficient to police child predators and the like. Matthews persisted, asking directly whether we need a new, FCC-style agency for the Internet. Oddly, Giulianai hedged a bit on that, hinting that maybe he would if things got “worse.” Kudos to John McCain, who seemed to practically chew through his microphone at that point to say his answer was “absolutely not.”
There’s also an analyser for the September 26 Democratic debate. Internet mentions there? Zero.
The Times analyzer is a fascinating gizmo, even if the content isn’t encouraging.
The Technology Liberation Front is the tech policy blog dedicated to keeping politicians' hands off the 'net and everything else related to technology.