How did techology change the power of the presidency?

Answer 1

One of the first uses of technology in the office of president was the use of the radio by FDR on his weekly addresses. TV completely changed elections with the first TV debate between JFK and Nixon. JFK looked young and fresh while Nixon was sweating and nervous. When JFK was killed his funeral was on TV for several days ( there were only 3-4 channels then) and the pictures of his wife and children made a real impact on the nation. The broadcasting of the Vietnam War every night on the news affected the view of war as well as the presidency. Add civil rights marches and the riots of the Democratic convention and the TV did affect policy. Two more deaths made the same impact with MLK and Bobby Kennedy killed within 2-3 months of each other. The next major event that technology affected the presidency was Watergate. I think Watergate changed the view of the office of the president forever. The fact that Nixon was heard on tape sending the burglars into the Watergate building took care of his term of office. An interview with David Frost where he stated that a president was above the law was the final straw. Now, the office of the president wasn't honored nor considered honest. The use of the internet has added its own affect on the presidency and with Trump using Twitter to make policy and decisions as well as going after people he doesn't like has not added to the office of the president. This use of technology hasn't added to the dignity of the office of the president. The 45 men who have sat in the Oval Office have managed to ( for the most part) maintain the highest level of dignity and respect for the office. Washington set an example of how a man in the office of the president should conduct himself.