Shawn Summers explains why he's a Republican on YouTube

Shawn Summers explains why he

Organizers of the Republican and Democratic national conventions held contests in which YouTube users were asked to answer the question: “Why are you a Republican or Democrat in 2008?” The winning videos, which will be played at some point during the respective conventions, were announced last week.

RNC attendees can look forward to seeing this video from Georgetown University freshman Shawn Summers, who goes by the handle jedimaster51090 on YouTube.



Summers won a ticket to the RNC in St.Paul and a day on the campaign trail with Republican presidential nominee John McCain. The same honor for the Democratic side went to Rich Peter, also known as richprince78.



YouTube parent company Google has been slowly but surely making its presence felt in the political world in both traditional and technological ways. The Internet giant has announced plans for an 8,000-square-foot workspace at the Democratic National Convention for bloggers and new-media Web sites. The “Big Tent” workspace will provide internet access, couches, massages and snacks.

The Wall Street Journal reports that similar arrangements have been planned for the RNC, but details have yet to be announced.

Not to be outdone, Google’s rival Microsoft has also rolled out its own innovations and contests for the RNC. Microsoft co-sponsored an essay contest for Minneapolis and St. Paul students in grades 7 through 12, asking them what the American flag means to them. High school freshman Victoria Blackstone of Roseville will lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the convention and also scored an Xbox for the effort.

Microsoft will also be placing several “digital concierges” to provide local resources for convention-goers using Microsoft Surface technology.