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Spanish Voters Hit YouTube

Hundreds query candidates, but site's influence still uncertain

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 20, 2008 10:28 AM CST

(Newser) – It's not only in the US that Internet video is changing politics: Ahead of Spain's neck-and-neck March 9 election hundreds of voters have posted questions for Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and his opponent on YouTube. Zapatero has responded to several, Reuters reports, but the more strident—such as the transvestite berating the conservative challenger on gay marriage—have gone unanswered.

Zapatero's Socialists hold a thin lead in polls that have been unreliable in the past. In 2004, the Madrid train bombings helped Zapatero sweep to victory, but this year, the BBC writes, the key issue is the economy: After 14 years of growth, Spain is starting to sputter. Zapatero, who has never lost an election, remains the favorite, but barely.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Supporters of Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero waves flags during a Spanish Socialist Party rally in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. Spain's general elections... (Associated Press)

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero gestures during a Spanish Socialist Party rally in Pamplona, northern Spain, on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. Spain's general elections are on March 9. (AP... (Associated Press)

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The transvestite Patricia gives her opinion on Spain's legalization of gay marriage. (PATOPATRICIA (YouTube))

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Spanish Voters Hit YouTube