This Week in Politics & Digital: Rickrolls & Debt Woes

Even as the United States moves precariously close to defaulting on its national debt, its nice to know the White House still has enough time to Rickroll the nation (literally).

Of course, the debt debates are no laughing matter with Republicans and Democrats playing some political brinksmanship ahead of the August 2 deadline. With Washington focused on the debt, things have been a little quiet in the social universe. A recent survey released by the Congressional Management Foundation, however, shows just how important social media is for modern politicians. Read on to find out more and check out our weekly series look! ing at s tories in the intersection of digital technology and politics.

White House Rickrolls the Nation

This week, the White House launched a Twitter program called Office Hours to help the public understand the ongoing debt ceiling and deficit reduction negotiations. While packed with information, the material is understandably a little dry. So dry, in fact, one snarky user tweeted, This WH correspondence briefing isnt nearly as entertaining as yesterdays. The White House responded with the above tweet and a link to Rick Astleys Never Gonna Give You Up. For those unfamiliar with Rickrolling, the song is a bait and switch where a prankster promises a link which instead re-directs to Astleys video.

Its nice the White House can have a little fun and not take itself so seriously. The response might, however, lose some of its charm if the government then defaults.

Survey Reveals How Capitol Hill Views Social Media

A survey from the Congressional Management Foundation, a non-partisan non-profit, asked 260 congressional staffers just how important social media is in national politics. Facebook came in as the favored network with 74% of the senior managers and social media managers polled saying it was somewhat or very important for communication their Members views. YouTube came in a close second with 72%, and Twitter lagged behind with just 51% staffers saying it was an important! part of a Members communication strategy. There was also a clear age divide. Two-thirds of staffers under 30 felt social media was worthwhile, while only 32% of their colleagues 51 or older felt the same way. Still, 72% of those polled believed social media allowed their Members to reach people they previously had not.

Veterans Hold Virtual March on Washington

usa image Disabled American Veterans, the nations largest such group, held a virtual march on Washington this week to show its disproval of how the government is treating them in the debt talks, reported the Washington Post. Veterans took to Facebook for an online protest. Veterans, family members and supporters posted stories, updates and links, showing how to email local officials to notify them about the ways veteran benefits could change due to the debt talks.