The other day I was thinking about what technologies would be appropriate and useful if I were a successful politician (as opposed to being a successful math major). I would want to be as transparent as possible, but what technology would allow me to do that best?

The impetus for this was the fact that I don't trust the American media. You know they're really reaching when they just run AP articles and original articles cite blogs as sources of information. Weak sauce, American media! If I were a politician, I think I would like to open up more direct communication with the public, and dismiss the American media almost entirely. Big Media would tell the public that I'm anti-press (a charge that should cause people to pause for a moment; the United States is currently ranked 53rd in the 2006 Press Freedom Index thanks to the Bush administration).

The problem would end up being, how would a person effectively deal with stupid people drowning out intelligent debate? In a forum environment, signal could easily be lost in the noise of people arguing back and forth with "Kurt's awesome!" and "No he isn't!"

I guess that wouldn't be much of an argument, but I'm sure you take my meaning.

The point is, I think it's a worthwhile exercise to tackle how best to let people ask questions and debate without getting lost in the sheer volume of discussion a major politician could generate. A blog without commenting enabled (as some politicians have) doesn't cut it in my mind. Any ideas?