(October 17, 2012) — Today, both presidential candidates are in one of the biggest political tug-of-wars of the 21st century. With their varying views on the economy, taxes, foreign relationships, separation of church and state and Obamacare, citizens of the United States are generally split between the two parties. This split among Americans has been brought over to the biggest frontier known: the Internet. History teacher Nick Doom sees the social media connection of candidates both as a potential problem for the public, as well as great in clarifying candidates’ ideals. “The Internet is changing the election in 24/7 news cycles,” Doom said. “There’s little time for analysis and everybody’s a critic [on the Internet]. Social media like Twitter allows the candidate to be more direct to the people. It reduces the power and influence of other people and allows the candidates to reach the public directly.” On Aug. 29, Pres. Obama posted an “Ask Me Anything” on the famous social news website, Reddit. Verified from the White House itself and his official Twitter, Obama answered users’ questions, including his personal opinion on the corrupting influence of money, the space program and marijuana legalization. Obama even got up-close-and-personal with fans, who asked him un-political questions such as “What is in Area 51?” or “What were you thinking when you first walked into the Oval Office as President?” Although Obama only answered questions for a few hours, several bloggers after this event said that Obama gave the impression that he was a down-to-earth president who cares about the American people. Meanwhile on Twitter, another battle is going on. Mitt Romney’s official Twitter (@MittRomney) has sent almost one million of his followers near-daily tweets talking about the inconsistency of Obama’s speeches, as well as other political subjects regarding the nation. Romney includes tweets about #ObamaFlexibility, and even tweeted to Obama’s official Twitter himself at times. But most strangely of all has been the use of Internet memes involving both candidates. The cleverness and cost-effectiveness of memes has clearly aided everyday Americans who wish to show support for their political party or their discontent for the other. One meme entitled “Good Guy Obama” shows the several good things that President Obama has done in his presidency, such as “Hated by Republicans – Gives them Health Care anyways” or “Starts one war – Ends two wars.” In contrast to Obama memes, some observers have noted that memes about Mitt Romney show more negative messages, with the sarcastic “Relatable Romney” compared to Good Guy Obama. The “Relatable Romney” meme features a photograph of Romney with outstretched arms portraying the candidate as an out-of-reach businessman who unsuccessfully tries to relate to the public. Overall, the clashes between supporters of both parties will continue until election day. Whether people choose to be loyal to a political party that they’ve always supported or wish to be influenced by the opinions of others, the elections are still up to the people in this changing generation of instant social-media. “It’s a new outreach,” says Doom. “We should not fear it, and it’s here to stay.”