To the Point
'Kony 2012' and Youth Activism
A video that’s gone viral claims that massive "awareness" can bring down a brutal African warlord who kidnaps children. We look at its appeal and why it might be counter-productive.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenThe video Kony 2012 has gone viral with lightning speed, with the claim that massive "awareness" can bring down a brutal African warlord who kidnaps children. We look at the source of the half-hour production's appeal and why it might be counter-productive. Also, talks between President Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron are clouded by events in Afghanistan. On Reporter's Notebook, increased gasoline prices may be damaging President Obama's poll ratings, but does any president have the power to make a difference?
Banner image: Screen grab from Kony 2012, in which Jason Russell talks with his son, Gavin, about Joseph Kony
In this episode
3 storiesObama-Cameron Talks Clouded by Events in Afghanistan
British Prime Minister David Cameron is visiting the White House today, after he and President Obama co-authored a Washington Post op-ed piece promising to stand fast in Afghanistan.
Read the story7 minCan a Viral Video Change the World?
Kony 2012 went online just a week ago, and it's already chalked up 76 million views on You Tube, raising more than $10 million.
Read the story36 minWhat Can Presidents Do about High Gas Prices?
Despite improvements in employment and the economy, President Obama's poll ratings are slipping again. Is it the increasing cost of gasoline? Gas prices can make a big difference in presidential campaigns. Just ask Jimmy Carter. As prices soar toward $4 a gallon, Newt Gingrich claims he can bring them down to $2.50.
Read the story8 min
