High-tech campaigns: computer technology in political communication // Review

For Canadians, the concerns evidenced with regard to the impact of the new directions on the political parties and democratic process may not be quite as serious as [Selnow] paints them. The separation of powers and traditional lack of discipline in the American national parties have always created a less focused system than that to which we are accustomed with our more centralized and disciplined national parties. Still one should not become complacent about the impact of technology which after all has universal implications. As one reads Selnow's concerns for the future of the democratic process, one is reminded of Lord Hewart's prescient book of the 1930s, The New Despotism, admonishing us of the perils for the democratic process of delegated legislation. Systemic considerations aside, Selnow's concerns deserve serious study by all interested in the electoral process and the future of our democratic systems, especially as related to the role of the media therein.