Google's rising interest and influence over presidential politics

Monday on Future Tense (RealAudio - MP3 - iTunes), Andrew Resiej of TechPresident.com talked about Google/YouTube's forays into the 2008 election cycle.

Here's more evidence that the tech powerhouse wants to extend its influence. It's started a public policy blog that's taking on several controversial issues, including network neutrality.

Here's what Google's chief public policy guy, Andrew McLaughlin, says about the new blog:

At the beginning of 2005, I was Google's lone public policy guy. Today, there's a bigger – and growing - team of us scattered around the world, working on issues like privacy, child online safety, copyright and trademark protection, content regulation, reform of the patent system, and broadband policy. These issues are fundamental to the future of the Internet (and of the individuals it empowers), and are increasingly prominent on the agendas of policymakers worldwide.

We're seeking to do public policy advocacy in a Googley way. Yes, we're a multinational corporation that argues for our positions before officials, legislators, and opinion leaders. At the same time, we want our users to be part of the effort, to know what we're saying and why, and to help us refine and improve our policy positions and advocacy strategies. With input and ideas from our users, we'll surely do a better job of fighting for our common interests.

The blog features videos of recent appearances at Google HQ by presidential candidates John McCain and John Edwards, and possible candidate Michael Bloomberg. Here's that video: