You Tube politics

There have been a number of articles written in recent days about the effect on You Tube on politics.

It stems from a foot-in-mouth moment for Sen. George Allen, R-Virigina, who used a racially insensitive term at a campaign event. Cameras were rolling and it didn't take long for this clip to circulate around the world and more importantly in political circles.

The lesson for candidates at all levels: watch what you say. You never know when a camera is rolling or a microphone is open. Allen's comments will likely be long forgotten by the time voters decide whether he's worthy to be president. But the landmine is there for some candidate to really get caught in a Trent Lott moment.

Missouri's video watchdogs are on the prowl as well. A number of clips with Sen. Jim Talent and Claire McCaskill are available on You Tube. Search for your favorite politician -- you just might find them.

MSNBC took a tounge-in-cheek look at this phenomenon Monday night.