This is already a noticeable trend. Politics are likely to lose some of their local focus. Kissing babies and holding signs or wearing buttons will become increasingly rare as politicians deal with constituents via the Web. We already know that fewer workers will be necessary as we leave the paper chase behind us. We also know that the skill-level of employees will need to be much higher.
Political scientists working in, and trying to preserve, a democracy have to care about it.
Linda Larson is a freelance writer who has studied journalism at the Harvard University Extension School.