I don't know if there are specific rules against writing about the activities of an organization that DailyKos is associated with, so I present this to the readership with the hope that I am not breaking any rules. I'd also like to disclaim that I am not a staff member at MoveOn.org or a judge of or one of the 15 finalists for their "Obama in 30 Seconds" contest.
All of that being said, I thought I would share my feelings as to some of the ads. If you haven't had a chance to take a peek at the finalists, I urge you to head over there now. The range of perspectives on the significance of Sen. Barack Obama's candidacy is truly mind-boggling. Who could have predicted that this once obscure politician would have such a profound effect on massive numbers of people? Certainly not I.
Because I was so impressed by the creativity of and inspiration in these ads, I was compelled into making my first donation to MoveOn.org. One of these advertisements deserves to be aired on television, so I hope others who have not yet made a contribution will be encouraged to donate to the cause as I have.
Here are the finalist videos that caught my eye. I personally believe that more than one should make it to broadcast, but I don't know if MoveOn intends on airing any beyond the winning ad. I definitely don't envy the judges! They have their work cut out for them.
"Come Together" by More Dust Than Digital. What I like about this one: various people are seen working on seemingly insignificant smaller pieces of art and then they bring these various pieces together to create a bigger, stronger and clearer picture. People bringing ideas to the table to come up with a solid solution. This is a definite embodiment of the Obama coalition.
"Spell Change" by Kris Schackman. What I like about this one: it just seems like a bunch of people standing about in Union Square, and then the next thing you know, they start moving into place to spell change--OBAMA. I love this one, but I don't know how it would play on TV. What I want to know how they coordinated all of those people!
"Imagine" by Meg Pinsonneault. What I like about this one: Claymation! This is another creative ad that touches upon the important issues: clean energy, education, affordable healthcare, and improving the job market and international relations sans war. I can see this one on TV. I think it would rightly fit into some day timeslot.
"Join Me" by John Duerler and Blake Adams. What I like about this one: Here is a pick-up driving guy (nice touch!) from Small Town, USA, who believes that the Republicans have made Americans safer from terrorism. That statement is debatable, but it is effective because there are people who believe this. That belief notwithstanding, this guy now plans to "vote my conscience...be faithful to my values." I think this kind of ad would work in Republican strongholds. I can see this one on TV as well. "Obamacan" by David Gaw and Lance Mungia is similar to this one.
"Playground Politics" by Diane Paragas. What I like about this one: a bunch of kids on the playground are yelling at each other. They are comprised of two teams--red and blue. One member of the blue team (Obama) breaks away from his teammates and extends a hand to a member of the red team. A relutant red team member takes his hand and this leads to both teams ending their fighting to play together. "A new kind of politics" indeed. This one is my absolute favorite. Who can pass up an advertisement with kids in it?
There are other very good ads among the final 15 that are deserving of recognition. Unfortunately, only one will be crowned victor. Kudos to all who participated in such an innovative campaign, and respect to MoveOn for launching it.
This presidential campaign has certainly been the first of many things. I can only imagine the kind of envy the other candidates must be experiencing over this "Obama movement" and all of the attention he has been receiving. I had never donated to any political campaign prior to this race, but due to Barack Obama's campaign style and encouragement from the dkos community, I became a first time candidate contributor. Since then, I can't seem to stop donating! It's a terrible addiction.
So while we celebrate our candidate receiving nine superdelegate endorsements today, point out the ills of John McCain, and lament about Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign tactics, let us not lose sight of what is at stake in this election and why we support Obama.
Peace.