Here's an example:
"If you hate what republicans have done to governing, if you can't stand their views on women's issues, or the minimum wage, or immigration, or diversity, or the environment... if you think we need to repair our bridges and roads and schools, and hold corporations accountable, if you think government ought to serve the people rather than the rich and connected, then you need to think about voting. Seriously. Think about voting. It's the most important thing a citizen can do."
People could submit scripts and the Kos staff could choose one or two to promote creatively. An voice only ad could be placed in radio and similar audio contexts, and a video could be produced for tv, cable and web placement.
Have some fundraisers, submit some to friendly organizations to possibly partner with, and let's begin strategizing where to place the ads to maximize the get out the vote actions this fall.
The commitment and creativity among the Kos community runs deep and wide. Clearly, the issues mentioned in the above 30 second spot enjoy a strong consensus here.
A friendly ad contest with some well managed follow through could help stir voters off their couches and into the voting booths, even with the snark it would likely generate here...
We could have a collective brainstorm as to where to place the ad(s). Say maybe public radio or pandora or college radio station websites, etc. And timing - each state has it's own registration deadlines - in strategic districts and states, there might be a coordinated effort in the weeks just before the registration deadline, with a second effort just before election day.
It seems the emphasis ought to be simply and straightforwardly on voting itself, especially where demographics tell us that turnout is key.
If we could get some friendly fundraisers on board, this could be a truly national effort, hatched here in the community at Kos...
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I agree with the commenter below who said we need to target our constituencies, especially those most likely to vote for progressive candidates and causes. Trends are that progressive causes are in the ascendancy these days, and the more voice given them the better, through as many media outlets and organizations as possible. The rising tide lifts all boats metaphor is useful here, since issues like the next Supreme Court seat(s) and the minimum wage and voting rights are on the line. Clearly a progressive oriented congress is within reach if the democrats and their friends put their best messages and strategies into vigorous play.
If Daily Kos actively promoted (for instance) a YouTube contest (as suggested by another commenter below), with a YouTube channel managed by a Kos administrator, with some sort of prize for whichever video gets the most clicks by the end of the day on November 4, and some monthly recognition for jury favorites, and entry invited beyond Kos membership, even from ad agencies and professional artists, this could pick up some great momentum. (Remember the Black-Eyed Peas "Yes We Can" video back in 2008. Their video going viral juiced the race that year like no other video I can recall. While we might only dream of such artistry this time out, we won't find out if we don't try.)
With some fundraising and hiring an appropriate ad agency for primaries and the general, we could collectively make a considerable difference. If a few generous benefactors were to provide the prize money and administrative costs, this contest could be up and running within a month. The earlier the better.
I'm not personally a video guy, but would welcome the partnering to produce video to go with my suggested script as an example. Others might like to team up to create their own similar partnerships to advance the cause.
Creative activism is clearly one avenue to raise the bar on what's possible in this fall's pivotal turnout contest. Why not have some fun with it?