Monday, March 19, 2007

Apple and George Orwell meet Senators Clinton and Obama - 3.19.2007.1

Have you seen the latest news on Senator Obama’s campaign? The power of the internet and besieged Youtube is shining at the moment. If you haven’t heard about it, an ad is circulating on Youtube that is essential the groundbreaking Apple Computer ad from the 1980’s, modified slightly.

This new ad replaces the old imagery with comments made by Senator Hillary Clinton, as drones blithely watch. The savior is a woman, now wearing an Obama t-shirt that breaks the screen freeing the masses while enforcer/police are racing to catch up. The original ad was a stunning re-imagining of the book 1984. If you haven’t read that book you’ve missed a great read. It’s relevance is probably stronger today than ever in the past.

It’s a sharp look at Senator Clinton, and to a degree all democrats. It highlights the vacuum between what some politicians are saying, and what they have actually done. And it brings up the soundbite methodology and poll driven commentary many in the Presidential race are using today.

Whether Senator Obama is the right choice or not isn’t exactly the question. The fact that politicians expect blind obedience is. I’m interested to see what might be the response from the Senator Clinton camp.

For those who are wondering, so far Senators Clinton and Obama are tied for the lead in my poll. The poll includes individuals from virtually every age and sex from 18 to 65, in pretty even numbers. Senator McCain is in a close second. Given is the fact that the numbers are low so far.

I’m not huge on taking polls myself, but this one is only 6 quick questions. I’m interested in seeing what more of you my readers think. I’m especially interested after this ad. While I’m sure more will vote in 2008, I’m looking forward to these early indications. It’s especially interesting as there has still been no reply from any candidate to my letters sent (which can be found at Presidential Letters) and none of the candidates have actually given firm positions they stand for. Lots of talk about they like this or hate that, comments about changing this, but not one firm plan or position on the how or details.

Perhaps that’s why they haven’t responded to my simple but important question? They are afraid to take a stance? Perhaps they all don’t want to really wake up the masses, as the Youtube ad suggest? Why not ask them why they won’t respond to me. And let me see your thoughts on the poll.

You can’t complain about what you get if you don’t ask questions.

This is what I think, what do you think?

No comments: