Found this interesting presentation given by Rahaf Harfoush, who runs a new media consulting firm in Toronto, and worked on the Obama campaign in Chicago. She breaks down Obama’s new media strategy, which has clearly emerged as the difference-maker in the last election:
Can’t help but wonder how (or if) our Canadian politicians might learn from these strategies in the impending election (we’ll definitely have one in 2009).
In related news, David Plouffe, a.k.a one of the mastermind’s behind Obama’s campaign strategy was recently in Toronto. It seems like he’s making the speaking circuit rounds, doing early promotions for his yet-to-be-written book on the campaign. If we aren’t all already sick of hearing about the 2008 election (for the record, I’m clearly o.k with analyzing it to death), we will be soon!
Speaking of Coulter, according to this Slate article on media divas who refuse to appear alongside other pundits, she is the most objectionable personality in the business. Gee, I wonder why.
And since we’re on the subject of media personalities, CNN medical reporter Sanjay Gupta is apparnetly one of the leading candidates for Obama’s surgeon general job. This real-life McDreamy was named as one of People’s 100 sexiest men in 2003. Gawker says it best: “Obviously Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, is the big loser here.” Really though, if any TV personality should have this job, my vote goes to House.
(Also hilarious- Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers roasting him on weekend update last night.
I can’t find that so I’m going to put up this slightly less funny skit:
Best line: “Maybe not to Illinois, but if you were the Governor of any other state, you’d be a disgrace to that state.”)
Just when I thought Canada was catching up in terms of political craziness, the US decides to up the ante. You really can’t make this stuff up!
For those of you who haven’t read it, you can find the full text of Blagojevich’s affidavit here. The best part is when Blagojevich’s wife makes a guest appearance:
During the call, ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s wife can be heard in the background telling ROD BLAGOJEVICH to tell Deputy Governor A “to hold up that fucking Cubs shit. . . fuck them.” ROD BLAGOJEVICH asked Deputy Governor A what he thinks of his wife’s idea. Deputy Governor A stated that there is a part of what ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s wife said that he “agree[s] with.” Deputy Governor A told ROD BLAGOJEVICH that Tribune Owner will say that he does not have anything to do with the editorials, “but I would tell him, look, if you want to get your Cubs thing done get rid of this Tribune.” Later, ROD BLAGOJEVICH’s wife got on the phone and, during the continuing discussion of the critical Tribune editorials, stated that Tribune Owner can “just fire” the writers because Tribune Owner owns the Tribune.
As dubious as this guys actions clearly were, you have to wonder if this is really any different than what politicans usually do behind closed doors. Actually, it’s not so different from what our beloved PM is doing to fill the vacant senate seats. Let’s just hope he’s not promising any tax breaks.
Also, it’s questionable what exactly Blagojevich can actually be convicted for. Legal experts seem to be divided over exactly what they can charge him with- other than conspiracy to sell the senate seat. If they had waited until after an exchange of goods, they could’ve pegged him for something more serious. Clearly these guys don’t watch the Wire- you have to wait until after the act’s done to go in for the kill.
Following up with my earlier post about the Obama youth movement, here’s a telling graphic from Andrew Gelman. Notice the massive drop-off in youth support for the Republican party. The GOP base has always been older- but the y/y change is very telling. I wonder if there will be a greater emphasis on trying to win back some of these youth votes, in the future. Barring a massive change in party ideology, this seems unlikely considering the Republican’s social conservatism is diametrically-opposed with the beliefs of most youth (e.g. young voters believe 2 to 1 in gay rights). It’d be difficult to capture young voters without losing the “traditional base.” Although, perhaps that’s exactly what this party needs…
Alright, now that I’ve filled my sap quota for the year, it’s back to business. Tons to comment on from the last couple of days:
1. McCain’s concession speech was gracious and classy. [His crowd, however, was not.] If we had seen more of this McCain during the campaign, I can’t help but think the race would’ve been closer. I thought Obama’s acceptance speech was decidedly somber- perhaps, a little more so than necessary. I can see where he was coming from though- resetting his sky high expectations is probably a good move.
2. Although Obama’s election essentially symbolizes a historic new chapter in the civil rights movement, the victory was bittersweet. On the same night American’s elected its first black president, Californian’s passed proposition 8, banning gay marriage. This is a sad and disappointing development- one that certainly mars the euphoria of yesterday’s proceedings. The irony of the situation is almost unbearable: exit polls show that African American’s voted overwhelmingly for the proposition (70%). One would think there would be more empathy between two groups, who have fought long and hard against against discrimination and marginalization. “All me are created equal.” I suppose some are just more equal than others.
3. Obama’s victory has to belong, at least in part, to young people. Early reports show that the voter turnout among the 18-24 demographic was between 50-55%- a record high. 2/3 of this crowd voted for Obama, which apparently constituted 11% of his vote. These are massive numbers, and should quell all the silly nonsense about today’s youth being less engaged than our previous generations. Clearly, we’ve found more efficient ways to organize and voice our political views than protesting on the streets. Obama’s campaign underscores the fact that today’s youth aren’t an apathetic generation. We just need more leaders to recognize this fact.
4. I’m not really sure how to feel about the McCain-Palin infighting. As entertaining as it is to hear that Palin didn’t know Africa was a continent, it seems a bit unfair to put all the blame of Mccain’s loss on her. The simple fact is that McCain (and his aides) CHOSE her… not the other way around. No, they could never have predicted just how poor her performance would be, but they clearly have to share in that blame for not vetting her more thoroughly. All in all, the future of the GOP has to be in shifting away from crazy right-wing ideologues back to the fundamental principles of fiscal conservatism.
5. Obama hits the ground running, giving the White House Chief of Staff position to Rahm Emanuel. By all accounts, this guy is abrasive, aggressive and kind of a jerk…exactly the kind of person Obama is not (coincidentally, Emanuel’s brother is apparently the Hollywood agent Entourage’s Ari Gold is modeled after). I’m excited to see who else ends up in his cabinet and feel as though Colin Powell will probably be rewarded for his eloquent endorsement. I’ve actually been very impressed by the “get down to business” attitude his campaign is exuding.
So it’s official: America has overwhelmingly vomited on the Bush-Cheney doctrine, electing Obama in a landslide (349-142).
I can’t remember the last time I felt so emotionally invested in a political outcome (sad, considering I couldn’t even vote in this one). Watching yesterday’s coverage felt both surreal and historical. Even the morning after, the pall of giddiness has yet to wear off. Although I know that Obama’s not Superman, nor “the One,” it was nice to believe for a few minutes that he could be. It’s one of those moments that restores my faith in the non-deterministic nature of life- anything can happen. This was a long-time coming and the perfect climax to what has been a grueling, albeit entertaining campaign.
