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Posts Tagged ‘YouTube’

Watch This: Smithsonian Call to Action – Voice Your Vision

In honor of Night at the Museum: battle of the Smithsonian – which I took my two boys to this weekend – check out:

Smithsonian: Call to Action – Voice Your Vision

Beth Krom for Congress – Mothers Day 2009 Message

A special Mothers Day 2009 message from former Irvine Mayor Beth Krom and her mother, Elaine Weinstein.

Learn more about Beth’s term as Mayor and her campaign to represent California’s 48th Congressional District at:

http://www.BethKrom.com

Or follower her campaign at http://twitter.com/Krom4Congress or http://www.facebook.com/people/Beth-K…

(And stay tuned at the end for some words from Beth’s three kids; Hershel, Noah and Abby!)

Gavin Newsom: The Humphrey Bogart of California Politics

Twitter user @SGourley on @GavinNewsom

Twitter user @SGourley raises an interesting point about search engines, public personas, and political aspirations by offering the instructions seen to the right.

Following those instructions (running a google image search on “gavin newsom“), you’re greeted with a number of views of the honorable Mayor of San Francisco: taking the oath of office, eating a reporter’s microphone (where’s the video of that one?), lounging with his former wife, smiling with his wonderful new bride, looking goofy in a T-Shirt, looking strong behind a podium, and – shall we say – looking amused in the “3rd Result” that @SGourley is focusing on.

Making Friends and Influencing People

@SGourley assumes that Newsom would want rid of such a picture.  But with Garry South – Newsom’s campaign guru (and a guru of mine) – talking up every reporter in his speed dial about Jerry Brown’s time in office (code for “the other guy’s old!”), maybe Newsom wants pictures like this out there.

Part of the allure of a candidate like Newsom (and even stick-in-the-mud Barack Obama) is that there’s a certain brash danger that comes with a handsome young leader.  The swagger.  The knowing smirk.  It’s like Humphrey Bogart is running for office; a drink in one hand, a smoke in the other, and a remit envelop in the inside pocket of his suit.

Decades earlier, Bogart likes what he sees.

In fact, the Newsom photo actually reminded me of a famous picture of Bogart.  Out on the town with Lauren Bacall, Bogie found himself face to – ahem – face with Marilyn Monroe.

Bogart’s got a few years on Newsom, and is playing it cooler…

…but there’s that look.

The handrolling of the cigarette is certainly more than any politician could ever muster, because of California’s modern smoking laws and the fact that there will only ever be one Humphrey Bogart.

Same eyeline...totally different meaning!

But, the look is the same.

Which brings me to of another famous photo from that era (and the moral of the story).  Sophia Loren and Jayne Mansfield.

The eyeline is the same, but the meaning is completely different.  I’m guessing Lauren Bacall laid the same look on Monroe just after this photo was taken.

And while a Google image search of Jennifer Siebel Newsom turned up no similar shot, take this as a word of warning.

Female Newsom supporters: you probably won’t get the Bogie look, but the Loren look is always right there in your face – or wherever.

UPDATED:  I took the time and tracked down a short clip of Newsom eating a reporter’s microphone mentioned above – a still of which appears in the “gavin newsom” image search @SGourley is talking about.  Oh Gavin, you cad!

David Plouffe or Mitch Stewart: Who’s more of a pill? (Watch and decide)

Organizing for America, the nationwide undertaking that picks up where the Obama campaign left off, has a video out today encouraging folks to join their Pledge Project in support of President Obama’s budget and program blueprint.

The video is in the stlye of Obama for America campaign manager David Plouffe’s frequent and popular webcam updates – right down to the compelling delivery.

Mitch Stewart, Director of the new OfA, hits all the thrilling Plouffe-ian notes:  The stoic, staid monotone.  The mind-nimbingly spartan slides.  Art direction consisting of Obama signs and maps on office walls.

Nothing like sticking to what works, eh?

So look at the video above and the one below and tell me, who’s more boring Plouffe or Stewart?  And does it matter if they continue to be so successful?

Young Progressive Majority Hosts Obama In Los Angeles


Usually, I consider myself in the loop about the comings and goings of President Obama in Los Angeles.  After all, I work for the campaign’s State Director for California, Mitchell Schwartz.  People count on me to know this stuff.

But somehow I missed the President holding an LA Town Hall with Obama.

Oh.  Wait.  Never mind.

Watching it again, I figured out that they were just cutting footage from the President’s first press conference together with footage of actors faking questions to him.  It’s really a GOTV piece from Young Progressive Majority for the Los Angeles elections taking place on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

So, check out Jordan Carlos, Lauren Weedman, Christopher Redman, Marguerite Moreau, Marty Dusig, Enuka Okuma, and Cara Pifko in a piece produced by Raul Gasteazoro & Luke Frydenger and directed by Bryan Carmel.

If you feel like reliving the magic of the real East Room press conference, here it is…

SF Chronicle: For Brown and Newsom, Age Is Just a Number (of Facebook friends)

A line of differentiation is appearing in the California Gubernatorial Primary.

It’s a generational line.

Emboldened by the hip young cat who brushed off claims of inexperience and won the White House, the exploratory campaign of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (Born: 1967) is making no bones about casting their main opponent – Attorney General Jerry Brown (Born: Before the Earth cooled) – as old…

“This will no doubt be the first governor’s race in California history – if not nationally – where one candidate sat on the other candidate’s lap as a little kid,” crows Newsom political consultant Garry South…  (San Francisco Chronicle)

…or out of touch:

“The question that I think Californians will have to come to grips with is, does California need the same governor in 2011 that it had in 1975?” said Newsom strategist Garry South.  (Los Angeles Times)

Oh, that Garry South.  Such a trouble maker.

Who knows if this line of attack works?  We’re not talking about John McCain here.  This is Jerry Brown – a very different opponent to label as old or out of touch.

That didn’t stop the Chronicle from looking for age spots on Brown’s campaign techniques:

Example: the dramatic disparity between Brown and Newsom on the social networking site, Facebook, a spectacularly successful fundraising and networking tool for President Obama’s campaign.

Newsom has launched an effort to raise “30,000 supporters in 30 days,” already amassing more than 25,000 contacts on his Facebook site, with 300-400 more signing up daily. Brown, son of the late Gov. Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, has less than 700 Facebook contacts.

The San Francisco mayor has used Facebook, Twitter, his Web site and blogs (on Daily Kos and Huffington Post) – all tools that appeal to younger voters – to attract hundreds of people around the state to town hall meetings in the past month.  (San Francisco Chronicle)

Here are a few bones I have to pick with this analysis…

First, recent Pew findings deflate the “internet is for young folks” myth:

Contrary to the image of Generation Y as the “Net Generation,” internet users in their 20s do not dominate every aspect of online life. Generation X is the most likely group to bank, shop, and look for health information online. Boomers are just as likely as Generation Y to make travel reservations online. And even Silent Generation internet users are competitive when it comes to email (although teens might point out that this is proof that email is for old people).  (Pew Internet and American Life Project)

Next, all of the candidates; Newsom, Brown, Garamendi and Villaraigosa are on Facebook.  You can also find Antonio, John, Jerry and Gavin on Twitter.  I’ve seen several of them as authors on prominent blogs, and all are tapping their respective email lists.

Finally, victory isn’t as simple as merely using the tools, or amassing high friend-counts on the SocNets.  It’s about establishing bi-directional communication, speaking in the language of the web (which changes daily), and showing something authentic to the online community’s magnificently well-honed bullshit detector.

Take the Facebook numbers cited in the Chronicle…

When his campaign launched this friendraiser, Newsom already had about 23,000 supporters banked.  In the two weeks since – with active outreach on Facebook and multiple blasts to their email lists – they’ve climbed to just over 27,000.  Growth of 4,000 (about 17%) over two weeks.  Not too shabby.

On the other hand, Jerry Brown had only 400 friends and change when he dropped his 25 Random Things list at the end of last week.  In the week since, Jerry has shot up to over 1,500 friends (over 350% growth) with little extra effort.  His novelty and authenticity also earned several earned media hits in meatspace.

The raw numbers are still very much on Newsom’s side, but Brown’s tapping of the meme-of-the-moment had a dramatic effect on the reach of his online community.  For that instant, it was Brown who was more fluent in the language of the web.

Online Organizing is not unlike Field Organizing; The Grind does matter.  But catching that imaginative spark – riding that wave of the internet zeitgeist – can supercharge you in bursts.

Staying open to those memes and turning those bursts into your Grind is how you dominate.

Ads from the 2009 Los Angeles City elections

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti was a vocal and early supporter of President Obama.  Now he’s brining that Obama-style change to Los Angeles.  Some friends of mine are actually hosting a fundraising event for Eric on the 24th.  RSVP for An evening with Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti on Facebook.

Councilmember Wendy Greuel is running for City Controller.  From the sound of this commercial we need some better oversight over the wacky spending going on at City Hall.  Sign up for activist action on the Wendy Greuel for Los Angeles City Controller Facebook page.

In the City Attorney race, Councilman Jack Weiss talks about his push to clear a backlog of rape kits that LAPD had yet to DNA test.

2007 California Democratic Convention – Volunteers

Volunteers prepare as conventioneers gather for the 2007 California Democratic Party State Convention.

John Pérez for Assembly – Campaign Launch

John A. Pérez launches his campaign for the California Assembly.

Watch This: The Gay Alphabet (HD)

You always knew there was something different about the alphabet.  Admit it.

We all had out suspicions, and now they can be put to rest.

The alphabet has come out of the closet in this new video: The Gay Alphabet.

Antonio Villaraigosa (Re)Launches Campaign Site (Not for Governor)

Next month, voters in Los Angeles will go to the polls and re-elect Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for a second term.

Sorry to burst your bubble, Zuma Dogg.

With all that campaigning left ahead of him, the Mayor has decided to tap these newfangled internets and do some of that online organizing that worked so well for our new President.

The bottom line is this: my site is your site. The slogan of this campaign is “bringing people together, getting things done,” and in the new world of online campaigning a website can provide just the place to make that happen. I hope you’ll join us there and get involved.  (from Villaraigosa email blast)

Check out his site: Antonio Villaraigosa for Los Angeles.

The Mayor is also encamped in the usual spots you see politicians these days:

Some cynics may question the utility of launching a campaign website so late in your election cycle.  Surely, it isn’t related to a certain 2010 race the Mayor is likely to enter.  This couldn’t possibly be just a warm up for a bigger campaign, right?

A Note About the Re-Runs

If you’re a reader or subscriber and are wondering why I’m posting clips from 2006 campaigns, here’s why:

At some point a while back, I decided to take YouTube up on it’s increased file size allowances and re-upload a number of clips from back in the day,  when there was a 100 MB limit.

I’m finally getting around to actually doing it.

Enjoy some oldies but (hopefully) goodies, like this piece from a Southern California tour with then-State Treasurer Phil Angelides – who is now emailing his ass off for the Apollo Alliance (which has nothing to do with Battlestar Galactica).

Funny Money – Rick Jacobs’ Courage Campaign Passes Counterfeit “Arnold Bucks”


Here’s the latest creative effort from our good friends at the Courage Campaign Issues Committee, calling attention to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sending Californinans IOU’s instead of much needed aid or tax refunds.

Many Californians are so overwhelmed by this paralyzing crisis that they’ve just tuned it out. As a result, Arnold is not being held accountable for his failure to lead.

That’s why we decided to try something a bit unorthodox — raise awareness by using humor to highlight the absurdity of these IOU’s, or what we are calling “Arnoldbucks.”

We asked one of our members to see what would happen if he tried to use “Arnoldbucks” as legal tender at a few businesses in the area. You won’t believe what happened. It’s all caught on camera — even a few security cams.

Know a friend who might need a laugh? Share this video with them, download your own Arnoldbucks below, then tell us your ideas.  (Courage Campaign: Arnold Bucks)

My favorite part: “The State of California would gladly pay you Tuesday for a cheeseburger today.”

Arnold can haz cheezburger?

Lt. Governor John Garamendi – Basque Barbecue

At the 31st Annual Basque Barbecue held at his ranch, California Lt. Governor John Garamendi talks about the importance of community and the need for all Californians – especially their representatives in Sacramento – to rise to the challenges we face in these trying times.

Angelides for Governor 2006

California State Treasurer Phil Angelides tours Southern California, sharing his plans if elected, during the 2006 gubernatorial race.

Obama for America – California Primary

Supporters of Senator Barack Obama’s campaign for President rally outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, CA in preparation for the pre-Super Tuesday debate between Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton.

Supporters of Senator Barack Obama’s campaign for President set out to make 100,000 phonebanking calls in a single day before the 2008 California Presidential Primary.

Indie 103.1 is Dead. Long live Indie 103.1

New logo for a new Indie 103.1 - now going all web-based

New logo for a new Indie 103.1 - now going all web-based

Driving to work this morning I was a little surprised to hear Sinatra’s My Way on Indie 103.1 FM.  Not too terribly surprised, mind you.  Free from the usual constrained playlists, Indie was capable of anything.

What followed the last trailing strings of the Anka-penned tune was very disheartening for me.  A promo that Indie 103.1 was leaving the radio dial and becoming an internet-only broadcaster.

I don’t know how this change will effect their revenues and budget, and worry that the array of hosts won’t stick around for web only broadcasting.   WIll this be goodbye to Jonesy, Rollins, and the other great jocks Indie has had picking and spinning records since going on the air a few years back?

Aside from losing a great voice for independent, new and local music on the Los Angeles airwaves; I always take stations changing formats hard.  I grew up around the radio business.  Since he was seventeen – not too long before I was born! – my dad has been a disc jockey. A station changing formats hits a radio station like a factory closing.  People and families who work there are thrust into a very uncertain situation.

So here’s the best to Indie 103.1 in its new incarnation, and to the staff and their families who will be effected by this change.  May Marconi smile down on you from the radio heavens.

I’ll leave you with an in studio acoustic performance by The TIng Tings on Indie 103.1 (including That’s Not My Name):

Behold! It’s Your Congress on YouTube

In a pair of advertising-free zones within the YouTube-iverse, your United State House and Senate are embarking on an adventurous new way of communicating with the American people.

Here’s how YouTube lays it out:

So, why are your elected leaders coming to YouTube? The short answer is: you. Your use of YouTube and other online platforms to speak up on political issues and hold your leaders accountable has shown just how powerful this medium can be. You’ve shown your elected officials that in order to be in contact with you, they need to come to the platforms you use most, and engage with you directly. (YouTube Blog)

The Introductory video is suffers a little from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s performance – if this video is Valkyrie, McConnell is Tom Cruise – but Reid, Pelosi and Boehner are game and do a good (albeit stiff) job of sharing the thinking behind this project.

I took a few minutes to check out some of the other clips, and one Member’s work surprised me.  Republican Representative Howard “Buck” McKeown, from California’s 25th Congressional District.

The good folks at TechPresident also took notice of the Man From Santa Clarita:

McKeon introduces his interns, legislative staff, and the person who will answer your call should you ask for information on a congressional tour. At one point, McKeon even turns the camera on his startled “new media guy” named Robert. It’s well worth a watch to see Hill staffers in their natural habitat.  (TechPresident)

What is it about Latter Day Saints officeholders that makes them such natural YouTube stars?  MittTV was a gem in the primaries, and now Buck McKeon (of all people!) is turning in interesting product in the sphere.

I may never watch a video with any of the congressional leadership again, but I’ll be keeping an eye on that Congressman directly to my north.  Sadly, I may be the only one…McKeon’s 13 videos (dating back seven months) total up to less than a thousand views; 862 at the time of my writing this.

Governor Schwarzenegger’s Hit Christmas Family Movie (but not Jingle All the Way)

The good folks at Courage Campaign Issues Committee (disclosure: I’ve done a bit of work for them) are making spirits bright…at the Governor’s expense.

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Robert in Monterey talks about the piece at Calitics:

The Courage Campaign, in partnership with Donkey on the Edge and with the support of Cheri and Naren Shankar, put together this video of Arnold’s “California Carol” – Arnold is visited by the ghosts of California past, present and future, showing him the error of his ways.

Unfortunately, California’s Ebenezer Scrooge isn’t going to have a Christmas morning change of heart and suddenly decide to provide funding for schools and health care. Not unless we the people demand that he stop cutting and start saving California by signing the Democratic budget deal.  (Calitics – Arnold’s Nightmare: A California Carol)

Lest ye forget, this is not the Governor’s first foray into holiday entertainment.  As bad as the situation is in Sacramento, do we really want him going back to this…

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More Holiday Season Charitable Videos

Earlier this morning I posted a pair of videos from the Advent Conspiracy and TOMS Project Holiday.  Those are just two of the many videos looking for more meaningful giving during the holidays:

Already done your part for those less fortunate? You can help spread the joy of giving through the Vlogbrothers’ Project for Awesome. All you have to do to participate is create a video about your favorite charity or cause and encourage the YouTube community to support it. The Vlogbrothers have even have promised to donate $1000 to the charity that inspires the best video – so get to work!  (YouTube Blog)

Here’s the Project for Awesome clip mentioned at YouTube:

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Have you seen any effective, moving, or powerful calls to action this season?

Advent Conspiracy, TOMS Project Holiday and the Spirit of Christmas

I usually say, “Videos = Votes” (but not today)

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There’s a mantra I repeat, beating it like a drum (some would say a dead horse): Videos = Votes

Tonight I’m singing a different tune…a Christmas Carol, no less.

As we’re being urged to shop our way out of a recession, the Advent Conspiracy Promo Video above and the TOMS Project Holiday video below are reminders of how  small gestures (by American holiday standards) can make a world of difference elsewhere.

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Clean water.

A pair of shoes.

Simple things that would elicit false smiles and hollow thanks here, but reflect the real spirit of the season.

YouTube – Norma Torres for Assembly Volunteers Canvass

YouTube – Norma Torres for Assembly Volunteers Canvass.

YouTube – Gavin Newsom on Prop 8 – The Fight Continues

YouTube – Gavin Newsom on Prop 8 – The Fight Continues.

YouTube – Inside the Transition: Energy & Environment Policy Team

YouTube – Inside the Transition: Energy & Environment Policy Team.