Hillary 1984 'Think Different' Obama video

youtube ^ | 3/17/07

[finnman69]

this is going to leave a mark. Pretty creative. But Howard Wolfson is going to unleash the Guns of Navarone on Obama in response.

[finnman69]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h3G-lMZxjo

[SevenofNine]

Monk get in here

[BenLurkin]

As if an Obama regime would be any less left-facist that a Hillary regime...

[bannie]

I wish they'd call it "Think DifferentLY."

[finnman69]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/18/MNGHNONEPS1.DTL&feed=rss.news

Political video smackdown
'Hillary 1984': Unauthorized Internet ad for Obama converts Apple Computer's '84 Super Bowl spot into a generational howl against Clinton's presidential bid

It may be the most stunning and creative attack ad yet for a 2008 presidential candidate -- one experts say could represent a watershed moment in 21st century media and political advertising.

Yet the groundbreaking 74-second pitch for Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, which remixes the classic "1984" ad that introduced Apple computers to the world, is not on cable or network TV, but on the Internet.

(To see the video, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h3G-lMZxjo)

And Obama's campaign says it had absolutely nothing to do with the video that attacks one of his principal Democratic rivals, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Indeed, the ad's creator is a mystery, at least for now.

The compelling "Hillary 1984" video recently introduced on YouTube represents "a new era, a new wave of politics ... because it's not about Obama," said Peter Leyden, director of the New Politics Institute, a San Francisco-based think tank on politics and new media. "It's about the end of the broadcast era."

But some say the ad is just the latest attempt by outside activists to influence political campaigns -- or the newest way for campaigns to anonymously attack their opponents.

The video is a sophisticated new take on director Ridley Scott's controversial Apple ad that caused shock waves with its premiere during the 1984 Super Bowl, and shows the same blond young female athlete running with a sledgehammer toward a widescreen -- where an ominous Big Brother figure drones to a mass of zombielike followers.

But this time, the woman is wearing an iPod -- and has her candidate's slogan on her chest. And the Big Brother -- whose image she defiantly smashes with a wave of her sledgehammer -- is Clinton, the Democratic presidential front-runner.

The tagline for the attack: "On Jan. 14, the Democratic primary will begin. And you'll see why 2008 won't be like 1984."

An updated Apple symbol -- transformed into an O -- is followed by the dramatically emerging logo: BarackObama.com.

Veteran San Francisco ad man Bob Gardner, whose work has included political campaigns for former President Gerald Ford, said the video is "very powerful" in its efforts to call for a generational change in politics.

"It puts Hillary spouting cliche nonsense to the drones -- while a fresh face breaks through," he says. "It's old versus new."

That theme -- reflecting a generational change in the relationship between media, politics, candidates and voters -- suggests that "Hillary 1984" could have the iconic power with the 21st century political generation that another classic political ad called "Daisy" represented to Baby Boomers, says Leyden. That 1964 spot for President Lyndon Johnson -- featuring images of a child plucking a daisy, which morphed ominously into a nuclear mushroom cloud -- battered GOP presidential candidate Sen. Barry Goldwater because it, too, portrayed "a shattering of the whole world" in both political leadership, and media.

Bill Burton, a spokesman for Obama, said he is aware of the "Hillary 1984" video and has gotten calls from reporters on it -- but he insisted that the campaign is not connected to it. "It's somebody else's creation," he said, declining to comment on the ad's biting content.

Burton said he doesn't know who created the spot, but it shows "there is a lot of energy for Sen. Obama on the Web, in communities all over the country ... and frankly, that energy will manifest itself in a lot of ways."

But in the weeks since its early March debut, the expertly created video remix -- called a mashup in blogosphere circles -- has "changed the zone" between political campaigns, their followers and the Internet, said Simon Rosenberg, president of the Washington-based New Democrat Network, an influential party advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.

With presidential campaigns now poised to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising that will blanket television before November 2008, this seemingly home-produced video -- created with software and a laptop, and likely without the benefit of a team of expensive political consultants -- opens a new window, Rosenberg said. It has dramatized a brave new world in which passionate activists outside the structure of traditional campaigns have the power to shape the message -- even for a presidential candidate.

The ad is proof that "anybody can do powerful emotional ads ... and the campaigns are no longer in control," Rosenberg said. "It will no longer be a top-down candidate message; that's a 20th century broadcast model."

It also dramatizes that today, political activists with the Internet as their ammunition have gone from being "just donors to the cause," he said, "to being partners in the fight. And they don't have to wait for permission."

But while the medium is clearly more grassroots, political campaigns have not been averse to having an outside or independent voice -- witness the efforts of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in the 2004 presidential race against Democratic Sen. John Kerry -- delivering ads that are tougher and meaner than the candidates might launch on their own.

Eric Jaye, a San Francisco political consultant and key adviser to Mayor Gavin Newsom, said the sophisticated "Hillary 1984" effort is the "best example yet" of a crop of viral videos that have blossomed on the Internet over the past 18 months.

But Jaye predicted such efforts are bound to become attractive tools for political campaigns, which will "orchestrate these videos on the down low to communicate negative messages -- without having to own them in public."

Jaye noted that Obama's campaign -- even as it insists it has no connection to the production -- reaps a clear benefit from the mashup video: "They get to call Hillary Clinton a pabulum-spewing pseudo-fascist, without having to own it."

And he says the individual viral video efforts popping up on the Internet, however creative, come with risk for political campaigns -- especially presidential runs, where nuance and caution usually win out over edginess when it comes to shaping messages that appeal to wide swaths of voters

"They tend to be more entertaining -- but they tend to be nastier. You used to have a series of apologies for what campaign bloggers said. Now you have to have a series of apologies for what people with a video camera and software editing and a laptop do."

Still, Jaye said, there's a clear benefit in the energy such efforts create.

"If people take the time to make a campaign ad, it helps generate more excitement, more laughs. It's fresher," he said. "But it also generates more issues. You have people making ads you don't authorize."

Gardner said the success of "Hillary 1984" means that now "every candidate will have to worry about some guy with a video camera and a Mac being able to do whatever he or she wants."

At the Obama campaign, he added wryly, "they are probably calling their consultant and saying, 'Why couldn't you guys come up with something as brilliant?' "

[Volunteer]

I want my Somma!

[webstersII]

Hillary as Big Sister.

Very cool!

They should have added in the part where she says, "we are going to take things away from you for the Common Good".

[mylife]

L0L

Barak is out slicking her. Where is he getting his money?

Steven Jobs had to sign off on this if its for real

[pinz-n-needlez]

:-)

[DeusExMachina05]

Guess the war room 1992 style aint working so well is it Carville and Begala???

[Paine's Ghost]

Let them tear each other to shreads. I just hope we find another Reagan(that is willing to run) soon.

[Aria]

Am I imagining things? I thought our very own MiaT did that video.

[Crawdad]

She should have thrown an ashtray at the screen.

[avacado]

So Obama is trying to steal Hillary's sheep?

[indianrightwinger]

Come on....Root for Hill to be the candidate from the DUmmy side. Obama + MSM could be dangerous, even though he is useless as well all know.

[Star Traveler]

I did this post on another similar thread. Since not everyone may be familiar with all the background, I'm posting it here, too...

---

Well..., this is such a great ad, on so many levels, that the Obama camp should run it nationally (but I don't think they will...).

So, to understand it, you first have to understand where this ad came from. This is basically (and about 100%) -- the 1984 Apple Macintosh Computer "introduction" SuperBowl Ad. See it here --

http://www.uriahcarpenter.info/1984.html

http://www.uiowa.edu/~commstud/adclass/1984_mac_ad.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_(television_commercial)

That's the *background* as to where the commercial came from. You have to understand the "thinking" there -- first -- before understanding the thinking from the "Obama camp".

Back then, it was "Big Blue," the IBM juggernaut, supposedly to take over "the world of mindless automatons" (users of computers) by their rigid, top-town, controlling mentality. Little did they (or we) know (at that time) that this "Big Brother" was to turn out to be *actually* Microsoft and not Big Blue.

And so, the 1984 designation is straight from the book "1984" --

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0452284236/

This "Orwellian, Big Brother, top-down, controlling, manipulating and overarching government with its "thought police" and the "Newspeak" language (see -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspeak ) -- was precisely what the "Macintosh computer" was supposed to *break*. It was to "break the mold" of this authoritarian and dictatorial and *mindless* computer juggernaut (which has actually turned out to be Microsoft, today, instead of IBM, Big Blue).

So, this is the background. This is where the commercial came from. Everything is the same -- except -- for Hillary's picture on the screen (and a logo change on the woman's shirt).

Now, Hillary is speaking in the same manner as that *original speaker* of that original ad -- the same "we are having a conversation" -- which actually means -- "I speak and you listen!" And while giving the impression that "we" will all help -- it actually means that "I will decide and *you* will do!" (think back to the "health care issue when Clinton first came into office that Hillary tried to "manhandle" through the government process...).

So, now we come to the big "finale" of the ad, when the screen is smashed and "freedom will ring" -- so to speak.

The ad, as originally given (for the Apple Macintosh -- which is still here, today -- by the way...) -- was --

On January 24th,

Apple Computer will introduce

Macintosh.

And you will see why 1984

won't be like "1984."


And in this present ad -- you see it says, at the end --


On January 14th

the Democratic primary

will begin.

And you'll see why 2008

won't be like "1984."


And, finally, you see the "multi-colored logo" (which was originally from Apple) having been modified to the shape of an "O".

The last line shows us why it was changed to an "O" -- "BarackObama.com"

And there you have it.

Actually a pretty powerful ad, I would say.

Regards,
Star Traveler

P.S. -- Oh, and by the way, although Apple's logo back then was "multicolored" there may be a reason why the present "presenter" of this ad kept the multicolors. It may have something to do with the Rainbow Coalition that is referenced by leftists all over the world, and in the Democratic Party.

And "one more thing" (those of you who watch Jobs will get that "line") -- This present "political ad" is actually taken from a *remake* of Apple's 1984 ad. If you look closely, you'll see the "colorful" woman wearing an iPod. This ad was remade by Apple for iPod (and only shown briefly). I guess whoever made this political ad either didn't know or couldn't get an original copy.

---

And there you have it, from another thread....

[operation clinton cleanup]

But Jaye predicted such efforts are bound to become attractive tools for political campaigns, which will "orchestrate these videos on the down low to communicate negative messages -- without having to own them in public."

Gee... like THAT has not happened before!

[webstersII]

There are some really talented people on FR.

I'd love to see some of them putting ads like this together.

[FreedomNeocon]

Saw this on Drudge too... meh...

creative? I don't think so.

I must have seen the exact same spoof a hundred times (last one I saw was the cartoon Futurama using the exact same thing for a commercial for package delivery and "mom" their competitor) and could have just as easily been done by a /tinfoil lib with Bush or any of our candidates... why all the fawning?

Just because it hits Mrs. Bill Clinton?

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "I'd love to see some of them putting ads like this together."

You can thank Apple Computer (now just "Apple") for that ad. That's pretty much the *entire ad* -- from Apple. It was done in 1984 and show at the Super Bowl game (only shown one time at the Super Bowl and never again, except for one showing in 1983 in Idaho, after midnight).

So, Apple put the entire commercial together and someone else just put Hillary's voice in there (for this one). That was it. Thank Apple for the creativity...

Regards,
Star Traveler

[etradervic]

That video is brilliant and to the point. Eight years of Hillary and we will all be wearing idealogical burkas.

[Star Traveler]

You said -- I wish they'd call it "Think DifferentLY."

It probably had to do with "business-speak" and Apple Computer being able to "trademark" the phrase. I would imagine that's why...

Regards,
Star Traveler

[paddles]

Note to Bareback YoMama: Finish your M&Ms and stay away from Ft. Marcy Park.

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "Steven Jobs had to sign off on this if its for real"

I seriously doubt that. the Obama campaign is denying anything to do with it. And it's only on YouTube, not in commercial television production. So, no..., I don't think Steve Jobs had to sign off on it. He probably doesn't even know it's been done. He probably will tomorrow, though...

Regards,
Star Traveler

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "I thought our very own MiaT did that video."

Did Apple hire her to swing that hammer back then?

Regards,
Star Traveler

[bannie]

I'm sure that you're right.
:-(
Even MORE poor useage.

[Fairview]

It would have been better if the Big Brother Hillary had included my favorite quote, "We're going to take some things away from you for the common good." That would have struck terror into everyone's hearts even more than the meaningless campaign generalities she was spouting.

[Aria]

I'm on MiaT's pings an this was pinged to me yesterday with a note that it had won some sort of youtube award. I guess just figured she made this herself since she does things like this although I previously hadn't seen any video that she did. I guess maybe she just included it as part of her regular blog....???

[webstersII]

"Thank Apple for the creativity... "

Yes, they did the original ad, and then someone added another level of creativity to put Hillary's face in there. That's what I was referring to.

These type of political ads (or should we say political statements?) on the web are going to have as much or more impact as the full-price ads commissioned by the candidates.

[Stultis]

They should have added in the part where she says, "we are going to take things away from you for the Common Good".

Remember this ad was done by an Obama supporter. They're not going to pan the "Common Good" comment. They agree on that one.

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "These type of political ads (or should we say political statements?) on the web are going to have as much or more impact as the full-price ads commissioned by the candidates."

Yep, that's right!

This one is going to play for a long time, all the way until the elections, if Hillary stays in there...

Regards,
Star Traveler

P.S. -- I've got my copy on my iPod now, to carry around with me and show anyone... :-)

[Miss Didi]

Aria, Mia has used the Obama ad to create her own video entitled, "VOTE SMART: a warning to all women about hillary clinton." It's a must-see video and won the You Tube Weekly Honor. You can view it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViJwZwXTl0

[Finny]

Wow. Regardless of who did this brilliant video (thanks for posting the link), it makes me down deep more convinced that the 2008 presidential election is destined for a Republican victory, so we should make best use ever of the primary.

Americans are going to be voting AGAINST the Democrat candidate if it's either Hillary or Obama. Swipe away all the media frosting and the truth is that most Americans, including Democrats, hate Hillary's voice, delivery, nagging whine, and plastic personna. I think now that for Hil to get the Dem nomination would be a delivery of sweet flowers to Republicans. Hillary is loathesome and there's nothing she or anyone else can do about it. She would be a gift to Republicans.

Obama's middle name is "Hussein" and he's a Muslim, or at least was. He professes to be Christian. As one poster pointed out elsewhere, if the Muslim penalty is death to those who convert out of the faith, does America really want a president with THAT target on his head? Obama is a woman's candidate, he's wussy, he's inexperienced, it shows -- and that makes voters nervous. As with Hillary, people will be voting AGAINST him.

Republican primary voters could choose Mickey Mouse and he'd be our next president. The biggest mistake Republicans could do would be to nominate a play-it-safe, appeal-to-the-most candidate in the primaries. We must see this as a rare opportunity to take RISKS!

[webstersII]

"They agree on that one."

Yeah, good point.

[relictele]

Guess the war room 1992 style aint working so well is it Carville and Begala???

Yeah sucks for them. The Washington Post and the NY Times don't/can't publish until tomorrow morning! He he he.

[DMZFrank]

I think Hitlery is a Stalinist. Obama is a near Trotskyite.

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "Aria, Mia has used the Obama ad to create her own video entitled, "VOTE SMART: a warning to all women about hillary clinton." It's a must-see video and won the You Tube Weekly Honor. You can view it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViJwZwXTl0 "

Well, I just looked at it and it's a "bit strained" to follow it. I guess it's trying to play off of the Obama ad (from the Apple ad). If it were not for the Obama ad, the Apple ad inside this video you referenced would make no sense at all. So, it seems that one thing (Obama) is playing off another thing (the original Apple ad) when then makes it *somewhat* understandable for the third thing (Mia's ad).

Otherwise, I would be hard pressed to even understand Mia's ad and what that other part (i.e., "Apple's ad") was doing in there, in the first place...

Regards,
Star Traveler

[webstersII]

"I've got my copy on my iPod now"

How do you download that from Youtube?

[ShandaLear]

OMG! Just OMG! YIKES! Pass the popcorn!

[Aria]

Thanks....I finally found the Obama one - actually I think Mia's is better. I hope this is giving Hillary nightmares!!!

[Aria]

I watched Mia's first, I had no idea until a few minutes ago there was one for Obama. I liked Mia's and had no trouble with following it. But then I'm a woman... :-)

[Star Traveler]

You asked -- "How do you download that from Youtube?"

Well, this is something that works well on the Apple web browser, Safari. On that, you take the "Activity Window" -- as the file is downloading on YouTube, and you look for the large file (in that window) that is currently updating. Or if it has already updated, then you look for a MB-sized file that ends with the ".flv" designation.

Once you find that line, you double-click it and it instantly starts downloading. Now, that's a Flash video file and that won't go on the iPod. So, I take a program called "VisualHub" (for the Macintosh) and convert the flash file over to an H.264 mp4 file (suitable for the iPod).

So, it's open a window, find the file, double-click it, and then after it's finished downloading, "convert" it.

Now, how you do it on Windows..., I don't know...

But, there are some web sites out there that will download YouTube files for you. I've seen them before, but I haven't used them because I don't need to.

Regards,
Star Traveler

[freekitty]

Great video; but Obama would be just as bad.

[Ikemeister]

I have no use for Obama, but that is one slick ad!

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "I watched Mia's first, I had no idea until a few minutes ago there was one for Obama. I liked Mia's and had no trouble with following it. But then I'm a woman... :-)"

Well, I'm glad you did...

Say, I wonder, since Mia did create that ad, if she has a high-quality version of it. I can easily copy the YouTube version, but the quality of YouTube is always so bad, as compared to the originals.

Do you know how to get a hold of her?

Thank,
Star Traveler

[RockinRight]

We have. Just have to make sure he decides to run:

[freekitty]

I remember that commmercial.

[Star Traveler]

Okay, I found a good web page for you --

http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/tutorials/youtuberip/

This should tell you all that you need to know about downloading YouTube stuff...

Regards,
Star Traveler

[Volunteer]

Great video; but Obama would be just as bad.

You are 100% correct.

I would need Somma - that great drug from the novel 1984 - to survive.

[webstersII]

Thanks.