With hundreds of millions to spend, the Democratic and Republican candidates can produce exceptionally slick ads. They can leave us with the impression that Barack Obama represents real change, instead of slum lords. It can leave us with the impression that McCain is against torture rather than in support of waterboarding. In short, good video can help hide who you really are.
Then again, really good video can show who you really are. Remember Macaca? Pretty sure Senator Allen does.
Finally, well produced video can bring a lot of attention to a cause or candidate. Think of the famous “Daisy” ad from the Johnson/Goldwater race, or Nader’s “Priceless” ad.
So, as smaller parties grow in technical skill and use their creativity to reach new voters, video may play a vital role. In the case of the Green Party there are a number of people putting together inspiring and informative video of and about Greens. One of the more ambitious is Polidoc Productions they are underway with a project called “Seriously Green” in large part, I think, because so much video is dedicated to tricking us into believing that some corporations, industries and politicians are green, when they are not. Called “greenwashing”, the goal is deception, plain and simple.
As we move forward and grow in numbers and influence, folks like Polidoc, and many others, will bring a new perspective and accurate information to the public. Unlike Democrats or Republicans, smaller parties don’t have enough money to spend it on hiding unhappy truths. Instead, we have to focus on getting our truth out, and on bringing voters that memorable ad that, even if only run once, can bring benefits for a long time to come.
Other Greens who are active in using video to spread the Green Party message include Mike Feinstein, as well as Craig Seeman. In addition to these two, there is Allan Hancock and Friends of the Green Planet.
Of course, anyone can look around and find good people producing good video for the cause. Who knows? Maybe you will produce the next “Daisy” ad. Why not?
UPDATE: Just as I finished posting this I got an email from the Green Party national office. It invited readers to take a look at a fine video here. Give it a gander. It’s impressive, at least to me.