The Week in Review

Barack Beats

by Matt

Earlier this week, I was running on the treadmill (gotta get fit for the beach season) when a very confusing music video caught my eye on the TV. Suddenly in front of me was Barack Obama, will.i.am, Scarlet Johansson, Common, one of the guys from “Without a Trace” and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Needless to say – I was intrigued.

YouTube Phenomenon

Well it turns out I was not the only one. Almost 1.9 million viewers have watched will.i.am’s viral video hit “Yes We Can” since it was posted last Friday. Apparently, the Black Eyed Peas frontman was inspired by an Obama speech after the New Hampshire primary. The video streams images of Obama’s speech over will.i.am’s music, with Hollywood A-listers providing vocals. Now, on paper, the idea of watching a sepia-toned Pussycat Doll passionately tell me “Yes We Can” actually sounds mildly annoying. But I have to say, I was moved. Will.i.am hit a nerve.

Hollywood Does Politics

This brings up an interesting thought. With strong Hollywood support, a hip music video debut, and even Oprah on his side, Obama has serious potential to elicit the young vote. But here’s the catch – this video doesn’t really say much. Yes, the theme of unity and strength is empowering, but there’s no talk of his policy preferences, his plan for Iraq, or his strategy for social security reform. These things don’t flow as well over a beat.

Vote Like Oprah?

I loved this video, and I am all for improving the young voter turnout, but I have to hope that people will be choosing candidates based on something more than Oprah’s endorsement. So if you’re reading this, watch this video. Let me know your take on the issue: if Diddy yells at young voters to “Vote or Die”, and they show up to vote for their Hollywood idol’s favorite, are we any better off?

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