‘Hillary 1984’ and what might it all mean?
UPDATE: Blog Exposes Creator of Ad Portraying Clinton as Big Brother (NYTimes.com, login required). Turns out the creator is a now-former employee of political consultancy that has worked with Obama’s campaign.
UPDATE 2: Fears of a YouTube Swiftboat Wired News on why this is a big deal.
I’m sure by now you’ve seen the Hillary 1984 ad circulatin’ ’round the Interwebs (if not, it’s below).
The big question, of course, is “Who did it?” Several users have uploaded the video. One version of has been viewed over 1 million times. Obama’s camp is saying “Unh-unh! It wasn’t us.” And it probably isn’t — at least not in the sense that they paid someone to create this ad.
DIY media means that public figures (anyone, really) have no control over their image and reputation. I doubt they ever did, but with YouTube, et al, messages can be crafted and distributed an audience that’s at least as large as traditional media for the cost of a well-equipped computer and an internet connection.
It’s the Internet’s promise (low cost to entry = massive micro media) being fulfilled. But there’s this little entity (in the United States) known as the Federal Election Commission that regulates political spending and campaign contributions — including ‘in-kind’ contributions such as volunteering time or providing a service free of charge.
In fact, not too long ago, the FEC considered regulating blogs and bloggers as a form of campaign contribution.
So what is this (presumably) user-generated ad for Obama? Does it count as political speech? A campaign contribution? How do you determine its value? After all, it wasn’t broadcast on a TV channel with set ad rates, but on a website to which anyone can contribute.
And, tangentially, what do you think this sort of mash up ad mean for public figures’ ability to manage reputation, message, branding and image?
Related goodies
- ‘Hillary 1984′: Unauthorized Internet ad for Obama converts Apple Computer’s ‘84 Super Bowl spot into a generational howl against Clinton’s presidential bid
- FEC rules on Internet Communications [PDF file]
- Original 1984 Mac ad
I saw this out at the OMMA (online media, marketing & advertising) conference in Hollywood last week. It was presented as an advertising and marketing tactic/how-tos. I don’t think many people saw this, prior to that event. I have shown it to some of my coworkers and they have no-clue.
The messenger obviously is trying to give us the perspective that Mrs. Clinton is infringing on our right to speak, and live independently. This may impact Hilary’s candidacy for the worst. YaY! for Obama.
However, interesting.