Suggestion for Barack

I’ve read several articles lately that have described the Obama campaign as “flailing about,” or “in a tail-spin,” or “a state of disarray,” and from where I sit as a staunch Obama supporter, I think that there is some truth to this.  A series of recent events (the uninspiring Biden pick combined with the fascinating Palin nomination to be specific) seem to have really shifted the tone of both campaigns in a way that seems to be favoring the Republicans.  In response, the Obama campaign has vowed to roll up their sleeves and “come out swinging.” 

Honestly, however, I have seen little evidence that they are doing this, or that it is being terribly  effective.  It’s as if the campaign has lost its way; forgotten what it was that inspired so many of us.  I think that engaging with the Republicans in a “hard fought” campaign is terribly unwise.  Not only are they better at it than we are (because they’re generally willing to fight dirtier), but it also smacks of “politics as usual,” which Obama needs desperately to avoid if he is to retain what has been so exciting about himself from the get-go.

So, here’s a quick thought that I’ve been kicking around in my head.  I’m pretty sure that Robi is going to tell me that this is moronic and that, to say the least, it’s risky.  Nonetheless, I think it has some potential and the Obama campaign has shown a willingness to try things that are pretty unorthodox.  So, here goes.

Basically, I think that the 30-second television political ad is the poison that is killing our political system.  The very idea that you could convey any meaningful amount of information in 30 seconds is somewhat ludicrous.  By their very nature, these ads lack substance and focus on style and sensationalism.  They are notoriously easy to use to distort the truth and equally difficult to refute or fact-check (for the average American, anyway).  In other words, I think that we would be far better off without them.

Obviously, it is impossible to legislate them away as they are protected as Free Speech.  But, I think it could be possible to get rid of them, by simply stigmatizing them.  I think that the Obama campaign, which has roughly $65 million in cash, in the bank and he’s raising more every day, is in a unique position to do so.  Imagine what would happen if he just said, “That’s enough.  As of this day, I have decided not to engage in this destructive, manipulative, counter-productive form of propaganda any more.  It is hurting America and there are better ways that the generous donations of my supporters can be put to use.”

Just think of what the Obama campaign could do with $65+ million if they didn’t spend ANY of it on TV ads!  Think of the ways that they could put it to use organizing actual events to connect with voters while contributing to the very social goals that they advocate.  Instead of throwing that money away by giving it to television networks in order to run sleazy anti-McCain ads or sappy self-promos, think of the number of Campaign Rallies / Community Events he could organize.  Neighborhood clean-ups.  Tree-plantings.  Food drives. Immunization drives. Voter Registration events.  These things are far less expensive that TV ads and far more meaningful, I believe.

It wouldn’t all have to be community-service-related, either.  He could use it to subsidize concerts or festivals that people would pay admission to attend…the grass-roots equivalent of $300/plate fundraising dinners.  And think of the media attention that he would get for such a bold decision.  It’s the kind of move that would show that he really IS about change while completely taking the wind out of McCain’s sails.  Every additional TV ad that the Republican campaign would run would seem that much more manipulative, mean-spirited, and deceptive. 

It’s the kind of move that I would expect from the Obama that I’ve been a fan of all along.  Instead of fighting the Republican way, rise above it; disengage from the dirty politics and lead by example.  Additional donations would come pouring in as people realized that they would not only be supporting a great candidate, but that their dollars would be put to better uses than paying for advertisements.  I realize it may be crazy, but I think it could work.  Does anyone REALLY believe those things anymore anyway?