It’s certainly good, and necessary, to remind people how serious the situation in 2008, but I’m not sure what’s accomplished by featuring Rahm Emmanuel and pictures of Tim Giethner, especially so early in the vid- which will almost certainly be watch by more people than will watch the whole thing. Do people in the general population actually like either of these guys? My perception is neither, and especially Geithner, are good spokesperson if generally raising popularity is your goal. Moreover, it was really off-the-mark of today’s zeitgeist for Emmanuel to refer to the financial sector as “the heart that pumps blood through the economy,” when financial services are increasingly seen across the political spectrum (accurately, imho) as more like a vampire sucking the blood out of the economy. Certainly, the crazy derivatives that caused the crisis in 2008 were not the heart of anything most people would want to preserve. Along these lines, Romney is a very fortunate opponent for Obama in that he is uniquely unable to go after Obama for his soft hand with wall street- so maybe that’s why they made that choice. An economically populist, and competent, repub candidate would be a grave threat- too bad for them no such person exists.
The production values are, unsurprisingly, excellent and Tom Hanks is likable and soothing. Still, his celebrity presence couldn’t help but bring up a negative comparison to that famous will.i.am video– which was extremely effective. The part about getting Osama bin Laden was very good (couldn’t they throw something about this closer to the beginning, though). The last few minutes were quite strong in showing Obama’s first term actually has accomplished a lot of meaningful change. Overall, it might remind a few people of why they voted of Obama and probably should again, but I can’t imagine it will make a big difference and probably will be forgotten by most in a few weeks.
howlandlewnaticksays
Not Leni Riefenstahl quality, but doesn’t really insult anyone. Now, if we can just keep Democrats from flying Obama flags ’til after the elections… That really riles the electorate.
“Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans for solutions.” –Edward R. Murrow
kbuschsays
Not just because I found it mildly moving. It seemed like a very good effort to explain and win on the issues in a memorable manner.
trueprogressive18says
Still better then anything Flip Romney, Rick “Homophobic” Santorum, and Newt Gingrich will put out of their asses. Ron Paul too, although I agree with the nutcase on Weed and the wars/civil liberties. For those that saw the film, how much face time does Elizabeth Warren get? I saw her in the trailer and would love to see her in most of the film, the film makers are more likely to have guys like Rahm in most of the film instead of this bright lady.
I finally just watched the entire thing and found it quite good. The use of Bill Clinton and Joe Biden is particularly interesting as they are going to be out campaigning for him. As a reintroduction, it is good. It will be interesting to see if they can stay mostly positive will Mitt throws dirt and garbage.
PS Elizabeth Warren doesn’t get much time, mostly what you see in the trailer.
SomervilleTomsays
I like it.
I like that this emphasizes the aspect of Barack Obama that I like the best: his courage, intellectual honesty, and commitment to the values we share.
scout says
It’s certainly good, and necessary, to remind people how serious the situation in 2008, but I’m not sure what’s accomplished by featuring Rahm Emmanuel and pictures of Tim Giethner, especially so early in the vid- which will almost certainly be watch by more people than will watch the whole thing. Do people in the general population actually like either of these guys? My perception is neither, and especially Geithner, are good spokesperson if generally raising popularity is your goal. Moreover, it was really off-the-mark of today’s zeitgeist for Emmanuel to refer to the financial sector as “the heart that pumps blood through the economy,” when financial services are increasingly seen across the political spectrum (accurately, imho) as more like a vampire sucking the blood out of the economy. Certainly, the crazy derivatives that caused the crisis in 2008 were not the heart of anything most people would want to preserve. Along these lines, Romney is a very fortunate opponent for Obama in that he is uniquely unable to go after Obama for his soft hand with wall street- so maybe that’s why they made that choice. An economically populist, and competent, repub candidate would be a grave threat- too bad for them no such person exists.
The production values are, unsurprisingly, excellent and Tom Hanks is likable and soothing. Still, his celebrity presence couldn’t help but bring up a negative comparison to that famous will.i.am video– which was extremely effective. The part about getting Osama bin Laden was very good (couldn’t they throw something about this closer to the beginning, though). The last few minutes were quite strong in showing Obama’s first term actually has accomplished a lot of meaningful change. Overall, it might remind a few people of why they voted of Obama and probably should again, but I can’t imagine it will make a big difference and probably will be forgotten by most in a few weeks.
howlandlewnatick says
Not Leni Riefenstahl quality, but doesn’t really insult anyone. Now, if we can just keep Democrats from flying Obama flags ’til after the elections… That really riles the electorate.
“Our major obligation is not to mistake slogans for solutions.” –Edward R. Murrow
kbusch says
Not just because I found it mildly moving. It seemed like a very good effort to explain and win on the issues in a memorable manner.
trueprogressive18 says
Still better then anything Flip Romney, Rick “Homophobic” Santorum, and Newt Gingrich will put out of their asses. Ron Paul too, although I agree with the nutcase on Weed and the wars/civil liberties. For those that saw the film, how much face time does Elizabeth Warren get? I saw her in the trailer and would love to see her in most of the film, the film makers are more likely to have guys like Rahm in most of the film instead of this bright lady.
fortleft says
I finally just watched the entire thing and found it quite good. The use of Bill Clinton and Joe Biden is particularly interesting as they are going to be out campaigning for him. As a reintroduction, it is good. It will be interesting to see if they can stay mostly positive will Mitt throws dirt and garbage.
PS Elizabeth Warren doesn’t get much time, mostly what you see in the trailer.
SomervilleTom says
I like it.
I like that this emphasizes the aspect of Barack Obama that I like the best: his courage, intellectual honesty, and commitment to the values we share.