Today marks the five year anniversary of President Obama's campaign kickoff. On February 10, 2007, President Obama officially announced he was running for president in Springfield, Illinois. At that event, Obama discussed a fighting back against a Washington run by lobbyists and special interests and filled with failed promises by politicians.
Both the Obama campaign and the Republican National Committee have released dueling video's examing the president's legacy. The Obama campaign's video is a tribute to the best moments from the campaign trail and Obama's biggest successes in the White House. With cheerful music and an uplifting tone, the video celebrates Obama's signature achievements since taking office: passing health care reform, overturning Don't Ask, Don't Tell, killing Osama bin Laden, saving the U.S. auto industry, and staving off an economic depression. Moreover, the video attempts to paint Obama as the "cool" president in this election, with footage of him singing at the Apollo, playing basketball, and spending time with his children. The video is cleverly filmed using Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr, and YouTube posts and video, to give viewers the feeling that President Obama is the master of social media.
The RNC video, by contrast, is a reminder of Obama's missteps, including his reversal on super PACs. The video uses sinister music to evoke the idea that five years later, the president fits the very same dismal description of Washington that he rallied against when he kicked off his campaign.
"Five years ago today, Barack Obama kicked-off his presidential campaign that ran on the basis of 'hope and change.' He promised to 'turn the page' on American politics and 'usher in a new birth of freedom that would change the political landscape," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.
"Today, President Obama has left this nation more polarized than ever, with millions of Americans unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. His recent decision to embrace a super PAC with his assault on religious freedom further highlight his record of failed promises. More accurate than ever is President Obama's grim 2007 description of American politics. It's time to change direction and elect a Republican to the White House."
Weigh in: In this battle of marketing and messaging, who is more effective? Which video is more convincing? What have President Obama's major successes since 2007, and what have been his major failures?
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
