The Transparent Presidency

Yes, it's apparent that Barak Obama is not only the most impressive leader and community organizer that we've ever had has president, he will also be the most transparent. This is the first presidency that is "digitally native."

The evidence of this is already on the web in the form of a slide show of back stage images from election night that was made freely available, almost immediately, with apparently little editing, via Flickr. The image above is from the set of images that is available here, and an articulate description of their historical significance is here.

Facebook Co-Founder Chris Hughes, Obama's "online organizing guru" Deserves Big Props

You have to love a story about a 24-year old who made a monumental difference by helping Barak Obama to become president-elect of the United States. In other words, this young dude helped change the world.

His name is Chris Hughes and he was one of the three co-founders of Facebook, the runaway social networking phenom to which I am addicted. And I am 61.

Mr. Hughes left Facebook last February (taking stock options that are worth at least tens of millions with him) to become the "online organizing guru" for the Obama campaign, moving from Silicon Valley to Chicago. Obviously, in hindsight, the move was worth it. MyBarakObama.com was brilliant and brilliantly successful. Thanks so much, Chris.

The New York Times published his story in July calling him "The Facebooker Who Friended Obama"
and he came to my attention because
Beet.TV republished a two year old video interview with Hughes last week.

I have a new enthusiasm for the ways that the world is changing, and I'm inspired by young people like Chris who are making real changes happen.

Continuing on the Gen-X theme, I was also very moved by Heather Havrilesky's "open apology to boomers everywhere" on Salon.com. It was nice of her to speak so respectfully to her elders when she said, "Your earnest, self-important prattle has gotten on Gen X nerves for decades. But now we finally get it." ;)

It's a bright new day.

My Ba-Rock the Vote Greatest Hits

I know this is not a political blog, but I'm pretty blown away by the inspirational energy and phenomenal creativity of the music videos, original songs and down right brilliantly edited videos that have appeared on behalf of Barak Obama. It's a grassroots energy that lifts my soul and gives me, yes, hope.

I was asked to put together some of my favorite videos for some friends, so I thought I'd share them with you. Some of this is really state of the art Internet video production. Of course, in the case of Dave Stewart (formerly of the Eurythmics, who co-wrote the first song below with Bono), this is new work from some of the top rock musicians in the world. But there are a number of much lesser known artists below that are also sensationally original. I offer these links with sincere appreciation for the way these folks are using the new media to make a difference. Thanks!

My American Prayer by Dave Stewart
This is just awesome. Taking inspiration from the 40 years since we lost MLK, and using top acting talent as well as top music making, this multi-layered montage takes us back to "the mountain top." Yes, to many, Obama is an answer to a prayer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVi4rUzf-0Q

Vote for Hope by M.C. Yogi
A young rapper whose uplifting message and visual style are first rate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iojPaw8yX0

Respondele a Obama by Jose Conde
Infectious Latin rhythms and Latinos on the streets of NYC make me want to dance with joy. Obamanos!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ycu0sy5RW8

Hockey Mama for Obama
One mama whose voice is worth hearing. I like the moose too. Hysterical.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh9BmNuqeiQ

A Message for Sarah Palin from "the Young Girls of America"
These young women speak for themselves. Touching & motivating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53XnLUUL82k

The American Promise by the Obama campaign
Is there anything that this campaign does that isn't first class?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCx0J3NiABY

The original "Yes We Can" video by will.i.am
from February just in case you didn't see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

and for good measure, how about a little
Bruce Springsteen in Philadelphia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFnCc20E87g

Enough? :)

YES WE CAN.

Obama iPhone Application Leverages Your Swing State Contacts

Once again (OK, I'm biased), Barak Obama has proven himself as a visionary leader who gets it. (OK, that was a bit over the top.) Bringing 21st century technology to the virtual campaign trail, the Obama campaign has launched it's own iPhone application; and, it does more than you might think. For example, it supports you to call contacts in your address book who live is swing states (but without violating their privacy). Pretty impressive stuff.

Details are here in this excellent NY Times write-up, "It’s Obama on the iPhone"

Obama's Grassroots Support Shown in Web Traffic & more

If you use website traffic (rather than polls which are probably more scientific) as an indication of voter interest, then the latest Hitwise statistics show Barack Obama well ahead of his Democratic competition.

Like the rest, he's also using YouTube, among other online grassroots techniques. For example, it's an indication of the word-of-mouth impact that many of his traffic referrals come from email systems (which translates as individuals forwarding links.)

Along those lines, this video clip references his huge crowds as evidence of something more meaningful. Frankly, I'm encouraged. Maybe it really can be different this time? What do you think?