Democratic Senator Chris Dodd recently posted a video of himself visiting the "Field of Dreams" in Dyersville, Iowa. I'm taking the time to note this for a couple brief reasons: a) I loved the movie and Costner is cool. b) This stood out to me as one of the more boring videos I've ever seen lately c) Dodd is dreaming of becoming a factor in the primaries. Ok, true, perhaps this is a bit harsh, and we wouldn't mind seeing him mix it up a bit, but Dodd's in the second tier of candidates and most polls have him in the low single digits. If he wants to become a factor, videos like this, without a significant point or interesting angle will continue to allow voters to forget about him. He, like the many others in the pack, needs to gain some points and the only way to do so is by 'wowing' us a bit. Check it out for yourself, apologies for the rant, but this could have been a cool venue/backdrop to reach us with a message - like his previous videos...
**In the past, I've enjoyed many of Dodd's postings (check this one out on Restoring the Constitution Act) and I think his dreaming of becoming a factor is laudable. But this Field of Dreams video is not like his others in Norwalk or Coralville.... or in Amherst. The Amherst speech was great, he comes across as informed, personable and spirited in his discussion on all topics important to him and the local communities he visits. The videos with no audio taken by a random staffer are not going to engage me like others. (ie, staffers making posters)
Dodd has a good positive message, I just wanna hear it when I spend the time to click on his videos.
I was seriously considering writing off Chris Dodd's YouChoose Spotlight to save you from boredom like I did for Sam Brownback's. But Dodd actually said something really interesting. He wants you to support his Defense Authorization Bill amendment that would require withdrawal to begin within thirty days of passage. Now, we all know that this will NEVER pass. And even if it did, Bush would veto it and there wouldn't be enough votes for an override. So it's not so much the WHAT I'm concerned with, but the HOW. Dodd is using the reach of Web 2.0 to encourage individuals to act locally and make videos of themselves pleading in person to legislators for support. Not a difficult task as legislators will be home on break. Then, upload the videos to YouTube and other social networks. The end-product is globally appreciated hyper-local ACTION. (And by ACTION, I'm not talking about sitting in your pajamas in front of a web-cam espousing witticisms. I mean taking to the streets, confronting legislators and reminding them that they are merely untrusted with the task of carrying out the will of their constituents.) It's pretty innovative. Elements of Web 3.0 dare I say? I am really curious to see what people come back with.
