by Frank James
The reaction to the latest Obama Girl video, "Hillary! Stop the Attacks" may indicate that she could be used as a secret Republican weapon against Sen. Barack Obama since her presence on a screen appears to really turn people against the Democratic presidential candidate from Illinois.
HCD Research Inc., which employs its MediaCurves technology to focus-group media content, found that many of the 440 participants in its survey conducted via Internet were left feeling less warm about the senator because of the young model, her message, or both.
What's more, when they asked the participants to pick a word that described their emotional response to the new video, many chose "irritated" and "embarrassed" to characterize their reactions.
Amber Lee Ettinger, the curvy young woman who plays Obama Girl, became a big Internet deal with last year's "I've Got a Crush on Obama" video. Apparently, she's now soooo 2007.
Still, it's noteworthy that even though men and women seemed to indicate they had negative feelings towards Obama based on the video, women appeared more turned off by the video than men (duh.)
Anyway, based on the response, if Obama eventually wins his party's presidential nomination, Republicans might want to pay Ettinger a king's ransom to keep turning out the Obamaphiliac videos. Just a thought.
This is from the HCD press release:
Among the study findings:
Among political parties, the emotions most felt by Democrats while watching the video were “irritated” (51%), followed by “embarrassed” (41%), compared to Republicans, who reported “irritated” (52%) and “skeptical” (35%) as the emotions most felt, and independents who reported “irritated” (42%) and “embarrassed” (36%) as the emotions most felt.
A majority of all respondents (71%) reported that if they saw the video online, they would not forward it to family or friends.
There was little change regarding which candidate respondents would vote for after viewing the video.
Half of all respondents (50%) reported that the video was produced by “a separate organization unrelated to any campaign” and 34% thought it was sponsored by the Obama campaign.
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Comments
Frank, what are you doing? Don't you remember what our masters in Arlington told us to do? I'm supposed to pretend I don't like you and you're supposed to pretend you like the democrats while promoting these stealth messages from our operative in New Jersey.
You're screwin' it up man!
Posted by: Jeff | March 27, 2008 5:19 PM
We don't like the cleavage...
This is the only political story today that hasn'tjust thoroughly depressed me. Thanks!
Posted by: Beth | March 27, 2008 5:54 PM
Maybe it's because the song is horrible!
Posted by: Jim | March 27, 2008 6:28 PM
You're screwin' it up man!
Posted by: Jeff | March 27, 2008 5:19 PM
No GOPer Jeffy,
The team you cheerlead for is screwing it up.
Next time you stupid Wingnuts decide to make a video supporting old man McCain at least find someone who can sing or at the very least lipsynch (ObamaGirl):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4CjlkFdUQ4
Posted by: John E | March 27, 2008 6:40 PM
This could backfire for Obama like the videos about Harold Ford when he ran for the Senate seat in Tennessee.
Posted by: Hillary | March 27, 2008 7:27 PM
Unlike my constituants, I never voted FOR cleavage!
Posted by: drew | March 27, 2008 7:31 PM
Wassamatta, John E? Can't take a joke? Your party's sure been running them for president long enough.
Posted by: Jeff | March 27, 2008 8:24 PM
34% of respondents thought that the Obama campaign would sponsor that video?
I'm absolutely petrified to think that people that stupid will be voting in the general election.
Posted by: Evan | March 27, 2008 8:36 PM
34% thought it was sponsored by the Obama campaign. Okay, so that's the percentage of incredibly gullible, naive people.
35% of the Republicans reported "skeptical". Obviously an overlap. One is either entertained or not by a music video, but not "skeptical". One's "skeptical" of ads.
Posted by: Tom J | March 27, 2008 8:51 PM
I can always tell a well thought out post when I see the expression "Wingnut" in the first few sentences. Similar indicators of anintelligent post includes phrases like "Bush-ies", "conserva-nazis" and "war-mongers".
Posted by: HL | March 27, 2008 9:10 PM
"Obama Girl" was one of the many post names John E has used. A psychiatrist would have a field day with that one.
Posted by: MJ | March 27, 2008 9:15 PM
The song is stupid. What's she hoping for, a position in his cabinet? Ridiculous. I like Obama but this creeps me out.
Reminds me of Marilyn Monroe and Kennedy.
Posted by: Amy | March 27, 2008 9:47 PM
Obama Girl" was one of the many post names John E has used. A psychiatrist would have a field day with that one.
Posted by: MJ | March 27, 2008 9:15 PM
-Juanito
-MJ
-Leo T
-Anonymous
...you're right, you do belong in a nut house "MJ"!
Posted by: John E | March 27, 2008 10:13 PM
Maybe Obama should take her to church this Sunday.
Posted by: Ray Gorak | March 27, 2008 10:14 PM
You really believe someone would base their vote on the fact one fan who the candidate has likely never met posted a video on youtube. If that was so we really would need to reinvestigate the whole idea of democracy.
Also, as an aside: Obama girl...call me.
Posted by: Michael | March 27, 2008 10:16 PM
"Apparently, she's now soooo 2007."
And yet, the Tribune continues to blog about it.
Posted by: JS | March 27, 2008 10:22 PM
Now we are getting down to the real issues.
Posted by: ejhickey | March 27, 2008 10:39 PM
What is the big deal. It wasn't taken in an airport restroom with a queer in the stall, nor in the Senate with under age male pages. They should make public McCain flight record and his record in flight school. whiteagle38
Posted by: Whiteagle38 | March 27, 2008 10:53 PM
This is subterfuge at it's best. Throw sex around like a baseball and it is expected to bounce around until it causes some damage. The media goes along with it like a happy little puppy. It is big news for them.
Posted by: GW | March 27, 2008 11:34 PM
This isn't funny at all. Hillary is requesting a Hillary Boy on her secret blog. That is kind of clever ... http://www.newsgroper.com/hillary-clinton/2008/02/13/where-is-hillary-guy
Posted by: Jared | March 28, 2008 12:36 AM
Cleavage is good!
So is the rest of her.
Posted by: Frank Lee | March 28, 2008 1:36 AM
I think she's more fun to watch than Hillary or Obama....I liked her super woman outfit...Please make more disgusting videos...I don't vote.
Posted by: Paul | March 28, 2008 1:55 AM
To the writer of this article... get a life, have you nothing more to say so this is your big news?
Posted by: RosaCA | March 28, 2008 2:30 AM
Please stop presenting this drivel as news. It's not. It's no more than a wanna-be trying to break into show biz and your paper trying to present it as a legitimate story. If I need to be entertained, I can go to You Tube on my own.
Art Z
Posted by: Art Z | March 28, 2008 8:13 AM
i recall when this little wannabe first popped up onthe radar. it was very clear to me she has absolutely no interest whatsoever in anything other than self-promotion.
it was interesting to note how those middle-aged men who supposedly cover politics glommed onto these girlies -- chris matthews gave them considerable airtime. didn't one of them get a playboy contract? i rest my case.
Posted by: linda | March 28, 2008 8:15 AM
Obama has 2 young daughters and I thought from the first Obama Girl video that this was an embarrassing and inappropriate for her to do. But there's nothing Obama can do about this, just as he can't stop Rush Limbaugh from calling him a muslim. People are going to think what they want to think. When this is all over, whatever happens, Obama is still going to have 2 young daughters, and he will still be a christian going to a christian church.
Posted by: Grandblvd03 | March 28, 2008 8:25 AM
Good job, Agent Jersey! The VRWC salutes you!
Posted by: Jeff | March 28, 2008 8:55 AM
It really surprised me advertisments turn the American people on and off even when selecting their presidents.
the red phone gave Ohio to Clinton, tears gave New Hampshire to Clinton. what about substance and judgement?
YOu the American People, are your presidents like commodities to be sold out through advertisements?
Posted by: Wondwossen | March 28, 2008 9:07 AM
Did Obama Girl get breast augmentation?
Posted by: Avid Reader | March 28, 2008 9:10 AM
Let's be honest folks. When Obama becomes the nominee the Republics will just find another curvacious white girl to scare the racists into thinking Obama will be preying on their daughters and wives. Hey it worked against Harold Ford! When it comes to stirring up the passions of racists and other lowlifes, the Republican Party knows how to appeal to thme and which buttons to push.
Posted by: jo | March 28, 2008 9:10 AM
Someone actually bothered to take a poll asking opinions on an Obama Girl video?
Posted by: Jeff | March 28, 2008 9:12 AM
Don't the people in the Swamp have better things to do than analyze song videos? Take a step up and go for the intelligent route, not the 18 or younger path.
Posted by: Liz | March 28, 2008 9:16 AM
My response to this is: "Who cares?" This is an invented story!
"Obama Girl" is little more than a YouTube phenomenon. If the general election boils down to Obama vs. McCain, this simply isn't going to siphon huge numbers of votes away from Obama. The McCain demographic is too old and out-of-touch to be surfing YouTube in huge numbers.
Where are these "supposed" masses of people who might vote either way, but are swayed to McCain simply on the basis of someone's internet video.
Furthermore, while "Obama Girl" is sexy, these videos aren't all that titillating. Anyone whose initial reaction is shock or embarassment needs to regain their grip on reality and go outdoors a little more.
Posted by: Eric | March 28, 2008 9:31 AM
Slap a "Paid for by the RNC" at the end and just see whom this lame video will hurt.
Posted by: Jim A | March 28, 2008 9:34 AM
Let's see, young introspective, dynamic Black man vs. a Jaded, corrupt, power hungry, self obsessed, old lesbian. And the chicks are into the young hottie. Gorsh who'da thunk it?
Posted by: Jim Griffin | March 28, 2008 9:43 AM
OK People - It is a stupid video. This has NOTHING to do with a long list of gigantic problems facing the country. If anyone would not choose to vote for Senator Obama because of a video, then we are all screwed!
Posted by: RBulliner | March 28, 2008 9:59 AM
RNC isn't that stupid. But bin Laden or even the Obama Camp, I wouldn't rule out bin Laden (for all you conspiracy geeks), or Obama's Camp.
Posted by: Darkwater | March 28, 2008 10:42 AM
who really gives a crap? to use this video as part of our discussions on the campaign is ridiculous. let's get on with the issues and not what hillary's latest appearance on letterman or obama's latest appearance on oprah get us all riled up. you people are so narrow minded
Posted by: jim | March 28, 2008 10:57 AM
RBulliner,
You have to remember one thing: Media, since it's inception, has swayed political votes. As YouTube is considered a new form of media, anything can happen. Just ask Nixon as he lost to Kennedy, because he was sweaty under hot lights during the first TV debate.
Media is extremely important, and if people watch YouTube many times a day, they will ultimately be swayed.
Posted by: Bud | March 28, 2008 10:57 AM
Maybe Obama can use his two daughters for the next one.
After all, he let them sit there while that RACIST preacher ranted.
Posted by: Tom | March 28, 2008 11:01 AM
Has anyone noticed that Obama has (for the most part) decided to completely ignore Obama Girl? Perhaps that's an indication of how all of us should act.
Posted by: Sarah | March 28, 2008 11:10 AM
"34% of respondents thought that the Obama campaign would sponsor that video?"
34%??? Isn't that about Bush's approval rating? (on a good week)
Posted by: Anonymous | March 28, 2008 12:17 PM
"34% of respondents thought that the Obama campaign would sponsor that video?"
34%??? Isn't that about Bush's approval rating? (on his good weeks)
Posted by: strut2k | March 28, 2008 12:18 PM
Anyone who supports Obama belongs in Europe. His policies are scary and he is incredibly naive when it comes to foreign policy. He has absolutely no chance to become President. Anyone who thinks otherwise is living in fantasyland.
Posted by: Mike | March 28, 2008 12:54 PM
Hey Jim Griffin,
Keep drinking the Kool Aid. Moron. Obama is a clown.
Posted by: Frank | March 28, 2008 1:00 PM
I watched about 20 seconds of it and that was FAR too much - and I'm a red-blooded hetero male. It's much more fun watching Jeremiah Wright God D@%%ing America and Hillary claiming she was ducking sniper fire than watching this bimbo. The Dems are hilarious for thinking this video may help their vastly liberal, PRO-TAX INCREASE, ANTI-CAUCASIAN, inexperienced candidate.
In May when I vote in Indiana, I am going to declare DEMOCRAT by pointing to it - I can't say it - and vote for Hillary. Can someone create a video entitled, "BYE-BYE OBAMA"?
Jack Orlando, Indiana
Posted by: Jack Orlando | March 28, 2008 1:13 PM
What are you talking about? I'm a 40-something dem, and I think the video is great. I mean, come on, it's only a video.
Posted by: Rudy Lefkowicz | March 28, 2008 3:28 PM
I vaguely remember people having a sense of humor... Somebody's taking this WAY too seriously.
Posted by: Ed | March 28, 2008 4:14 PM
Spend a few minutes of your day browsing the reader comments from stories like this ridiculous one -- you'll lose all hope in our electorate. I can't believe someone actually did a poll on reactions to this stupid video.
Posted by: Jeff | March 28, 2008 4:53 PM
Spend a few minutes of your day browsing the reader comments from stories like this ridiculous one -- you'll lose all hope in our electorate.
Posted by: Jeff
-
I hear ya, Jeff. When I read posts by you, Bruce, Paolo and John D, it almost makes me give up hope. When I read one by Jerry White, hope is gone.
Posted by: Bruce Y | March 28, 2008 8:04 PM
I think she is cute. The music is not too bad. Pretty funny video. Agree with Eric (Mar 28) that "Anyone whose initial reaction is shock or embarrassment needs to regain their grip on reality and go outdoors a little more." She looks like a healthy, funloving cheerleader at a football game.
However, disagree with his comment that that "The McCain demographic is too old and out-of-touch to be surfing YouTube in huge numbers." The McCain-Hillary demographic has lots of time ... and regularly visit youtube, facebook, and use skype to keep in touch with relatives and friends.
Posted by: Paul Doumer | March 29, 2008 12:44 AM
Anyone that would vote for Obama ("Osama") or anyone else for that matter based on the opinion(s) and/or videos of this stupid little bitch, "Osama Girl," who probably knows as much about political issues as my cat, ought to lose their right to vote!
You amenable SHEEPLE are so pathetically stupid! Look at all three of the media-chosen, front-runner candidates and then ask yourselves why this country is "circling the drain!"
Posted by: A. W. Male | March 29, 2008 6:33 PM