When Actions Are Worth More Than Cash

Sometimes, actions speak louder than financial allegiances.  This year, America will witness one of the most expensive political races in history.  The Obama – Romney Presidential campaigns have raised record amounts of monies due to the corporate endorsement of “super-pacs” and multi-million dollar donations from influential individuals.  But, even though the Obama campaign currently seems to be at a financial downfall in comparison to the Romney donations, a more observant steward of political finesse can easily see the actions of an invisible hand still guiding the perceptions of American voters.

In 2008, when now-President Barack Obama ran a grassroots campaign, he was successful in using social  media and popularity to create an onslaught of contributions.  His name recognition became solidified through simple measures to run ongoing YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and internet-based campaigns.  These campaigns went viral and, for pennies on the dollar, were well worth their investment.  Now, just four years later, the playing field has shifted and the same constituents who were drawn to social media have “tuned out” to the political debacle that has overtaken our airwaves for almost a calendar year.

How, then, can either of these candidates capture our attention?

To me, it appears that there are quite a few people in TV Land who have decided to help out without actually making a financial contribution to either camp.  Although corporations are monetarily throwing their weight behind one candidate, a moral fiber is seemingly operating on a different “frequency” and getting Americans to tune in to truth through the use of truth campaigns on television.

I was amazed to see a new show on HBO called The Newsroom.  This show successfully chronicles the actual events that led up to the election of our 44^th President.  By allowing America to relive these fiascos, HBO is subconsciously reminding America of the deceptions and unjust practices of the Republican party.  Although they never state that the show is an endorsement of the Obama campaign, the polarity of the show will cause even the most avid Tea Party member to rethink their current strategy. 

In addition to this top-rated show, we also see ongoing conversations the take place on The View, Bill Maher, The Colbert Report, The Young Turks, and even TMZ.  These conversations breathe life into the one-sided conversations being created by the Romney camp.  The immediately dispel the half-truths by offering their own perspective on issues that the Presidential nominee deems as important distractions.  No matter how much money is spent on a sixty second commercial, the thirty minute talk shows with millions of viewers  immediately defeat the premise of every untruth by battling deception with truth.

In 2008, McCain is said to have lost his footing during the Presidential campaign largely because of the antics of Saturday Night Live and their constant mockery of Sarah Palin.  Voters were galvanized to vote for a non-Palin ticket; fearing that the country would be run by a non-worthy candidate should anything ever happen to her fledgling senior partner on the electoral ticket.  Now, in 2012, comedians seem poised to pounce on the next candidate to emerge from the Republican floor.

 Already the butt of many night-time show monologues, the financial history of the GOP’s candidate has become a tattered pile of one-liners that has done a tremendous amount of harm to the Republican campaign.  Although they are capable of raising millions in an evening, the Romney machine is easily dismantled in a few seconds as Conan, Letterman and Leno continually prey upon the obvious shortcomings of the candidate, his supporters, and the probability of a dim future with Romney as President.  Arsenio Hall and Steve Harvey will soon join the late night line-up and they, too, will find allegiance by speaking about the blatant differences in the political debates.  But, since they are both Obama supporters, the Republican candidate will (once again) be targeted for puns.

So, in today’s world of instant media, is it really important who raises the most money?  With so many vehicles that allow you to reach the public all echoing the same sentiment, is it possible that common sense will over rule mega-dollars?    In recent months, many of my colleagues who previously stated that they were not going to vote have changed their minds and are now touting Obama 2012 stickers.  So far, the Romney campaign has only stated that they are anti-Obama.  They have yet to say what they will do to correct the course of American finances, jobs, immigration or corrupt government.  It seems like the harder Romney campaigns, the more ammunition he gives the Obama constituency.

But alas, I digress… Maybe I am seeing the glass half full.  Maybe I am only hearing and seeing what I want.  Maybe the Romney campaign has a “ram in the bush” that no one knows about… Maybe Saturday Night Live will not make fun of his choice for VP.  Maybe; maybe not.    This year, I think the 99% will have their say... Political wins can't be purchased by corporate endorsements as long as the voice of the people can be heard...  But, this is just ONE Man’s Opinion… What is yours?