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Obama bridging gap between politics and pop culture


SCOTTSDALE — Popular culture and politics have merged to brand Barack Obama as the "it" presidential candidate.

Obama is reaching out for voters with non-conformist methods that have attracted anonymous students and celebrities, but turned off others.

Critics believe portraying a presidential candidate to celebrities like Paris Hilton will demean a reputation. However, others say his campaign strategy, which includes an interview in US Weekly magazine and popular YouTube video, relates to the greater mass.

"Readers of US Weekly and viewers of YouTube might not get involved otherwise," said Richie Taylor, member of Arizona for Obama. "Barack Obama is trying to reach out to those who haven't been involved because they've been disappointed by politicians and politics in the past."

Influential names in Hollywood like Scarlett Johansson, George Clooney, Kate Walsh and John Legend are contributing to Obama's campaign.

Will.i.am, a musician from the Black Eyed Peas, has directed a music video popular on YouTube that features celebrities singing, "Yes, we can," an ode to Obama's words, "yes, we can" from a concession speech after he lost to Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire.

The artistic black and white footage, acoustic guitars and celebrity appearances in the video have struck a chord with the younger generation who have embraced "Obamamania."

"A lot of people criticize Obama for being flashy and a rock-star like celebrity with no substance, but I think it just shows how popular and appealing he is," said Casey Catlin, a member of Young Democrats at ASU.

Obama was recently interviewed by US Weekly magazine, a publication dedicated to celebrity gossip and photos. In the interview, voters learned whether he wore boxers or briefs and what his favorite ice cream flavor was (mint chip).

Foreign policy? Health care? Neither issue was addressed.

That doesn't discourage Taylor. "I think that for the first time students and young people see a candidate who is different from those in the past," said Taylor. "We want someone who demonstrates leadership qualities and Barack offers that."

Students for Barack Obama is growing to be one of the biggest grassroots student's organizations in history.

Founded in the summer of 2006, it began with a couple of students using the popular social network Facebook to petition Obama to run for president in 2008. Now, universities across the nation are opening Obama headquarters to support him in this election.

Many students are participating on a larger scale by campaigning for Obama during the primaries. Evan Bejar, vice chair of Young Democrats of America, spent time in Texas as a volunteer field organizer for the March primary.

"I feel it's unfair to say that just young people support Obama in this election," said Bejar. "It is not a monolithic voting block." "Obama reaches out to all walks of life and different ethnic communities. Young people however are looking for change and someone to bring the country together, unlike Bush did."

"We are doing really well here [in Texas] Obama will be here tonight to give a speech and hopefully it will be a victory one," said Bejar on the day of the Texas primary.

Students have raised considerable money for Obama's campaign. "I held a fundraiser at my house a few weeks ago and raised over $300 in just a few hours," said Taylor.

"There are many politicians who want to be President, but I only see one leader running this year and his name is Barack Obama," said Taylor.


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