Columnist Ed Cone explains in the Greensboro News & Record how I saved the Democratic party and created Barack Obama. Well, not exactly, but he has a good column on the GOP’s “brand” woes and features me heavily.
In 2004, blogger Oliver Willis launched a viral marketing campaign called “Brand Democrat.” The idea was to frame the values of the Democratic Party with a series of online banners — simple messages in black text on a white background above a red, white and blue silhouette of a donkey. One ad contained a list of accomplishments, including Social Security and Medicare, and closed with the line, “We’re just getting warmed up.” Others were devoted to single issues: “Call us crazy, but we think sick kids should have health care.” “What happens in your bedroom, stays in your bedroom. It’s just none of our business.” “Torture? We’ve always been against it. We still are.”
It turns out that Willis was ahead of the game. Flash forward to 2008, and the brand value of political parties is a hot topic. What’s more, Brand Democrat is looking pretty strong. It has a dynamic new spokesman in Barack Obama, and for the first time in a generation the Democratic Party can claim to be the party of ideas.
“Heavily” OW? LOL. You said it, we didn’t!
Wow. that was brilliant. You should be proud of yourself, moron.
Nice mention, Oliver–you need to bring Brand Democrat back, man–isn’t this THE year for it!?
Peace, from your friend in Portland, OR
Makin’ it mainstream, Mr. Willis. Good job.
Holy crap, that was all you? Who knew
That’s really great, Oliver. Kudos.
A funny looking guy with a strange accent just popped out in a blue phone box, and left this newspaper clipping from 2013:
“In 2008 bloggers scoffed at Mr. Oliver Willis’ prediction that Jessica Alba would break up with her paramour and hook up with Willis after he obtained a ‘6-pack ab’ physique. Well, it turns out that Willis was ahead of the game. Flash forward to 2013 and rebranded Air America Network (formerly Fox News) will be providing exclusive coverage of the nuptial ceremonies.”
^_~
Kudos. Recognition for a job well done.
Dems are learning, albeit slowly and painfully, that 1) winning and 2) successful control of PR need to be our top priorities in the 21st century. Obama’s entire campaign, for the most part, is a testament to these goals.
A shoutout for your shoutout, Oliver. You deserve it. Keep bringing the message.
Of course, Social Security and Medicare have promised $37 trillion more in benefits to seniors and disabled workers than the programs will be able to pay, according to the 2006 annual report of the trustees of the Social Security and Medicare funds.
Not to mention both program funnel money from poor young workers to rich older retirees.
So maybe those aren’t really the best things to highlight.
Oliver,
Could you post the link to the ’shirt’ generator? I actually used it in 2004, but can’t seen to dig up the link.
No reason not to have some more fun again.
Thanks.
“Wow. that was brilliant. You should be proud of yourself, moron.”
So not funny. Doubt that it made any deep wounds. Don’t overreact, like McCain. Did you come up with your li’l name just for me?
Whatever happened to “Brand Democrat”?
Oh that’s right. It’s been replaced with “Brand Only The Democrats I Like.”