Gwyneth Paltrow's Newest Film: Dems Abroad Ad For Obama

On Monday, actress Gwyneth Paltrow will debut in her newest film: a two minute advertisement on behalf of Democrats Abroad, an official party organization that persuades the millions of Democratic voters living outside the country's borders to participate in domestic politics.

The spot, titled 'Where In The World Will YOU Vote?' implores expatriates to ignore the usual excuses and lethargies and cast ballots in the '08 election...preferably for Obama.

Democrats Abroad has launched a partner site, VoteFromAbroad.org, which helps U.S. citizens to register from anywhere in the world (during the primary season, one voter apparently registered via satellite internet from Antarctica).

"I heard people say that they didn't have a right to vote, from abroad," says the ad, narrated by multiple figures, including the London-based Paltrow. "A vote is a vote, regardless of where you are. For anyone who says they don't have a right to vote, you do."

"Vote Democrat. Vote Obama. Vote From Abroad," the spot concludes.

The organization is fighting something of an uphill battle. The advertisement, while harnessing Paltrow's star power, is only going on the web, as it would be all but impossible to effectively air in the 160 countries and territories where Democratic expatriates reside. Also, there are a variety of roadblocks, from the legal to the superficial, that dissuade people from registering. There were approximately 1 million requested ballots for the 2006 midterm election and more than 6 million estimated Democrats abroad.

If that gap can be closed, even slightly, it could be a boon for Obama. According to the group, four of the biggest swing states -- Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania -- receive among the highest number of requests for overseas ballots.

"This is a critical election, and we urge all Americans living abroad to request ballots now. We hope that this video along with our other efforts will help Americans, including over 200,000 American students studying abroad, vote for change this fall," said Christine Schon Marques, International Chair of Democrats Abroad.

Comments

[CSVOY]

02:54 AM on 08/05/2008

"The advertisement, while harnessing Paltrow's star power, is only going on the web, as it would be all but impossible to effectively air in the 160 countries and territories where Democratic expatriates reside"

Not really, it could be aired on CNN International and BBC World that have a huge audience worldwide.

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

10:52 PM on 08/04/2008

Simple and straightforward.

[nclibertarian]

08:43 PM on 08/04/2008

OBAMA IS GOD! (Let's see if the HP censors let this one through) Your support for free speech astounds!

[haleywins]

05:36 PM on 08/04/2008

Good ad, simple and to the point.

[Daniboy]

04:59 PM on 08/04/2008

If you want a perfect world you must vote all Dem because only Dems are perfect. How did those Repubs ever win anything?

[jupitor]

05:07 PM on 08/04/2008

Great simple ad! Repub's jealouse they didn't think of it! Sorry guys, lose again!

[edwarvir]

10:30 PM on 08/04/2008

Stole it from Gore Who sorry Now

[grayforester]

04:26 PM on 08/04/2008

If a US citizen who moved overseas to avoid living in a police state is willing to vote for change in the US, I want them to step up and vote their stake in a better America. That said, your point about the vulnerability of the vote count is well taken.

I don't think the majority of fence sitters in the heartland are trawling YouTube for politically oriented video posts. The ad targets expatriate US citizens, and they are more likely to see the ad.

[reshas1]

03:41 PM on 08/04/2008

Shut up and act Gwynie, or just shut up....

[lovethesinner]

04:40 PM on 08/04/2008

"Shut up": a Republican's favorite words.

[nukemind]

04:53 PM on 08/04/2008

Yeah I've always wanted Fred Thompson, Tom Selleck, Charleton Heston, Kelsey Grammar, Chuck Norris, Bo Derek, Ron Silver and Patricia Heaton to also shut up. Oh well.

[proudloudlib]

06:05 PM on 08/04/2008

Amen!

[70sFez]

03:18 PM on 08/04/2008

I am a Democrat abroad as well (I left the USA soil on 2004) but I think that REAL change can only come about with someone other than a Democrat or Republican. Vote Nader 2008.

[proudloudlib]

06:08 PM on 08/04/2008

Yeah, cause that always works.

[KillgoreTrout43]

02:56 PM on 08/04/2008

At least they had the good sense to leave Briteny and Paris out of it.

[MPeter]

05:26 PM on 08/04/2008

Yeah, thanks guys. You rock! It is beautifully done, simple, straight forward and interesting! Thank you!

[jankvkleve]

02:43 PM on 08/04/2008

I am a Democrat living abroad and gave up on having anything to do with Democrats Abroad because of complete unresponsiveness to emails with specific questions regarding registration issues. To promote heavily but not respond at all to members doesn't speak well of the organization.

[KillgoreTrout43]

02:55 PM on 08/04/2008

Sounds like you're making it more about you than the democrats.

[jankvkleve]

04:31 PM on 08/04/2008

My comments had to do with this organization, not Democrats or the Democratic party. If they have the wherewithal to produce ads using famous actors, they ought to be able to hire staff to respond to members' issues.

[JWLANDSCAPES]

01:46 PM on 08/04/2008

I've been to Berlin in the Summer, always 100,000's of people milling around, especially on a gorgeous day. Wonder if they were there for Obama, or Obama was just there where the people naturally are anyway.

HYPE?

[grayforester]

04:17 PM on 08/04/2008

Your point would be valid if those people in Berlin were "milling around." Those people gathered for an event. Is that all you've got? Your remarks are an insult to normal intelligence.

[Daniboy]

04:54 PM on 08/04/2008

Yea-They showed up for a concert.

[4wehttam]

01:41 PM on 08/04/2008

What a contrast. The ads that come from democrats and O's campaign are always truthful, hopeful and truly sincere. The repugs can only win by portraying themselves as lying thugs.

[blaqntelligence]

12:06 PM on 08/04/2008

Considering what a smash Obama was on his world tour, I'm wondering if media outlets overseas could donate air time for our citizens abroad?
Or would that be considered interfering in an American electoral process?

[bryansmith]

11:07 AM on 08/04/2008

Great ad, great idea. Great way to campaign abroad and let the world see we are working hard for a change of the guard.

But I can see McCain now saying: "Obama is courting expatriates"

[jemeagirl]

10:39 AM on 08/04/2008

This made me cry. It is so improtant that everyone takes this seriously and vote. I cannot even imagine what will happen to all us if McCain wins.

Please vote & of course vote democrat