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

[CapitalistTool]

Good message – lame messenger.
It would have been nice if the Democratic Party had found someone else to relay this message. Like someone that hadn’t been so insulting towards Americans in the past.
Paltrow has said (on the record) that she thinks Brits are more intelligent than Americans and that makes here the wrong person to encourage expats to vote for Obama.
I can already see the Hannity/Ru­sh/Orielly clips getting played side by side; “I’m Gwyneth Paltrow…Americans are stupid… vote for Obama”
Why does the Democratic Party continue to shoot itself in the foot, again and again?

[theMightyT]

really stupid points.

The British ARE smarter than a mericans. Not because Pal trow says so. But because the B ush administration has ruined the educational system too.

[Heavy]

You just proved her point.

[blaqntelligence]

Sweetheart, as an American who lives right here in America, I agree with Ms. Paltrow.
Not only Brits but practically anyone who lives in a progressive society.
Listen to man-on-the-street interviews from practically any country in the world and many times their average citizen is speaking English, heavily accented, but English.
Interview an American anywhere in the world and what are the chances they can speak the language?
Not very high.

[nervouswrecks]

Well, this is Wenceslau Bras, Parana, Brasil. So this proves synchronicity. About 12:00pm last night I was conversing with a friend in Kansas City about my desire to vote, and not sure of what was necessary to vote from abroad. I have relocated here because my family has all passed away and my Brasilian wife's family is large. First I commend Senator Obama and Gwyneth for providing the answers, and in such a timely manner! I went to the website,signed up,and will cast my vote for Senator Obama! Took about 3 minutes!
I will also share an observation, that the negative comments I am reading seem very shallow. Possibly some of you have never travelled abroad. I am a very Patriotic American Citizen, carried my draft card for Nam but fortunately it ended before I got the call. I would have served my country if called on. The fact remains,,,that was an embarassing war,, and so is our involvement in Iraq. Not just from my point of view but many others around the world. Hey,, just for what it's worth. We are all entitled to our opinion! OBAMA 2008--Rex

[expatwing]

I am voting from abroad. I am originally from Michigan. And I am voting Obama.

Thanks Gwenny, stuff like this is great!

[sf101]

I lived in Japan for ten years and really appreciate seeing ads like this. Unfortunately, many expats still make too many excuses why they shouldn't register/vote. She was recently quoted that she wouldn't go back to the States unless it was for work/seeing family. And I don't blame her at all.

[bryansmith]

but McCain will use that against Obama, and unfortunately, it will work on our more stupid bretheren

[PAposter]

...and we have Americans here in the states complaining because Obama traveled abroad, they have no idea how important that trip was.

[bluehorizon]

Good ad. I'm overseas now. I'm voting Democratic, and I'm voting Obama!

[Oilygarch]

Good message. The emphasis to vote democrat was not necessary given the mix of people represented in the ad. Therefore it lost points for mentioning.

IMHO, it would have had a stronger effect and a wider-spread dissemination had it been left it out.

What began as a public service announcement, became an obvious partisan bidding.

It _is_ possible to stay on-message without being so obviously and blatantly partisan.

[PAposter]

Let the Republicans make their own f*cking ad.

[KillgoreTrout43]

Exactly. You know what they say about opinions. I suppose comparing Obama to Paris Hilton and Britenny Spears is good dialogue???

[honeydiva]

hahaha

[AmandaBC]

Good message, but the presentation could have been MUCH better. For start, it's too long. On average, Americans have very short attention spans...

Just my $.02, of course.

BTW, every American I know in BC, and here in Europe where I'm on vacation now, will definitely vote. I still have to find **one** Mc$ame supporter.­..

[jgaines7]

I tend to think that it's journalists and advertisers who have the short attention spans.

[AmandaBC]

Riiiiiight, GWB was elected by journalists and advertisers. And the 75% of Americans who bought the neocon lies at face value and spewed venom on every foreigner who dared to know better were also only journalists and advertiser­s...

[GullibilityTravels]

Know ANYBODY OVERSEAS who - were they to vote - would vote the right way?

Send them the link.

[W i l l]

Sketchy residency.­..that's a vote that ought to not count. Especially from someone who is far more a critical outsider than a patriot.
Paltrow does not appreciate the USofA.

[Merckx]

I would guess she is a true patriot and really appreciates the USA.
But like most of us, we are disgusted with how low the bar has been set in the USA.
Apparently all one needs to meet the standards of an American Patriot in eyes of people like you is a lapel flag pin and the ability to call people like Gwyneth Paltrow and the Dixie Chicks Anti-American for not falling in lockstep behind the Republican party line. Do you know how utterly offensive and ridiculous you sound?

[KillgoreTrout43]

What a neanderthal view.

[Jinxykb]

I was thinking 'Tool', but Neanderthal will do.

[Elrancho]

It's precisely because she DOES care, that she bothered to participate in this video and is voting for Obama. Take your head out of the sand...!

[dadw5boys]

Wow she spent all the money making the advertizement to encrouage Americans to vote but does not appreicate the USA.

Maybe your a little envious of her wealthy and fame not to mention the fact that she speaks 6 languages.

[expatwing]

Thanks, but MY vote does count! And how about being a critical patriot??

You must be reminded - citizenship is not about residency!

[NTO08]

Preaching to the choir...De­ms Abroad would not vote for Obama?

DUH!

Waste of time...if people are going to vote for him, they will...no one needs to remind his sheeple to...they are THAT crazy, as exhibited by comments here.

[NTO08]

Preaching to the choir...De­ms Abroad would not vote for Obama?
DUH!
Waste of time...if people are going to vote for him, they will...no one needs to remind his sheeple to...they are THAT crazy, as exhibited by comments here.

[Bettysdad]

Overseas civilian and military votes are among the easiest, and first, ones Republicans steal.

[KillgoreTrout43]

The US military In Iraq is looking forward to an Obama presidency. They want to come home. McCain doesn't want them to come home. It's that simple.

[JasText]

I think you will find that this time many many soldiers will vote Obama. My nephew has done 3 "tours" (nice euphemism) of Iraq and he absolutely detests the Bushies and their corporate war. Officers may vote McCain but they're in the minority obviously.

But yeah I've never voted from abroad in the 20+ years I've lived in Yurp because I never thought it would get counted... this time I'm registered and gonna vote my butt off for O JUST BECAUSE. This film will get wide distribution thru Dems Abroad as well as Obama's people, I get at least 2 emails a day from these guys. Very well networked and organised.

[AnnieinOR]

Yes! Yes! Yes! MILLIONS of voters around the world, did you hear that Mac?

[nclibertarian]

To bad the millions in America not falling for the Obama ruse will sweep McCain into office in Nov. But you people enjoy your "hope and change" until then.

[Heavy]

That would be "Too bad" and falling for a ruse is what YOU are doing. No information voters like you will be the downfall of America. Congrats for being in the 13% who think this country is headed in the right direction under republican control. You are just angry that your dollar bill racism talking point was shown to be the real ruse.

[gcswift2]

This is a great sentiment, and I Love the idea of Americans voting no matter where they are in the world...

Unfortunately, They don't count absentee ballots. As we found out in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. If they had we would not have elected the shrub and his henchmen.

Armed Mad House by Greg Palast
It will make you so angry, because its true

[GullibilityTravels]

"They don't count absentee ballots." RUBBISH.

[justobserve]

Why? Any link?

[manumoka]

Google it. Great book.

[whatsthatsound]

What I heard was, each state dutifully collects them, but only count them if the vote is close enough for them to make a difference. In other words, let's say they collect fifty thousand Florida absentee ballots. Then, from conventional voting, a winner, let's just say Obama (hopin'), defeats his McOpponent by more than fifty thousand votes. Absentee ballots then go uncounted, because the outcome would not affected. If it's close, as this one may well be, then absentee votes get counted at the end.

This kind of makes sense to me. What have others heard?

[DemVoterAbroad]

They definitely counted absentee ballots in 2000 Florida! This time around, gotta ask for those absentee ballots early, make sure you're registered, make sure you connect with your state election office. Keep track of when you made your request, even better, keep a copy of it. Let's get enough absentee ballots in to make all the difference this November -- the House, the Senate, the White House!