The disturbingly cool “Yes, We Can” video
posted at 8:02 pm on February 2, 2008 by Bryan
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
It’s not an official Obama campaign video. In fact, I don’t think the Obama campaign was involved at all. But it’s based on Sen. Barack Obama’s New Hampshire “Yes, We Can” speech, an address that just might wind up in the history books. The Black Eye Peas’ will.i.am wrote the song after hearing that speech, and the video looks like a Hollywood and music industry yearbook. The speech is uplifting, the song is perfectly matched and performed, the imagery set to accompany it is cast in black and white and gray to emphasize the divide that Obama plans to heal.
The clenched fist salute that accompanies the “Si, se puede!” chant is a bit divisive, though. It’s at 1:57 in.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
cheesy. *yawn…i’m already sick of obama.
therightwinger on February 2, 2008 at 8:04 PM
How will we?
Big S on February 2, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Needs more Scarlett Johansson.
BlackCapitalist on February 2, 2008 at 8:07 PM
No We Cant!
zane on February 2, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Si se pueda Obama!
Rode Werk on February 2, 2008 at 8:10 PM
P. U.
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Oh, Big S, it don’t matter HOW we do it. It just matters that Saint Obama thinks we CAN.
Details are unimportant. Especially when Obama’s followers are morons.
The picture up there looks disturbingly like the Black Power fist. Of course, he also looks like he’s wearing a weird version of a keffiyeh so maybe it’s all fitting…
mjk on February 2, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Quiero que mi bienestar inmerecidas comprobar Obama
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Was that Herbie Hancock on the piano?
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 8:14 PM
That is the perfect lefty slogan. Uplifting, motivational, positive, simple, MEANINGLESS.
We can what?
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 8:14 PM
By taking money away from the people in this country who figured out how to offer society things it wanted and needed and giving that money to people who never tried, never cared or never succeeded.
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 8:15 PM
No la puta Obama.
profitsbeard on February 2, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Anybody think Old Man McCain can compete against THAT?
Somebody said the other day, “Vote for McCain, he is promising more wars and less jobs”
EJDolbow on February 2, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Lew Alcindor?
harrison on February 2, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Yes we can stab all hard-working Americans in the butt! Yes we can take their money and property and hand it out to those in NEED!!!
Yes we can destroy the corporations that create the jobs that none of the moonbats want to do!!!
bbz123 on February 2, 2008 at 8:20 PM
And that is why I cannot stand modern politics. The video was great. It was moving. It hit all the right notes. And yet I’m disgusted by it. I think I dislike it so much, because it confirms what I despise about my generation: we’re a bunch of selfish trolls, trying to go from one emotional high to the other. Millions will probably see this and will get chills, and maybe even cry, but few will actually remember any of his speech other than “yes we can.” Because what’s important is how we feel when we hear what he said, rather than what we think about that which was said. I know that this is no new revelation for anyone here, so please forgive this little rant. My only comfort is that this has all been done before. St. Augustine, in his Confessions, wrote how he used to love going to the open theaters, so that he could be made to cry and laugh with the actors. There is nothing new under the sun.
Weight of Glory on February 2, 2008 at 8:21 PM
BlackCapitalist on February 2, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Great. Now I have to mark off all the best TV shows from my watching list!
mksmithwriter on February 2, 2008 at 8:22 PM
When it comes to voting day, will these people actually go to the polling place?
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 8:24 PM
A’ole Hiki No!
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 8:25 PM
You know, while I disagree with all of his stances on every issue, I can see myself voting for him. Its speeches like that which are inspiring, and which truly illustrate that he has America in his best interest. I would have zero problem voting for him over McCain. None whatsoever. If he is the nominee, I suggest the GOP save its money and focus on 2012, because a vast majority of people who are a lot less political than you or I will hear his speeches and will be inspired.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Watch how fast it becomes the campaign song. Powerful and disturbing is right. I smell a major historical movement here.
We are living to see a major shift in both parties. The democrats are slowly moving away from the Clinton control that has dominated for the last 16 years. The centrist in name only party that is only moved by opinion polls to maintain control. To a party that thinks it is time to return to it’s core beliefs, very left of center with a leader who has the charisma to get them there.
The republicans have been taken over by the old Dixie-Crats, who left the democratic party years ago and indentified with the republicans and now have brought their old FDR style big government with them.
I just have not figured out where the conservatives went.
conservnut on February 2, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Uh, who can? Please, please, please God, let Hillary get the nomination.
Nice speech. Cool video. And a pure, unadulterated steaming pile of BS, of course. Many (if not most) Americans will fall (or have already fallen) hook, line & sinker for this kind of touchy-feely crap, and one day realize they are in a livewell, gasping for air.
AP, in this post you’ve got nothing but good things to say about Obama and this video. I’m certain you do realize Obama’s shtick is, in fact, a shtick. I’m curious why you don’t make that clear in this post.
Splashman on February 2, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Just because there is change…there is absolutely no guarantee it will be better.
badpenguin on February 2, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Hot Air gonna cover the Maine caucus? Maybe we can get some Romney-mentum here?
CABE on February 2, 2008 at 8:30 PM
@ conservnut on February 2, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Conservatives have been just sitting here and voting by the principle of the “lesser of two evils”. We long since have stopped demanding conservatives to be running for office. We vote people in who simply arent conservative because the person they are running against are less conservative. That is not something that can be done if you want to help this country. You have to vote by your principles, not by your party. If your party doesnt run someone who is up to your standards, you SHOULD NOT vote for them.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:31 PM
To complete the look, all that dashing young fellow needs to do is extend his fingers.
scatbug on February 2, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Yeah, never mind that 100% liberal voting record. He sure can speechify and make you feel good about yourself, so f*ck yeah, vote for Obama!
Holy bejeezus.
Splashman on February 2, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Weight of Glory on February 2, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Not a rant. I just hope there are a lot more like you.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 8:35 PM
@ Splashman on February 2, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Obama vs McCain.
I truly feel Obama want America to become better. I cannot say the same about McCain. I think Obama might actually listen to advisors, might actually get something positive done. McCain would listen to NO ONE, and would simply keep us in Iraq forever. They are very similar politics wise actually. At least with an Obama presidency I can be inspired listening to speeches. Again, I disagree with him on every issue, but at least I trust he wants what is best for America.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:35 PM
I usually agree with you. But here I disagree. It is impossible for me to vote for Obama because his solution to all our problems is more government programs, more spending, and more taxation.
If you’ve learned anything from Ron Paul, I hope it’s the fact that American cannot afford its current spending levels and certainly can’t afford an increase in spending.
Not to mention, Obama (or any other candidate, save Ron Paul) has no plans for abolishing the Federal Reserve, which is at the very root of our money problems because they encourage Congress to keep borrowing an unlimited amount of money from them. The Fed just keeps printing money…causing inflation, and devaluing our dollar.
Change, my ass.
BlackCapitalist on February 2, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Gee, the same could be said of Jimmy Carter.
conservnut on February 2, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Obama hes just a hollywood musical waiting to break out
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 8:39 PM
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
EnochCain on February 2, 2008 at 8:41 PM
I recognize John Legend, Scarlett, Will.i.am and Obama.
Who are the rest of them?
I guess I am too out of the loop, I don’t recognize Hollywood and music industry yearbook at all. Who’s the chick holding the kid?
AprilOrit on February 2, 2008 at 8:41 PM
@ BlackCapitalist on February 2, 2008 at 8:38 PM
I agree with you. But its going to be McCain vs _____. I much rather have a real democrat if I am forced to vote democrat. Also, I think of the three possible, Hillary, McCain and Obama, he is the only one which means what he says. I wish he was a republican, it would be a no brainer. If there is a valid third party, of course I will vote policy before likability, but if its McCain vs Obama, I will NOT be voting for a liar and a fraud over someone who speaks from his heart and who frankly is much more presidential in his behavior.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:42 PM
And chants of “Change”
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 8:42 PM
@ conservnut on February 2, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Jimmy Carter is the antithesis of likable.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Coming soon from will.i.am- the updated and hip new
“deutschland uber alles”
billy on February 2, 2008 at 8:43 PM
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Yea? read APThen this. I wouldn’t be so sure.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Well, I’ll give mad props to the folks that put that together. Call it victory of form over substance, perhaps, but that’s going to resonate, guys.
Midas on February 2, 2008 at 8:44 PM
I think that sums up McCain perfectly.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Kareem Abdul Jabaar (sp) was in there, I think that was Herbie Hancock, and the bald dude on guitar was Moby maybe? I recognized a few of the other faces, but couldn’t put any more names in there, I’m afraid.
Midas on February 2, 2008 at 8:45 PM
The very reason I agree with Ann, at least we can control her. She is driven by public opinion so she can’t move too far left.
Nothing is more dangerous than a man with principle.
conservnut on February 2, 2008 at 8:46 PM
No, I guess not. It’s disappointing.
….
We better hope Obama doesn’t get the nomination. He has the charisma, empty “hope and change” message, and the right skin color (everybody wants to say they voted for the first black prez) to GOTV with new voters who are more interested in Britney and Paris than they are in the real issues this country faces. Tonight, before you go to sleep, say a little prayer for Hillary Rodham Clinton.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 8:46 PM
And Obama Girl bikini videos.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 8:47 PM
You’re kidding, right? Please tell me you’re kidding.
History is replete with emotional, uplifting, and inspiring speeches by leaders who promised change, and swayed audiences so forcefully they didn’t realize they were being led onto the road to hell. Hitler most certainly wanted what was best for his country, and he convinced the German people to walk the road with him. By the time they realized they were being led by a madman, it was too late.
I sure hope not many voters think like you.
Splashman on February 2, 2008 at 8:47 PM
well nobody says you cant have FUN along the way !
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 8:48 PM
PALATE CLEANSER
Big S on February 2, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Ah. Well if comes to McCain vs Hillary or Obama, I will do my part by writing in whomever I wish. And America can reap what it sows for all I care after that…
BlackCapitalist on February 2, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Can what?
Golden Boy on February 2, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Ah, don’t we all…
Lee on February 2, 2008 at 8:53 PM
@ Splashman on February 2, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Are you kidding? If I lived in Germany at the time of Hitlers rise, I would have absolutely supported him. His message at the time resonated with the people, dont act like you would have been any different. Look at the history of Hitlers rise, and stop trying to use it incorrectly to prove a point.
Believe me, most people think much differently than me. Most people will EASILY vote for Obama, because they are a lot less political minded. I would vote for any conservative over Obama, IF the GOP would run a conservative. If it comes down to McCain vs _____, though, I will vote against McCain no matter what. I distrust him, and think at best he could be like Bush, and at worst he will be like Carter. The fact that the best he could be would be a president who doesnt listen at all to the people, and who wants illegal immigration, legalized, is SAD.
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Screw up America?
But with totally good intentions.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 8:55 PM
I didn’t see Moby, him I know, I guess that could have been Herbie Hankock but by Bryan’s description I was expecting more mainstream characters. Who are all those women besides Scarlett singing? I do not know any of them except I thought I caught a glimpse of that black actress who used to be on Jennifer Love Hewitt’s show, but she wasn’t singing.
The others – I’m lost.
AprilOrit on February 2, 2008 at 8:59 PM
I watched the video and I found it really stupid.
If he was a white guy with the same Hallmark Card
slogans, would they still support him?
SUPERFICIAL
RobCon on February 2, 2008 at 9:00 PM
I got the feeling ScarJo COULD, but it took her a few takes…just my impression.
By the way, you right morons…it doesn’t matter if we CAN or not it only matters that the effort is there. Results don’t matter! /liberal thought
SouthernGent on February 2, 2008 at 9:01 PM
At least it gave some has-beens a little exposure.
RobCon on February 2, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Oh, now I get it.
Hey, you can’t take away my freedom..
“Yes, we can!”
You can’t surrender to our enemies..
“Yes, we can!”
You can’t raise my taxes…
“Yes, we can!”
Golden Boy on February 2, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Honestly Im not too worried about obama. For one thing hispanics will be cold to his nomination for fear of being alienated. Second the Clintons cant afford to wait 8 years for power they will do everything in the world to undermine him.
Finally an Obama nomination will give Paul’s stormfronters such a scare they will warn Ron to drop out and back the Repubican Nominee. Not that we would want his backer or his nod.
William Amos on February 2, 2008 at 9:03 PM
You just took a trip to Theresville.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:06 PM
muyoso on February 2, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Even though BHO’s muslin connection has been cited many times before and most of you have probably read this. I have to say that if he is using Al Taqiyya we are in more trouble than you can imagine. I for one don’t think we can take that chance.
jerrytbg on February 2, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Ahh. This is what “We Can”
But we can, you know we can
But we can, you know we can
Let’s lynch the landlord man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fckSZ0zDGaA
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 9:08 PM
Is this “WE” the socialist America he wants to build. Not only is he going to bleed us dry with taxes but he is gonna kick us in the nuts too, then tell us to go to the doctor, that is “free healthcare”. With a stupid celebrity to sing while the idiot sheeple are sent to slaughter.
HotAirExpert on February 2, 2008 at 9:09 PM
BlackCapitalist, I like your comments.
“Yes we can”
- Embrace socialism
- Embrace cultural tolerance at the expense of our culture
- Be politically correct at the expense of our lives
- Open our borders
- Renounce being proud to be an American
- Renounce individualism
- Renounce accountability
- Have a socialist healthcare system
- Redistribute wealth so that we’re all poor
- Discourage entrepreneurship
- Tax success into oblivion
- Hate the rich, eat them, as P.J. O’Rourke would say
- ‘Kill’ Ayn Rand for good
- ‘Kill’ Milton Freedman for good
- Renounce our freedom of expression/speech
- Condemn/renounce Capitalism
- Work 35 hours a week, like the French
- Blame the government, providence, our parents, all, for everything
- Be like the Europeans
- Be like Chavez
- Lose our freedom
- Be sheep
- Depend on the government from cradle to grave
- Vote for liberals blindly because they enable all this
Add on, please.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:09 PM
I think it might have been Ed Kowalczyk from the band Live.
flipflop on February 2, 2008 at 9:09 PM
-Allow these people to vote for this guy, have him around for four years, and then have everybody wake up and realize we need conservative leadership. Its just a hiccup. Let them get it out.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:14 PM
Embrace the “Change”
or else…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iNh6BVZgJ0&feature=related
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Mellow out or You Will Pay!
-Suede Denim Secret Police
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Devaul Patrick (Obama’s buddy) was elected governor here in MA with nearly the same phrase: “Together We Can”. I’m sure this is where Obama got the idea. The joke was the same: “Together We Can …Do What?”
What he has “done” is absolutely nothing except decorate his office for $27,000 (Including $10,000 for the drapes). He also got himself a nice big Cadillac, hired a Chief of Staff for $150K for his wife, got a raise for himself and approved raises for the legislature.
Romney worked for nothing.
Rod on February 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
From Red Planet Cartoons -
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Imagine a rally of a few million exhorting and then embracing a President Obama as he accepts and then signs repeated amnesties with benefits.
Speakup on February 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Who’s the guy with the fist speaking Spanish – David Blaine the illusionist?
AprilOrit on February 2, 2008 at 9:18 PM
No, no, no – socialism, once entrenched, is hard to reverse. Prevent it from happening. There are no Ronald Reagans waiting in the wings – if they were there, we’d have one running now.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Now I know I wouldn’t invite any of these people in my house.
Would you?
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Maybe you’re right. I hope you’re not.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Good on you Kini – but I’m keeping your invitation :)
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:21 PM
We’ve already got entrenched socialism…just look at the education system.
TOPV on February 2, 2008 at 9:21 PM
They all seem like nice people. They have good intentions. They are just either too uninformed or stupid to understand what they are voting for.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Show me a reverse trend, please.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Deval Patrick wants his cheesy empty slogan back.
BKennedy on February 2, 2008 at 9:24 PM
You can say that again.
I think everyone who cares about the future of America and its children should watch this.
What’s scarier–terrorists or teacher’s unions?
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:24 PM
- Eliminate the Bill of Rights
- Enable Elitism
Freedom is overrated and must be redefined. Off to reeducation camp for you.
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 9:26 PM
Egg Zachary
Once we trade out liberty for the teat of the nanny state it takes blood to win it back. Case in point. Our current election. Two candidates who are part of the problem, entrenched establishment candidates, running on a platform of change. Even St.Orwell would be shocked at what we lay down for
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 9:27 PM
He sold it to Barack at the “How to Turn People into Sheeple” seminar.
South Korea.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:28 PM
It has a lifetime guarantee.
- We the Peoples Republic of Amerika
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Yes, We Can?
What did the Nazis say, “Raise your arm if your sure”
RobCon on February 2, 2008 at 9:31 PM
I don’t recall South Korea having been a socialist country, but enlighten me, please.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:31 PM
How to win friends and influence
peopleEntelechy :)Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:33 PM
And Kini, thank you for the lifelong invite. I’ll hang on to it.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Just look at what Lee Myung-bak ran on against the Chung Dong-young. The current leadership in SK was pretty far-left. I maybe went a bit to far by calling them “socialist”.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Indeed. Great comment. Hillary/Obama/McCain – enough to be tranquilized.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:37 PM
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:36 PM
It’s like calling FDR or Johnson Obama. I’m not talking about democrat, I’m talking about socialist.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:38 PM
Worse, he’s not just old. He’s old, angry, snide, ill-humored and thinks it’s all about his sagging white ass.
Obama would beat that geezer by 20 points.
paul006 on February 2, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Confession. I had to google the names of those guys.
I’ll give you that. I wouldn’t call HRC socialist, but I would give Obama that label.
I don’t think four years will be enough for Obama’s policies to become “entrenched”, especially with the current congress of “let’s just not do anything”.
malan89 on February 2, 2008 at 9:43 PM
The current Congress will likely increase the Ds, in both branches. And, yes, 4 years is more than plenty, don’t kid yourself.
Entelechy on February 2, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Obama gives the lefties the irresistible opportunity to strike a revolutionary pose without assuming any of the commitment and risk of a true revolutionary. In him they can reinforce their overly dramatic view of themselves in relation to the world. In short, you can smoke a bong load and support Obama then pass out, secure in the knowledge that you have made the world a better place.
Meanwhile, http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://ec.europa.eu/echo/images/photos/sudan/sudan_01.jpg&imgrefurl=http://ec.europa.eu/echo/field/sudan/index_en.htm&h=300&w=450&sz=17&tbnid=yUiAn8dpP-qwVM:&tbnh=85&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsudan%26um%3D1&start=3&sa=X&oi=images&ct=image&cd=3
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 9:45 PM
What, no mention of Obama’s hump? His hump, his hump; his hump, his hump, his hump? His hump, his hump, his lovely lady lumps?
Tzetzes on February 2, 2008 at 9:45 PM
The Democratic lefts embrace of socialism is not new by any stretch of the imagination. It has given us such wonderful programs such as Welfare and Social Security, hence the term social-ism.
If there is anything to help preserve our way of life it begins with education. Public schools do not teach national pride let alone how to balance a checkbook.
Tis easier to let a failing pass than to elevate the power of knowledge.
Kini on February 2, 2008 at 9:49 PM
This whole idea that Medved and others are pushing, that we must support the Republican candidate because the alternative is worse, pisses me off. If you don’t come close to representing my core values then you don’t get my vote. That’s it. How did we end up withe the mediocre holding us hostage to the slightly more mediocre. Funny thing principals. They leave only two options. You either stand on them or compromise them. Medved says if Billary wins it will be the fault of those who stay home instead of voting for a RINO that is against most of what they hold dear. I say if she wins it’s the fault of all those Republicans who compromise their values in order to win. If we all stood strong together, we wouldn’t be in this mess.
ronsfi on February 2, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »