Singing the new Gospel of the New Messiah; Update: NBC chief behind the effort? Update: NBC denies

posted at 2:30 pm on September 30, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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I’m a little sick of the idea of using children to promote political positions and especially candidates, so I’m inclined to look at this kind of effort with a jaundiced eye under any circumstances. However, this video seems even creepier than most. Sing for Change brags about getting 22 children from 5-12 to regurgitate some execrable lyrics as though they had the first clue about the topic of the songs:

It gets even creepier when you read the lengthy description at YouTube. Here’s a representative excerpt, emphasis mine:

What we accomplished in a few hours on a Sunday afternoon embodies the nature of the Obama campaign: its grassroots inspiration, its inclusiveness, its community building. People pitched in quickly for a cause that resonated with them. There were not many conditions: “Think this is a good idea? Want to help? Great. Sunday at 12:00.” At the heart of the project were 22 children and their music. The willingness of all involved to come together for them was a testament to our hope, unity, courage, joy and belief in the future represented by these children.

Their music? No, the music came from the people who wanted to indoctrinate these children, and many others, in the faith of the New Messiah. One example of the genius of the lyrics:

We’re gonna spread happiness
We’re gonna spread freedom
Obama’s gonna change it
Obama’s gonna lead ‘em

We’re gonna change it
And rearrange it
We’re gonna change the world.

Hmm. Reminds me of another youth movement that promised to do the same. One scene from the movie Cabaret immediately came to mind when I saw this video:

Very, very creepy. Leave the children out of it, please.

Update: Another paean to Dear Leader from the children:

Oops! Wrong Dear Leader.
Update II: Sing for Change’s website tells us who created this effort:

As Sunday approached, a neighbor volunteered a home. Production wizards got wind of the project and offered their help in recordingit.  The likes of Jeff Zucker, Holly Schiffer, Peter Rosenfeld, Darin Moran, Jean Martin, Andy Blumenthal, and Nick Phoenix rearranged schedules to participate. Holly Schiffer was able to get three High Definition cameras (Panasonic HVX250’s), and an AVID editing facility. When Jeff Zucker went to pick up the camera package, Ted Schilowitz happened to be there and offered a RED camera set up on a SteadiCam.

“Production wizard” Jeff Zucker appears to also be President & CEO of NBC Universal Jeff Zucker.  At least  David Zucker (apparently no relation) sticks with adults for his political work.  Will Sing for Change get its own variety-hour special next?

Update III: NBC denies this is the same Jeff Zucker:

“It’s a different Jeff Zucker,” wrote an NBC spokesperson to Politico.

Fair enough.  However, this Jeff Zucker has access to an expensive, professional studio quality stereo microphone set and enough cash for an expensive full-color 3′x5′ original Obama poster behind the children, plus a pretty nice camera.

Update IV: Bob Owens notes that this Jeff Zucker appears to be a Hollywood gaffer, with a credit on Boogie Nights.  Great movie, by the way, but Wonderland was more factual.

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