Substantial Commentary

I believe presidential candidates are selling themselves while campaigning for both primary and presidential elections. This happens time and time again. Not only do they try to sell themselves and their ideas, but more importantly, their image. In the opinion article titled Beyond Red, White and Blue, Steven Heller explains the significance in using art in posters, banners, and messages as an attempt relate to a younger mass public.

Recently a poster was created for Barack Obama, by a Los Angeles graphic designer and street artist, Shepard Fairey. The poster is already sold out and has been getting a huge buzz on how unique it truly is. This form of campaigning is nothing new in the political world of campaigns. Presidential candidates have been doing this for years. Heller explains, the Andy Warhol impressionistic image of Richard Nixon got younger generations interested in politics again. Obama has a huge following from the younger generation and his campaign strategists are taking the proper steps to win over the young public. I believe the reason why many different generations are pro- Obama is due, in part, to his strategic campaign tactics. He knows how to reach individuals on many different levels. However, some of his approaches are not all that new and they have been used by candidates before this presidential campaign.

To see the full article from the New York Times published on February 15, 2008; click on the title of the article above. To see the artistic poster of Barack Obama; click on the artist name, Shepard Fairey.