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| 'Obama Girl' and American Politics |
| [Interview] Amber Lee's viral clip remains a hit on YouTube |
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Amin George Forji (amingeorge)  |
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Published 2007-11-14 05:48 (KST) |
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It is now generally accepted that Web 2.0 is changing the world in many ways. For one thing, it has enabled virtually anyone with a camera to become a broadcaster, especially on free video sites such as YouTube and Revver, which let users create their own content.
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TODAY'S TOP STORIES |
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FROM THE SECTION |
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| One viral clip, "I Got a Crush on Obama," created in June to launch a new Web site (BarelyPolitical.com) dedicated to providing political satire and online entertainment, became one of the most talked about videos of 2007. In fact, since its creation it has been watched by over six million people on free broadcasting sites.
In the video, Amber Lee Ettinger, identifying herself as "Obama Girl" confesses her admiration and love for Illinois senator and 2008 U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Ever Since, Amber, who as a consequence has become an icon in her own right, regularly appearing on Television, has become known as Obama Girl.
I interviewed Obama Girl by e-mail between Nov. 6 and Nov. 12. She admitted that she still has a crush on Obama and contended that her video has created a remarkable impact on American politics.
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How would you introduce yourself to our international audience?
 |  | | | | | | ©2007 Amber Lee Ettinger | I am proud to introduce myself as "Obama Girl" and as part of the BarelyPolitical team.
I understand you got the name "Obama Girl," following the viral video clip, "I Got a Crush on Obama," which you staged. What is the inspiration behind the making of the video? Did you expect at the time that it would generate such a huge amount of fame?
There is so much happening around politics in America -- people are constantly talking about it and constantly excited by it. That got us excited, too. We wanted to make a spoof video that grabbed onto that. And of course, onto my feelings for Obama, too! I did not expect it would generate so much buzz; it's been really great.
Do you still have a crush on Obama?
Yes, I do! Who wouldn't?
The name "Obama Girl" may live with you forever. Do you think it will be a liability or an asset?
I think it's definitely an asset. I'm proud of the work I did in the video, and I'm glad to be connected to a new up-and-coming political satire group like BarelyPolitical.
By the way, have you been contacted by the Obama campaign since the release of the video? If not, are you disappointed?
No, I have not. It doesn't disappoint me at all -- they are busy with more important matters like running a campaign!
Who are you supporting in next year's presidential elections?
I'm still looking, so stay tuned.
Your video is one of the most watched on YouTube. Do you believe it has had some impact in this year's presidential campaign? In other words, how political is the video?
I think it definitely had an impact. This is the first election to really capitalize on the wave we're seeing toward online video, digital media, etc. So many young voters use these types of technologies to learn about politics and form their opinions. They are the voice of tomorrow. That said, the video is meant to be light-hearted and get people thinking. They should still take time to hear candidates' platforms before they make such an important decision like voting.
Has the fame of the Obama video inspired you to embrace the music industry? Any proposals?
I am talking to a few people, so we'll see what happens!
Do you have more surprises in the pipeline?
Stay tuned.
Your last remarks?
Americans, remember to vote!
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If you could vote in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, who would you choose? (2007-11-21 ~ 2007-12-29) |
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©2007 OhmyNews
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