How NOT To Use Video For Political Fundraising

On Thursday, Meghan McCain pondered at . Perhaps it was the Norm Coleman recount fundraising video that inspired her.

Without commenting on the Minnesota recount itself, I do want to say a word about the video uploaded to the Coleman for Senate YouTube account on Tuesday.  Here’s the video, then I’ll comment:

I realize the video is intended for the Republican base, but still: A parade of mostly white guy Senators? The same voices that just got drubbed in the polls last November?

As I’ve said a zillion times, the Internet is a first-person medium. Where’s Norm Coleman making the case on his own behalf? In his own voice? Failing that, then, why not ordinary citizens making the case for him rather than the usual suspects?

As you can see with the screenshot of the video’s current YouTube stats, as of this writing, the video hasn’t exactly caught fire. Most of the traffic is coming from political commentary sites like and .

Norm Coleman YouTube Fundraising Video Statistics Screenshot - 02/21/09

Lastly, and most glaringly, the video does not direct viewers to a Web site at which they can donate; not within the video itself or even in the description of the video on the YouTube page. Nowhere.

It should be obvious but let me belabor the point: Make it as easy as possible for people to give you money