Ugh.
I think I’d rather ask Ron’s opinion… but I’m not one to leave folks in the lurch, because there’s a right and a wrong way to do video (online or otherwise). So I’ll advise.
For tips on how to properly do a YouTube video between a candidate and a consumer, read this:
Ever do a truly crappy job at something you cared about? That was me a month ago when I put together my first YouTube video. I did it – God forgive me for my sins – because the organizer of the Business of Software Conference in a fit of Pure Evil decided the only way for speakers to get on was to do a vote for me video.
…
After a month of sleepless nights and depressed days agonizing over what to do in this Brave New Video World, a strange golden light surrounded me early yesterday morning and an amazing calm filled me. A godlike voice said in my head, “This is television dummy! There’s always a take 2!”
Gilmore desperately needs a Take 2.
Of course, if you want to see one done right… well, you know where to look:
Now seriously, if you saw only these two videos, which would you vote for?
Lest this be confused for more shilling by yours truly for Marshall over Gilmore, check out Marshall’s YouTube videos… and you will see nothing of the sort of one-on-one conversation (which I would strongly advise Marshall do).
Altogether, it does raise one question: If Gilmore truly intends to present the RPV Convention as a mere coronation rather than the contest it is shaping up to be, shouldn’t the rank-and-file be able to point to at least one field where we are trouncing Mark Warner and the Democrats? Fundraising? Grassroots? Organization? Voter contact? Red-hot issues? Online media? Or God forbid — real, solid pro-life, pro-limited government, pro-family, and pro-2nd Amendment issues that speak to our base????
Are we seriously being asked to count on McCain’s coattails to soothe Gilmore’s high negatives and carry the GOP to victory? I would much rather have the heads up contest of ideas Marshall will give us against Warner… without the baggage Gilmore brings to the table.
Perhaps I’m just hungry and sleepy (and therefore, grouchy). Therefore, I’m going to go back to mowing my lawn now… or maybe I’ll be going fishing.
One of the two.
UPDATE: This is not the first time Gilmore has been offered feedback… once upon a time, a similar criticism for Gilmore’s video announcing his 2008 presidential bid was issued from James Kotecki (of Politico fame)…
…and that was for Gilmore’s abortive presidential run. Ouch.