Can you get out the vote?

A few weeks ago, I got a phone call from David, a local Democratic organizer. "Joel, can you make me a short video to get out the vote?" Before he finished the sentence, I heard myself saying, "Yes, of course!"

I didn't have a plan or even an idea. I just said Yes. I looked at the calendar and working back from November 3rd, I knew I had maybe a week to make the video so it would get out in time to have any influence.

So, the project was on and zoom, my creative engines cranked into gear. Format. Story. Pictures. Voices. Man-on-the-street-interviews? I texted a few people who are active in politics, "Can you find me some people to interview on camera?"

I jotted down some questions and an outline of what the video could look like. I was into the interviews and knew that if I get some soundbites in the can, I could make something. But the days clicked by. Nothing came back. Not even, "I'll see who I can find." 5 days were lost. I was lost.

I tried not to think about it that night but fear crept in. Would I have to call him back, "Sorry, I can't do it."

Facing failure, I decided to just sit down at my computer and start. I typed out one sentence: Prices are out of control. At the pump, at the store, at the pharmacy, everywhere. Why?

"Because of the policies and tariffs of..." but before I could read it out loud, I deleted it and answered the why: Trump.

It was a delicious beginning. I built on it by pounding out more narration. About the corruption, the Kennedy Center, the destruction of Medicaid and the impact of cutting SNAP and and and... But there's a difference between riffing with a friend about Trump and writing short sentences that carry meaning and deliver a punch. So I deleted those phrases, too.

I took a breath and knew that I would have to bring him onto the stage. I can't stand even hearing his voice, but I had to find clips where he says things about prices. And then, bingo - "I love the inflation." That gave me the next push and I was able keep the narrator pushing forward and punctuate with Trump's own words. I was learning what I needed from every sentence: it had to land with a thud, with hope, or with truth. Nothing else was worth keeping.

When I had a first rough video, I shared it with David. He had good comments. I sat and watched the video over and over with my wife, Alia. She had excellent input. A few friends also gave me their thoughts. It takes a village. It's a cliche, and with film and video, it really does. I can get so deep into my project and get attached to certain moments, phrases, images... "You have to kill your babies" is a famous phrase and it's true. I don't need consensus, just feedback, and I'm grateful I have a village around me.

The launch

Sending the video into the world I felt a mixture of anxiety and pride. It's a good video. Solid. Could always be better. But the days were growing short and there were voters to motivate! I clicked "public" on YouTube and shared it on Bluesky @sunshowerlearning.bsky.social (follow me there!) and I sent it to friends who shared it on Facebook and other platforms.

I'm pleased and relieved... Please share it with your friends by copying the YouTube link... and as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

#VoteBlue