Edwards Campaign's Online Videos Use Humor and Pop Culture to Boost Interest in Iowa Caucuses

John Edwards, the former Democratic senator from North Carolina, today released the following trailer for the January 3 presidential showdown. Kevin Bacon, who’s been on the campaign trail with Edwards, sent out an e-mail this morning promoting "A Must-See Movie." 

The video leads viewers to the Edwards campaign’s Iowa "Caucus Command Center," which provides organizational information for supporters. The site also features an instructional caucus cartoon — a great way of communicating what could be an immensely tedious subject. (There’s also a not-so-surprising plug for an Edwards administration at the end.)

Edwards rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama’s campaigns have also posted similar mini-pedagogic caucusing videos online.

It looks as if such online efforts, combined with off-line efforts, will play a crucial role over the next couple of weeks, given this latest Washington Post story that notes the importance of turnout in Iowa: (click on the image to the right to go to the WashPo‘s graphic of its latest poll results.)

Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York remain deadlocked in Iowa, with former senator John Edwards of North Carolina trailing, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll that underscores the importance of the massive efforts the Democratic candidates have set in motion to turn out supporters on Jan. 3.

In a race that could hinge on a campaign’s ability to motivate voters to brave wintry conditions and spend hours attending caucuses, each of the leading contenders appears to enjoy distinct advantages. More of Obama’s backers said they are certain to participate than did those who have gotten behind Clinton. But Clinton’s supporters are the most committed and enthusiastic, and Edwards counts among his supporters experienced caucus attendees who are more likely to turn out again.

Enthusiasm for a candidate and familiarity with the process are critical components in the caucuses, in which voting takes place in public after speeches on behalf of each of the candidates, and complex rules dictate the allocation of delegates.

…

Meanwhile, former Howard Dean grassroots organizer Zephyr Teachout has these  noteworthy  thoughts about the audience that the candidates’ sites should be catering to at this strategic point in time:

In the final weeks before voting, undecided voters are looking for a simple explanation of the candidate, comparisons to other candidates (call it negative if you will, but its really useful), and links to newspaper articles about the candidate that will vouch for the candidates position. They want it simple. The Iowa voter on NPR yesterday morning (yes, it streams to Bosnia) said (I paraphrase) "I want one place with comparisons, not the requirement of sifting through dozens of pamphlets and comparing them myself." That’s the woman these sites should be aiming for now. …

Update: New York Times political reporter Adam Nagourney brings some of the feeling and emotion that is driving  the Iowa campaigning to the web by posting a sampling of the tunes that the Edwards campaign is playing at his events. This is a very cool reporting feature. Check it out.

Image: Washington Post