A whole new world.

Hey guess what happened while I was away? Obama was elected president! There really seems like nothing can compare to how awesome that is.

For Michelle

Barack Obama dressed as a pirate for Halloween when he was a kid. Our next president has ALWAYS been awesome!

Not exactly funny, but still pretty great

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Vote!

Barack and roll.

Barack Obama is ridiculously awesome. I couldn't support a candidate more. This speech is amazing.

Rock the Swing States

The Beastie Boys will be embarking on their Swing State Tour in support of Barack Obama. They'll be joined by Sheryl Crow, Tenacious D, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper and others along the way. I don't live in a swing state, so I'll be missing out. The Beastie Boys are amazing live. If you happen to live in any of the states they'll be hitting, you should go.

Pretty funny.

See more Hayden Panettiere videos at Funny or Die

"My friends" is the new "Maverick"

But I am not McCain's friend. And I want this shirt.
Available here.

Another great SNL political skit.

It's kind of expected now, isn't it?

Register to Vote. Leo says so.

I've been registered since before I was even 18, because I was going to be 18 by the next election. I was more excited to be able to vote than any other privilege of being "of age" (which, admittedly, there aren't many other than voting). I've never missed an election since, whether they're state ones or the ever important Presidential ones.

Pass this on to people who haven't registered. They're running out of time.

SNL does it again

They really can do no wrong with these political sketches.

Barack the Vote, Alan Cumming!

Alan Cumming, who you might know from Circle of Friends, Rory and Michelle's High School Reunion, X2: The X-Men United, or if you're an indie film snob (like I've been known to slip into being) The Anniversary Party, is trying to become an American citizen in time to vote in the election in November. He believes in Obama that much. And I love him that much more for it.

Ok. Last political post...for the day.

I love you Jon Stewart.

This is important

I'm not going to use this blog as a political soapbox. It's well known that I'm an Obama supporter, and pop culturally, that's all that needs mentioning on this blog.

However, this is pop culture related: Nancy Wilson of Heart has asked the McCain/Palin campaign to stop using their song "Barracuda" in association with Sarah Palin. In a shocking* move, the RNC has ignored her request.

Here's part of the emailed statement that the Wilson sisters released today:

"Sarah Palin's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song 'Barracuda' no longer be used to promote her image. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."

Vote for Obama!!!


*In case you couldn't tell, this is sarcastic.

Worlds collide in a great way

My favorite band, Nada Surf, will be performing at the Democratic National Convention, along with other indie artists. Wish I could go.

From the press release:

All Star Line Up Of Indie Bands To
Headline Manifest Hope Gallery
Party Wednesday Night Of
Democratic National Convention

Manifest Hope Gallery -- Hosted By Shepard Fairey And MoveOn -- Will Display Obama Art During The Convention Week


Artist Shepard Fairey, MoveOn.org Evolutionary Media Group and Upper Playground will join forces to host the "Manifest Hope Art Gallery" (www.manifesthope.com) at the Democratic National Convention. The gallery will open to the public from Sunday, August 24 through Thursday, August 28 2008, will feature artists supporting Senator Barack Obama for President.

On Wednesday, August 27th at 6:00 pm, Manifest Hope and partner San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will host Unconventional '08 with musical performances on an outdoor stage to feature artists such as: Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids Nada Surf and DJ Z Trip. Tickets are free and a limited amount will be available by visiting Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver.

Additionally, there will be an intimate invite only VIP performance songwriter in the round performance featuring Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley, Zooey Deschanel of She and Him, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and singer/songwriter Jonathan Rice.

The Manifest Hope Gallery will showcase both known and new artists, some of the finest modern contemporary artists, acclaimed NY painters and sculptors, activated grass roots and street artists, and present the most widely recognized pieces seen throughout the 2008 presidential primary campaign, as well as newly commissioned works and previous works on loan from some of the United States top artists.

In addition to the professional artists, five artists selected from submissions in a MoveOn sponsored art contest will show their work for the first time at the Manifest Hope Gallery. These five pieces will be chosen by a panel of judges include famed artists Ross Bleckner, April Gornik, Eric Fischl, Shepard Fairey, musicians Moby, Thurston Moore and DJ Spooky, and Cydney Payton; Executive Director & Chief Curator MCA Denver, and Nancy Spector; Author & Guggenheim Curator of Contemporary Art.

The five finalists selected to show in the Manifest Hope Gallery will hang alongside well-known artists such as Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores, Ron English, Chris Pastras, Mel Kadel and Date Farmers. Other artists included in the exhibition include: Justin Bua, Todd Lockwood, David Choe, Maya Hayuk, Cathie Bleck, Cro (Go Tell Mama), MAC, Evan Hecox, Lukas Ketner, Henry Lewis, Scot Lefavor, Lisa Congdon, Amy Martin, and more to be added. Resident DJ Jeremy Sole will on hand all week to inspire music inside the art galleries.

The Manifest Hope Gallery will be open to the public in Denver, CO at the Democratic National Convention, between Sunday August 24th, 2008 and Thursday, August 28th, 2008 from 10am – 5pm daily.

Pop Culture Politicians

Remember in 1992 when Bill Clinton was running for his first term? He went on MTV and was interviewed by young voters, something that had never been done before, and changed the way, for a while, young voters were viewed. Eight and twelve years later the young vote would largely be ignored, especially by Bush and the Republican party.

This time around, it's looking like both candidates are at least trying to appeal to the young voter. Recently they've both done Pop Culture Q&A's with Entertainment Weekly, and chosen their Top Ten Songs for Blender. McCain also tried - and failed - to take Obama down a notch by unfavorably comparing him to Paris Hilton, a move which backfired when her parents got super pissed since they'd given his campaign a shit ton of money. The Funny or Die response is, I hate to admit because I despise Paris Hilton, hilarious.

Honestly, I think Obama has the edge in almost all areas, but then, I'm supporting him and I really dislike McCain. But really, when a candidate's name is built in for campaign t-shirts that say Barack the Vote, how can you lose?