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Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Gravel campaign on new videos

Posted: Friday, June 15, 2007 12:18 PM by Domenico Montanaro
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From NBC's Domenico Montanaro

Earlier we told you about the strange new Gravel videos. The campaign got back to us, and it turns out the campaign is behind them.

Here's what Press Secretary Shaun Alexander Colvin, said:

"It’s a personal statement rather than a usual political statement that you get from candidates. This message and this candidate are not just about rhetoric and promises or about being verbose. It's about a candidate looking you in the eye. He’s laying himself out, exposing himself, showing who he is." "He’s a man who’ll look you in the eye. He could’ve been standing in the park making political statements and promises and such, and he’s doing just the opposite. His message is out there. He’s articulated it for a year. He’s standing by his word. And giving you a chance to see who he is.

"The senator has very much an artistic spirit."


VIDEO: Watch the Gravel video on YouTube

Colvin, who was a film major in college, then put on his film major hat.

"The beginning part of it is very interpretational. In metaphor, it would be the rock in the water and the ripple effect of the senator and his message and who he is, a man with an idea, who is little by little, day by day communicating that message.

"We are seeing a ripple effect from here in our offices in Arlington to communities across the country for his platform on Iraq and economic fairness. That metaphor is how a man spreads his message."

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What was that guy who ran with Ross Perot?  My first thought when watching this video was: "Who am I? Why am I here?" Hysterically funny.  Go Obama Go
I have to say, I'm surprised that this is what it takes to get people's attention about Gravel.  Personally I like the ads for no other reason than the fact that Everyone is talking about them.

But to make fun of the man who ended the VietNam Draft and personally put the pentagn papers into public record?!?  Where do you people get off?

That's the kind of political heroics we need more of.  Think to yourself what politician in existence today would stand up and filibuster for 5 months to end the war in Iraq?  At least Gravel has conviction.
"Who the HELL are you afraid of Barack...HUH? Who are you afraid of? I'M NOT"
The ad just proves what a loony he is. Also it proves why he's no longer in office. Voters wised up to him years ago. Brain dead!
Love the ad, I suspect those that hate it are staunch supporters of the stagnant status quo, their thoughts trapped inside the proverbial box. Give 'em hell Gravel!
Way to go Gravel. That' telling them. Better than all the words coming from Hillary or Obama!
Let me preface this by saying that Mike Gravel is my current choice for president, as his combination of brutal honesty, length of experience, effectiveness in office, and policy position is extremely attractive to me.

However, he blew any remaining chance he had at gaining extra percentage points with this inane video. The MSM wants to paint him as a crazy old man, and this video just plays right into their hands. Mike should fire whoever is responsible for the concept and release of these videos. If there is any "metaphor" in either clip, it is of about the same value as a crappy first year college student's art film.

What the hell was he thinking? Was he asleep during the Howard Dean Scream? One stupid moment can destroy everything you've worked for.
Maybe Gravel and Ron Paul can get together and run as a ticket...it would be like Abbott and Costello...only without the comedy
He scares me a bit when he speaks of too much defense in America.  The reason we don't have to be afraid of other nations trying to attack in a military fashion is because they all know how strong we are. If we fail to maintain that strength and ability, then we, too would become targets for those regimes who would really, really love to own us. I do, however, believe our greatest threat in this time is the threat on our own soil - from open borders, illegal immigration, corruption and government bought by big money. Right now we, the people are screaming like banshees to DC that we do NOT accept amnesty for illegal aliens and we are being totally IGNORED as if this were a monarchy and King George and his merry men are partying in the back room to all hours and laughing about the "subjects" and how little they care about what WE want for our nation and expect from them. It is a sad day - the really decent patriotic, caring people in our nation wouldn't dare run for office because it is such a brutal, attacking atmosphere for anyone. Why would anyone want to put themselves and their loved ones at the mercy of the wild dogs just waiting to start ripping flesh? The key word here is money and the big money holds the power and the puppet strings of our leaders. WE must change that beginning today - with the illegal amnesty bill. Call your reps and let them know we are not going to roll over and play dead and allow them to sell us out or as Bush proposes - EXCHANGE border security for amnesty. Disgusting.
You say Gravel is sincere?  Duh, yeah, that will solve
all our problems.  I think he is insincerely sincere,
but even if he weren't, that means nothing.  You say he is a Democrat?  When?  Where?  He has the end solution for everything, the getting there solution for nothing.  Would you really want to put him in charge of anything?  Competence, esp. after G. Bush, is what we need.
I knew Gravel when he was a Senator for Alaska. (one term and we voted him out).  He was very ineffectual but was able to make enough contacts to live in Washington DC since about 1968. I have now idea what he did to make a living.  We do not want him back in Alaska... or as President.
Mike Gravel has gone insane. Next video...he will be naked....I am sure!

But I like this video better than the obama girls video.
   I believe the important thing Sen. Gravel is doing is making people think like he did in the debates.  There is too much news that is not news and noisy talking and not enough thinking about the lives that are lost in Iraq and around the world becaue of the rich killing the poor and the environment which is under huge stresses.  Some people want no parties or oil just food and shelter.
Ron Paul President, Mike Gravel Vice President.
Ummmm.... that video is retarded. I can't believe he wastes almost 3 minutes of my life to tell me nothing new. This just makes him look crazy and out of touch. Thank God Ron Paul is running. He is the only person in congress speaking the truth about anything in government.
I'm really pleased with it. It's so much better than all the other nonsense we get. Would you prefer Hillary's fake smiles? Why not have a canidate that wants to make you think rather than lap up whatever honey and milk message he gives you?
"I am in love with....Obama...."--Obama Girl
Obama is the problem "no substance required" is what stole the Last two elections. We need something different. But beware who is served up for our viewing pleasure and why. Enough with the Goverment being bought and sold. We love/like our leaders,do our leaders love/like us? Does not show in the policies that are promoted.
A very articulate commercial!  Why you ask?  Because he didn't tell you any lies in it.  He tells you he knows you're not listening to anything he might have said.  He shows you what happens when you throw Iraq in the big ocean, just a brief ripple and things go back to calm.  If you don't like the commercial, what would you have him say to you? Lies???  The commercial is a breath of fresh air in a sea of mudslinging you are hearing from all the other candidates.  I probably won't vote for him, but at least I will not dismiss him before reading more about him.  
OK, I admit gravel is deep, deeply disturbed
"Splish Splash"-Bobby Darin
Senator Gravel certainly made a splash with this video from YouTube.  what great fun!  The politicos are just to strung un in theie underwear to see the humor inthis and the metaphoric fun.  Lighten up you guys!
I agree with Kenneth. What's up with you people? The guy scores points in my book for originality. "OOOh...I don't get it! What a whack job!" I hope you all have more respect for your own intelligence than that. The metaphors are pretty obvious here. And if they're not to you, then who cares! At least you've noticed the guy and can maybe to a little research. The National Initiative is especially intriguing. Check it out.
I only accept as valid that which I have previously seen.  Originality is the prime cause behind original sin.
I have to admit that though the ads are odd, they are catchy, and the best of it is how he stares at you so intently.

I am not saying I would vote for him, but I give him a pretty big thumbs up for the originality of the ads.
Why put out these videos?, why then explain them? Are they the work of the Dempuplicans trying to narrow the field? Attack from the edges in. Food for thought,Watch for something odd concerning Ron Paul.
Great TV ad! I like Gravel now.
Any one stood up the power of Zionist and pro-Israel groups, the media and pro-Israel made him/her as idiot or ridicule his/her vision, he know he will not win the presidential election but he will shake and wake up the average America how Zionist run this country.


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