It is early in the 2008 campaign, and yet we already seeing something new this time around, the crush video. These sassy videos, slightly beyond good taste, turn the candidates into sex objects, to be adored.

This mix of pop culture and presidential politics has crossed lines no traditional campaign would. The ‘I got a crush on Obama” video has a young white woman singing to Barack Obama that, “Black and sexy, you’re so fine.” While the “Hott4Hill,” video has a young woman telling Hillary Clinton that, “I know your not gay, but I was hoping for bi.” The candidates have taken the safe “no comment” road on these bikini-clad babes’ messages. But I am certain they are welcoming all the publicity they have been getting. Both videos touch on not just the sex appeal but also the politics of the candidates.

Voter generated videos have been a major influence on recent elections, but the new crush videos use sex appeal to market the candidate to other voters. Obama’s girl sings, "you're into border security, let's break this border between you and me, universal health care reform, it makes me warm." She delivers this message while wandering around New York, occasionally cuddling up to cardboard images of Obama.

The Clinton crush, no less sexually charged, provides an image that implies a some what smarter woman. She is school teacher; although, the images of school teacher singing about her crush in front of her young student is somewhat disturbing. She makes it clear her goal is to, “seal the deal, with a hug and a kiss, and put a hot chick, in the oval office.”

These new funny, sexually charged videos have been well accepted. People laughed and accepted them as the parodies they were. Being user generated the candidates could laugh along with us, while distancing themselves from the blatantly sexual appeal of the messages. We still have a long time until the November 2008 elections, it will be interesting to see what other new innovations are seen this time around.



And while we don’t have a crush video for John Edwards yet, he is offering us a date with him. Edwards has committed to visit the city or town that creates the most demand on Eventful.com. At Eventful.com, you select your city, or enter it if it is not already on the list. If your city is selected, Edwards will come and answer at least ten questions from the "demanders." So it the videos didn’t make you hot for Obama and Clinton, you can still arrange a date with Edwards.