Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Obama-Spielberg '08

I have an unconventional idea for Obama's VP: Steven Spielberg. He brings some unusual qualifitications: he's comfortable with media elites, but he's very popular in the heartland. He has military experience (Saving Private Ryan) and foreign policy experience (Schindler's List, Raiders of the Lost Ark and sequels). He has a wide range of experience with the space program (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., War of the Worlds), immigration (The Terminal, E.T.), and law enforcement (Minority Report, Catch Me If You Can). He hasn't cast a lot of prominent women in great roles, but he does have The Color Purple to his credit. His position on genetic engineering is pretty clear (Jurassic Park). His health care experience is very limited, but he already knows Hillary, so he can ask her for advice.

Supposedly Obama has problems with the Jewish vote. Problem solved! Talk about fundraising - he's got that one covered! Obviously he might have to multi-task if he wants to keep directing, but I think he would agree that only directing one movie for the next four years would be a small sacrifice for his country. Besides, he's been working as a director and producer at the same time for years - he can clearly handle more than one job at a time. They would have to figure out exactly what the deal is with DreamWorks, but that just makes the negotiations that much more interesting!

Spielberg would do a lot to bridge the generational divide. He's a bit older than Obama (turning 62 this year), and many people of his generation or older grew up with his movies. He may be one of the least controversial Baby Boomers out there! A liberal from Hollywood who's also a highly successful capitalist! Resolves the left-right divide rather nicely!

And talk about the new economy! I don't think we would have to worry about maintaining our technological superiority with Spielberg as VP.

All in all, I don't see any downsides to an Obama-Spielberg ticket. We need a man who can inspire millions, but knows how to get things done. A pragmatic dreamer. A man respected both at home and around the world. I think the choice is clear.

Obama-Speilberg. Because hope is the ultimate special effect.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ok. Speilberg or Spielberg? Make up your mind!

Unknown said...

Oops! I fixed the title. It nows read "Spielberg," which is what it should be.

And, Mr. Spielberg, if you're reading this, my apologies. No disrespect intended. I'm normally a very good speller.