I have been meaning to post about the brand of Barack Obama for a while. Then yesterday my dad emails me a link to a post by Andrew Romano about this very topic with the bonus bit of having interviewed Michael Beirut who is a partner at Pentagram. It’s certainly worth a read for his take on the matter is interesting.
I have been observing, as others have, how Barack Obama has built a brand around his candidacy. Or rather how the branding and design firm his campaign hired has created what is arguably the strongest brand in the history of politics.
It’s more than just the typeface (Gotham) and the clean, uncluttered look of his website and promotional materials—it’s the whole package that is so appealing. As was said by Beirut, “Obama is marketing like Apple, Nike or Starbucks. He’s selling an experience. It’s all done with such skill and finesse that as a professional, I am in absolute awe.â€?
I know that some people will look at this and say that this is politics, we should be focusing on substance of the candidates, not the experience or feeling they give us.
But people we are seen as consumers, not citizens.
As was said by President Bush today in his remarks about the current economy, “I want to thank the members of Congress for quickly passing an economic growth package. And that means there will be $150 billion — or more — sent out to American consumers and incentives inherent in that for American businesses to invest.”
So you see, we are not citizens, we are consumers and we are being marketed to as such.
May the best brand win!
Do you need help with Wordpress, or the Thesis theme?
If you are a web designer or web developer needing help, or a 'do-it-yourselfer' looking for a professional Internet presence I can help.
If you need help with a specific WordPress or Thesis theme issue or a complete website, I offer consultation, complete web design, and web development services.
Get in touch and we can talk about your needs and start the process.
12
