UPDATE: Had a few typos…I think I found them all plus the nice folks at The Digitel were kind enough to link to his post as an official/unofficial recap of the event. If I knew that I would have written more!
Went to an art show last night put on by a guy named Keith Blandford who, until last night, I had no clue even existed. What made this show more interesting than you’re usual run of the mill show was that Keith didn’t do any of the art.
Keith is running for Congress (specifically South Carolina District 1 US Congressional Seat) and put the art show on as a way to promote his campaign and his policies. I’m not posting about Keith because I necessarily believe what he’s selling (like I said, until yesterday I had never heard of him) nor am I trying to make you vote for him. I am posting this because I believe this is a genius idea. Why NOT host an art show? People love them! See that dude in the middle of the picture (above)? His name is Jonah and he’s the guy responsible for making this happen. Kudos to him!
Even though I consider myself an open minded individual, I learned–more like I was re-thought–to think outside the box after attending this event. I dare not say he is the ONLY politician (or politician hopeful) to have hosted an art show but this was the first that I’ve ever seen. I’m sure he still plans on shaking hands and kissing babies but I do applaud his attempt at touching the far reaching corners of his potential district with an event that those who aren’t easily influenced by soapbox speeches could get down with.
Now, even if we don’t vote for him, at least we’re aware. And truth be told, not many people vote for anyone because they agree with a candidate’s entire platform. They vote for a particular person because Candidate A “makes me feel comfortable” or “has a lovely wife” or something of that nature. It’s a popularity contest in which our glorified Homecoming King or Queen gets paid to do whatever HE or SHE thinks is best for US.
A lot of the art had political undertones that highlighted Keith’s position of Federal spending WITHOUT him having to beat his patrons over the head with drawn out monologues. Not that I’m against them but it was nice to be indirectly campaigned versus the traditional “fire and brimstone” method.
Like I said, you could figure out exactly where Keith stands by looking at the surrounding art.
Overall it was it was a very enjoyable experience. Keith Blandford succeeded in making me aware of who he was and what he is about without even having to be in the room. I’ve always been a fan of event based marketing as a way to spread ones gospel and I’m a fan of anyone that can make me learn something without making me feel like I’m in class. This was a very “Obama like” marriage of politics and cool and I’m glad I made the trip.
Anyone else aware of other politicians doing things like this?
