It\u2019s that time of year again, when some of our favorite candidates and consultants put together one of the rituals that has become common for bigger budget campaigns in America \u2013 the launch video.<\/p>\n
Since the 2018 cycle, it’s become common for candidates running for House, Senate and President to rely on launch videos to jump-start their campaigns, offering a bite-sized, emotionally-charged taste of their platform. If they are cool enough to be replayed, they can go viral and provide a fundraising boost.<\/p>\n
We wanted to send you some of our favorite Democratic launch videos of all time. Now most normal folks wouldn\u2019t sit around and watch a bunch of launch videos, but you\u2019re on a political consultant\u2019s email list, so we figured you just might.<\/p>\n
Also, one of the many ironies about great launch videos is that it seems that the better the launch video the more likely the candidate is to lose \u2013 most of the folks below actually did lose their campaigns.<\/p>\n
Amy McGrath \u201cTold me\u201d (2018)<\/a> John Fetterman \u201cLaunch\u201d (2022)<\/a> Valerie Plame \u201cUndercover\u201d (2020)<\/a> Randy Bryce \u201cIron Stache\u201d (2018)<\/a> MJ Hagar \u201cDoors\u201d (2018)<\/a> Brandon Presley \u201cHeartbeat\u201d (2023)<\/a> Gary Chambers \u201c37 Seconds\u201d (2022)<\/a> Ray McGuire for Mayor \u201cNow You Know\u201d (2021)<\/a> Chris Jones \u201cAbout Time\u201d (2022)<\/a> AOC \u201cThe Courage to Change\u201d (2018)<\/a> Stacey Evans \u201c16 Homes\u201d (2018)<\/a>
\nHonestly this is my personal favorite of the genre and actually caused me to stop what I was doing and donate money. Mark Putnam, you\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n
\nFetterman is one of a (newish) breed of candidates who are real, gritty and not afraid to show it. This video screams authenticity. Well done.<\/p>\n
\nA victim of the George W. Bush administration, Valerie Plame is probably America\u2019s most famous former spy. While I really dug the video, by the 2020 campaign cycle, George W. Bush looked downright good to most Democratic base voters. So, I think this would have done much better if it was ran in say 2008. And hey, I had already given to her legal fund at a delightful fundraiser her now late former husband hosted.<\/p>\n
\nBryce was running in his fourth campaign in six years, this time against then-Speaker Paul Ryan. Despite his campaign being marred with stories of past (bad) actions and legal trouble, he raised millions with online video including this one.<\/p>\n
\nDoors was a hard one for me to include in this list and probably the one I debate about the most with other consultants when this topic comes up. I personally hate it, think the concept is too contrived, but for many, this is one of their favorites. So I bow to the crowd, and decide for yourself.<\/p>\n
\nI wasn\u2019t going to include any of this cycles crop but I really liked this one for Governor of Mississippi. Also had the fortune of being one of the earlier ones of the season and he\u2019s Elvis\u2019 cousin so what the hell.<\/p>\n
\nRunning a no-hope race against Republican Sen. John \u201cno relation\u201d Kennedy in Louisiana, Chambers got a great launch with this video. My question for Erick Sanchez \u2013 how many blunts did you go through shooting this?<\/p>\n
\nRunning for Mayor of New York is no easy task. McGuire had a stellar launch including this video narrated by Spike Lee, raised $5 million practically instantly. But when he greatly underestimated the median cost of a home in Brooklyn, his candidacy tanked and he finished seventh. Still dig the video tho.<\/p>\n
\nWhen the people of Arkansas could have elected this guy against Sarah Huckabee Sanders it shows you how tough of a state this is for a Democrat to win. Voters, y\u2019all made the wrong choice.<\/p>\n
\nGreat video for a great candidate. If you don\u2019t understand the AOC phenomena and don\u2019t get it after watching this, you never will. The title became the name of her Leadership PAC.<\/p>\n
\nStacey Evans is one of the better candidates you\u2019ve probably never heard of, mostly because she had the misfortune to run for Governor in the primary against the powerhouse that was\/is Stacey Abrams.<\/p>\n