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Senator Obama Goes To Africa

On The Campaign Safari

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By , About.com Guide

The man who would be president travels to Kenya, the land of his father's birth, and South Africa, where he and his wife bond with the Africans and, in order to encourage local folk to do the same, get tested for HIV/AIDS, which is still an epidemic contagion.

A Package of Propaganda

The film by Bob Herculese and Keith Walker plays like a longish campaign ad--one that pretends to disperse information but is more accurately described as well-orchestrated propaganda.

Obama is evidently idolized by the Kenyans whom we see cheering for him en mass. And others present up close and personal testimonials in praise of Obama's great qualities as "a great man." Their comments are generic rather than specific. Obama is ever the effective orator, inspiring the crowds support by promising to bring news of Africa's hardships to America, and take steps to make a difference. He makes similar comments and commitments to officials and other dignitaries.

This pro-bama film may well be the precursor of an upcoming four years of nightly news packages. Now available on DVD.

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