On YouTube, at this link, there is a freshly minted "behind the scenes" look at preparations for the Democratic National Convention. There is no narration, just multiple cameras catching glimpses of of the candidates, their families, and their handlers all preparing for their big moment.

They’re nervous,but friendly, even joyful.

We see Michele Obama’s family talking about whether or not she will do a good job; we see a stage director going over the events with Mrs. Obama; we see the children being excited about having a chance to walk out on stage. We see Obama watching his wife deliver her address from some anonomous family room along the campaign "trail". We see incredible audience shots at the arena acceptance event; and outtakes from Biden and Obama trying to say their lines for a short video that was emailed just after the event.

I’ve been doing this for forty years. I know the subtleties of "corporate documentaries". I know the difference between real and fake, rehearsed and unrehearsed, and fake real (and real fake for that matter!)

I‘d be proud to have my name associated with this video. I’m guessing it was finished a while ago and held, because frankly, except for approval processes, I don’t know if this should have taken 6 weeks to produce, but of course they’re busy (all fifty of them– see entry below.)

It was released now as a sort of answer to "Who is the REAL Barack Obama?" that McCain has been posing in the past few days.

Sifting through sand to find clues to character is wasteful when the elephant (the donkey?) is in the room. This video places us in the room with Obama and his extended family, and at the end, we know who he is– we know his temperament, his humor, his all-American family, and we forget for a few short moments the mudslinging and heavy breathing.

Again, its at YouTube here.

Oh– hint– if you’ve got a decent internet connection, click on "watch in high quality" at the bottom right of the video window. It majes a major difference.