June 16, 2008
Posted: 02:55 PM ET

From

(CNN) – The famous “Yes We Can” video that spliced together clips of Barack Obama’s New Hampshire primary night speech and set it to music with celebrities singing along has won an Emmy award.

Produced by Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am, the video won in the first time "New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment” category that “recognizes innovative production techniques and the use of media enhancement to support content.”

The video became an internet sensation when it first appeared shortly before Super Tuesday. Among the many celebrities who lent their voices to t project, which was filmed in black and white, are John Legend, Scarlett Johansson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Obama's campaign often plays the video before he takes the stage at rallies.

Filed under: Barack Obama


Matt Canoga Park   June 16th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Who cares. Hillary has a couple of Grammy's and can not carry a tune. You do realize they just give these things away to anybody that enters right?

Will I Am can go back to making crappy music that no one want's to listen to.

Crush Rush   June 16th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Obama,the lion, Commander in Chief,will keep Americans safe at home and abroad.

Uncle Sam   June 16th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

If the American people are looking for a young, appealing and charismatic performer with a great voice, may I suggest tuning in to American Idol?

If we are looking for a president, then John McCain's our man.

Americans for McCain '08

political teenager   June 16th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

i think it really says something when only high school graduated people don't like obama..the college graduates would know what is good for america as they are smarter. only stupid or rich people support mccain. this is the truth

SZ   June 16th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Shows what a great showman he is. If you like that kind of thing in a top government official.

beverly   June 16th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

YA HOOOOOOOOO BARACK OBAMA 08!

Talib n GA   June 16th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

I cried when I first saw that video….it was so moving and something my inner being hopes for. Equality, unity, and equal rights and justice
I have this song on my MP3 player under Gospel and on my computer and my kids know the words to the song

God Bless

Yes We Can!

Franky   June 16th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Announcer: And the winner for the video that only mattered because some celebrities are in there……

Announcer: Senator Obama and the campaigners!

LOL!!!

an ohio voter   June 16th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Great job, Will I am. You and the artists deserve it. Congratulations to all of you.

Lisa   June 16th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Joyce in Florida, give it a rest, if you have nothing but negative things to say, just go away!!!!!!!! It is so time to knock it off. Go to a McCain rally or something to cheer yourself up!!!!!!!!!!!

MD   June 16th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Obama will win many prizes far more important than an Emmy.

All we have to do is give him a chance to lead us.

Are we there yet? Are we at a point in history to put racial bias aside and allow the most qualified candidate lead us in these times of desparate need?

I sure hope so.

Obama 08: Female, 60, white   June 16th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Sad that some bloggers see negativety in anything positive. Do you not have anything better to do then to sit at your computer and criticize every positive blog??

I think it is fantastic that Obama is receiving this attention from such a broad spectrum of society…he's the man to bring this country together and bring about the generational change needed for the twenty forst century..

Yes WE can…

George Garrett   June 16th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Seems like the Chris Matthews syndrome is catching. Lot s of legs quivering out there.

Montgomery, AL   June 16th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

To I am now an independent: you are such a spoil sport, a kill-joy, this is something positive—go to bed, and take your negative republican attitude with you….

GO OBAMA!!!

Montana is Obama Country   June 16th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

………….. ROCK ON AMERICA……….. VOTE OBAMA…………2008

martin   June 16th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

yes we can,unh!yes we can,unh unh!my own hillbilly hip-hop.cool,huh? obama '08

M.S. Indiana   June 16th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Joyce in Florida, awww poor you, why don;t you take care of grandpa McCain ?? Don't be so sour.
We are going into a new era, it is called No country for Old Men…

SC for OBAMA   June 16th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

YAAAAAYYYY! Everything is going great for Obama! :0)

Obama/Gore '08!

Lucas, Nashville TN   June 16th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Sweet. The man's just at the CENTER of media awards, it seems.

Joyce in Florida   June 16th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Whoop-tee-do. Who cares. More brainwashing from Obama's camp. Will people ever learn?!?!?!? I guess not.

Mark Webb   June 16th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Hey CNN, I have good news for your:
McCain's "Bomb, bomb, bomb" has big chance to win the next Emmy!!

Mrs.L   June 16th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN

YES WE CAN

YES WE WILL
YES WE WILL
THIS IS THE ONE OF THE BEST BLOGS YOU HAVE POSTED CNN
GREAT JOB
OBAMA 08,12

GR   June 16th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Oh brother.

Felly   June 16th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Yes, we can!

Jackie   June 16th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

No we can't.

Vote Nader   June 16th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

How come Will.I.Am never made a video for any white Presidential candidates before? You would think someone into politics enough to produce a video would make one each election, or at least actively support their candidate each year.

Anyway, the Black Eyed Peas have sucked since they sold out to the NBA in '05.

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

Fish Fry   June 16th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Every election the Democratic nominee wins. Kerry could have sang Moon River through a moose call, and he would have won an Emmy.

Michael   June 16th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Ok and this means what to me?

Newton Pea   June 16th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Elitists taking care of elitists.

FactCheck   June 16th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

> Just keep on with all the rock star crap, and you will see what the
> working people and seniors think about all this.

I hope you working people and seniors are not too attached to your homes, your healthcare, your jobs or to driving. You're going to be in for a rude shock with McCain as President.

suz   June 16th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Puleeeez. I just threw up a little in my mouth.

Kim, Charlotte, NC   June 16th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Charlotte….I wonder if you look as stupid as you sound.

Jessica   June 16th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Yay!

Bob from Ohio   June 16th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Looking forward to Obama winning in November – YES WE CAN!!!

darren   June 16th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

YEEEEEEEEA BABYYYYY!!!!

YES WE CAN TO OPPORTUNITY AND PROSPERITY!!!!

JohnS   June 16th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Awesome.

This is really a new ERA.

YES WE CAN AND WE WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD Bless you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOD Bless the United States of America!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's go and change the world.

Barack OBAMA 2008 – 2016

JOHfromATLforOBAMA   June 16th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I watched the video and the only word that can describe it is "Powerful"

People claim that Obama has no experience, people say that we are not ready for a black president.
People say that we are just caught up on this fairy tale or dream.

I can honestly say that I have never felt so right about voting for someone as much as I do for Obama. It just feels right, I think he will bring so much change to this world, something we desperately need.

At this point there is no need for Clinton supporters to be upset with the outcome. If you believe, everything happens for a reason and I think this is our chance to make a difference.

Angela Frazier, Memphis TN   June 16th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Hey, IS THIS A JOKE… I imagine they said the same thing about Reagan…

Mary in CT   June 16th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

…and accepting on behalf of Senator Obama, his friend and ghost speech writer: Deval Patrick!!

Deborah in Houston   June 16th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Absolutely inspiring

Angela Frazier, Memphis TN   June 16th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

What else does Obama have to do to prove he is the MAN for the job? His lists of firsts and achievements just keep right on growing!

Alice - NYC   June 16th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

… and this will solve the nations problems.

maybe we can make a video to lower gas prices also!!!

Larry   June 16th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Love the video. Love the man.

The Surly Scholar   June 16th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

That video never fails to leave me feeling inspired. Indeed, few presidential candidates have been able to inspire such hopeful sentiment among the American public in a long, long time.

There is, without a doubt, something special about Barack Obama.

EDW   June 16th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Um, Sarah Obama writes his own speeches.

Rolanda From Memphis   June 16th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Dig that!!!!!!!!!!! I love the video!!!!

obama4life   June 16th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

I agree with karen orange
this video is awesome and CONGRATULATIONS to all those involved in the video!

Yes we can, Obama 08

Charlotte   June 16th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Age use to mean wisdom. This year it means you are too old. This has been the worst year for catagorizing every person into some group or the other. White, black, latino, religion, educated, uneducated, rich, poor, old, young, male, female and then subgroups of those groups. I am so sick of this whole process. When you have news 24/7, I guess it must be filled with something, anything? Everything is hyberbolize by the candidates and the media. This Congress has a lower rating then the President and as McCain said, " that means it is down to employees and relatives." We, the people, don't matter except at election time. Pandering is part of the game. I will write Hillary Clinton on my ballot in November, and for those that say it will be wasted, tell that to the people who wrote in FDR for a third term. He did not seek re-election and won anyway. That is why we now have a two term limit on the Presidency. If we all write her name on our ballots, she can win!

A Nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   June 16th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Hopefully that is the only thing he will win.

Bam is confused. He didn't know the president of Russia or Iraq. What a moron. He should keep his mouth shut sometimes.

BTW I don't know how he can run neck and neck with McCain when CNN reports he is winning by 12% I think there are some lying polls and pollsters.

Did you see him shoveling sand in the sandbags? What a girlie man. Nice gloves, man and nice shirt.

We need an alpha man for the presidency.

Not some conscientious objector type.

John   June 16th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

No no my friends, I will never surrender to those Black Eyed Peas!

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   June 16th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Oh Lord. I guess I can live with this blending of media and politics just as long has neither Obama or McCain start prancing around singing "Girls just wanna have fun".

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   June 16th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

it's really exciting that we have a dynamic, INTELLIGENT, substantive, pro-american, young, inspiring candidate who actually has A HEART AND SOUL!!!! it will be a welcome change!

america, what's wrong with getting excited about a young, dynamic candidate like obama?? i know it's scary and new for some of us, but it's the only hope this country has. we CANNOT survive another 4 years of neoconism!!!

and for those of you who handed your brains over to let FOX do your thinking, it's just not true that he has no experience or substance. take 5 minutes to do a little research and you will see. better yet, go on a FOX DIET! those people are "entertainers", you do know they arent NEWSCASTERS, right?!?!?!!?!?!? they feed on your anger, weakness, disillusionment, and fears—and they play you, laughing all the way to the bank!

Yes We Can   June 16th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I am very proud to be an american even in the mist of so much hate and so much animosity against Senator Obama,
the American people I know are kind, humble, able to accept their mistakes, willing to lend a h and, willing to step up for other, their families, work hard,…………………
(unlike the 100 century old clintons..)

we will win……….

Casual observer   June 16th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Is this American Idol or a Presidential election….

Yes Obama Yes!   June 16th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I can't wait to say President Obama.

Kiah   June 16th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

NICE! Obama-haters will LOVE this one.

Obama '08

Heather   June 16th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Awesome and well deserved.

Rave   June 16th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

YES WE CAN WON GRAMMY
OBAMA WILL WIN THE ELECTION
MCCAIN WILL BE ADMITTED INTO A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER TO ADD MORE PAGES TO HIS 1200 PAGES HEALTH RECORD
MAN THIS GUY IS OLD >>OLD BUFFOON
OBAMA (2008 -16)

Kim, Charlotte, NC   June 16th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I just listened to the song and cried.

Barack Obama 08

TPas   June 16th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Obama is making history in all contest….so yes he can change washington FOR the best …. yes we can

Ron, NY   June 16th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Will you please give me a break—this guy is not the Messiah, he is not Christ—–would you stop prostrating your miserable bodies before him—you are all PATHETIC!!!

Andy Arlingen   June 16th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

…Just keep on with all the rock star crap, and you will see what the working people and seniors think about all this. Thumbs down!

Nom Deplume, Esq.   June 16th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Is it any surprise, being that it comes out of Hollywood???

In case you haven't noticed, Hollywood has been pushing the dem agenda in its work for the past eight years (West Wing, Commander in Chief, 24), and it is no surprise that it does so openly in an awards ceremony.

Hardly an earthshaking event. And yet CNN gives it a headline.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   June 16th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Regardless of whether you like Obama or not, that was an awesome vidoe and well deserving of an Emmy. Congratulations will.i.am!!!

Jaci   June 16th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

I love that video. It was really moving and simply well done.

Wes   June 16th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Obama has my vote but that video was … creepy. It certainly wouldnt do anything to attract new voters, if anything it would turn them off.
Not to mention the video is actually a bit condescending in that it's a bunch of celebrities telling the people how they should vote.

OBama/(insert VP here) 08 and '12

Tx Dem   June 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Where's McCains vid??? =P

Great inspirational vid that illustrates what the USA is about!

no Hil liar vp   June 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Change Change Change .

Change that we can believe in .

Its Oh "Yes We Can "
We invite you to join us one and ALL
Join us for the greatest Obama movement our America has ever witnessed . the world has only seen the beginning
Obama we are at your back all the way to the White House /Oval Office .
Go Obama 2008/2012

No Cain Do   June 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Obama !!!!!

Honky guy from chicago   June 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

This is a taste of things to come.

Certified Obamabot- Obama 08′

Nia - AZ by way of MN   June 16th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Figured as much…i watched it 10 plus times and each time I get all chocked up…no I'm not drinking the kool-aide, I just like the video.

Peggy - Tx   June 16th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Obama’s message has become a rallying cry uniting Americans from every walk of life who desperately seek relief from the powerful Republican political machine that has abused its power during the last 7 years to diminish the American quality of life and our moral authority as a super power.

Yes we can !!!

SMOQ   June 16th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

i think that's so cool. this campaign has inspired Americans as a whole more are voting, more are coming together on common issues.
The voice of everyday people is being heard over the loud roar of billion dollar lobbyist………………time to change people change we can believe in

CR   June 16th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Yes WE Can!
* GO TEAM OBAMA !!!! *

Excellent Video!!!   June 16th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

This is ingenious video and deserves all the attention that it is receiving across the world.

CHIQUITA for OBAMA   June 16th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Obama… We are so proud of you!!!!! Keep up the GREAT work!

OBAMA '08

I AM NOW AN INDEPENDENT!*********   June 16th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

OH AN EMMY,

BUT CAN HE WIN IN NOVEMBER?

NOT WITH ANY HELP FROM ME!!!!!!

Robert in Toronto,ON   June 16th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Yes We Can!

Fired Up! Ready To Go!

karen orange   June 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

It's not only his video that won an award. Barack Obama will win the highest award anyone in this country can win and he'll do it without music. He will win with honesty, integrety, hope,and a vision that this country can come out of the depts of dispair that President George W. Bush has put us all in. God Bless America and God Bless Barack Obama.

ILUVOBAMA   June 16th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

watched*

yes we can   June 16th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

we are the ones who we have been waiting for.
we are the ones who we have been looking for.

Obama 08

ILUVOBAMA   June 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I LOVE THIS VIDEO, I watch over a hundred times!!!!!

Georgia for Obama   June 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Music to my ears

Joe Regis   June 16th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

And a party…

There will be!!!

Obama 08

History in the making.

Monica for Obama in Indiana   June 16th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

You go Barack, this video is awesome. There is also a gospel recording by John P. Kee. It is a great too.

Everyone should get a copy

CNN, I applaud you for this one. Just keep up the good work. We love positive news.

Obama 08

No Hillary and No Bayh Ditch Mitch

Cynthia   June 16th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Congratulations to all those involved in the video. Yes We Can! Yes We Will!

mike   June 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

McCain preferred small government, which means he does not have to do anything when he is in White House, he will use White House as his retire home, his nursing home with No.1 benefit, his wife will get special connection for her company, simple as it.

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT   June 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Obama Is Like A Big Rock Star And Mccain Is Like A Big Rock!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Obama is making history everywhere and this is the smartest and most beautiful video with the faces of America. This video brought me to tears knowing "Yes We Can", together we can.

Sarah   June 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

He should dedicate the Emmy to Obama's speechwriter.

Greg FL.   June 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Yes we can and we will.

Joe Regis   June 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

The big party will be on November 05.

America is invited.

Obama 08 & 12

Addis - observer   June 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Wow! That Video deserves even more!

Steve in DC   June 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Wow…this is awesome!

JT   June 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Grats to Will.i.am. Good job man.

HELEN   June 16th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

I pray Sen Obama is able to be present to accept it with those individuals who are responsible for the video. I applaud Will i am and all the other celebrities. I LOVE THE VIDEO. THE VOICE PART ALONG IS EMOTIONALLY MOVING.

OBAMA 08′

HOPE 2008   June 16th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

YEAH! OBAMA ALL THE WAY!

is this a joke?   June 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

I guess this is what we have become… politics and entertainment coming together… this makes me sick…

Ready for Change   June 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

COOL!!!!
Obama '08

Yasriel   June 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Marvelous! Cool

TESAP   June 16th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Ofcourse…………………

BARACK THE VOTE PEOPLE… :)

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP