Backstage Footage Surfaces from Dem Convention

Political eons may have passed since the Democratic Convention in August, but on Wednesday the Obama campaign rolled out new backstage video from Denver.

The unusual, 15-minute video chronologically takes a four-day tour of “behind the scenes” at the convention.

There are mundane shots that would fit into any campaign ad, such as Michelle Obama visiting a volunteer event to fill care packages for soldiers. There are genuinely unscripted moments with the Democratic Party’s biggest stars, including a backstage shot of some impromptu dancing and iPod banter by Sen. Barack Obama. There’s also a glimpse of him retooling his convention speech backstage, huddled over a printout as Jon Favreau, the senator’s twenty-something scribe, looks on.

Viewers who make it to the end get a bonus — a few (tame) “bloopers” of Obama and Sen. Joe Biden as they record a YouTube message for supporters.

“Is this New Media? Oh,” laughs Obama at one point.

“New Media!,” as an aide coaches him through the recording.

The Obama campaign has been cutting more YouTube videos to pump up supporters lately, including exclusive briefings by the campaign manager, as it  appeals for volunteer help in the homestretch.

PRODUCTION NOTES: This is a backstage pass for the converted — a fun but shmaltzy sequence of moments for viewers who can’t get enough of the convention, or the Obama-Biden ticket.