Amber Lee Ettinger skyrocketed to internet fame in 2007 when she starred in the viral political music video “I Got a Crush on Obama.” As the face of the satirical yet catchy video, she became an internet sensation, forever earning the title “Obama Girl.” The video, produced by Barely Political, became one of the earliest and most influential examples of digital media’s role in modern politics.
But what made “Obama Girl” such a cultural phenomenon? Why did it resonate with millions? And what happened to Amber Lee Ettinger after her moment in the spotlight? Let’s take a deep dive into the impact of this viral sensation and the woman behind it.
The Birth of a Viral Hit
By 2007, social media and online video platforms were beginning to shape political discourse. The creators at Barely Political saw an opportunity to blend pop culture with politics, creating “I Got a Crush on Obama”—a lighthearted yet cleverly crafted music video.
The concept was simple yet genius: a fictional character, portrayed by Amber Lee Ettinger, passionately sings about her admiration for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama. With flirtatious lyrics and a pop-driven melody, the song struck a balance between humor and cultural commentary, making it instantly shareable.
When the video dropped on YouTube, it spread like wildfire. Within weeks, it had garnered millions of views, becoming one of the most talked-about videos on the internet. This was a time before viral content became the norm, making the “Obama Girl” video a trailblazer in online political entertainment.
Amber Lee Ettinger: The Face of “Obama Girl”
While the song’s lyrics were performed by singer Leah Kauffman, it was Amber Lee Ettinger’s on-screen charisma that truly sold the concept. With her confident expressions, playful energy, and undeniable screen presence, she became the perfect embodiment of the viral sensation.
Ettinger was not just a model or an actress playing a role—her star power helped turn the video into a cultural moment. Suddenly, she was everywhere. She appeared on major news networks, gave interviews about the impact of the video, and even made appearances on political talk shows.
For many, “Obama Girl” was more than just a meme. It was a symbol of how digital media could influence political engagement in the modern era.
Did “Obama Girl” Influence the 2008 Election?
One of the biggest debates surrounding the “Obama Girl” video was whether it had any real political impact. At the time, Barack Obama’s campaign distanced itself from the viral sensation, making it clear that it had no official connection to the video. However, that didn’t stop people from wondering:
- Did the video help increase youth engagement in politics?
- Did it make Obama seem more relatable and charismatic to a younger audience?
- Did it mark the beginning of social media’s power in elections?
While it’s impossible to measure its direct effect on votes, one thing is certain—it helped shape the way politicians, voters, and the media viewed online content. The 2008 election was one of the first to see social media play a major role, and “Obama Girl” was part of that transformation.
Beyond “Obama Girl” – Ettinger’s Career and Reinvention
After the success of “I Got a Crush on Obama,” Amber Lee Ettinger had to navigate the challenge of moving beyond her viral fame. She continued to capitalize on her popularity, appearing on TV shows, political segments, and entertainment projects.
She made guest appearances on Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN, where she discussed the video’s impact and the changing landscape of digital media. Ettinger also worked on various other Barely Political projects, maintaining her relevance in the digital space.
However, as the Obama Girl trend faded, she wisely pivoted her career. Instead of clinging to her viral identity, Ettinger expanded her brand, moving into business, fashion, and lifestyle content creation.
The Legacy of “Obama Girl” in Digital Media
Today, the impact of “Obama Girl” can still be felt in the way politicians engage with social media and viral content. The video was one of the first to prove that:
- Politics and pop culture could successfully merge online.
- Viral marketing could influence public perception.
- Social media platforms would become essential tools in political campaigns.
Many of today’s political influencers, TikTok stars, and meme-driven campaigns owe their strategies to the digital experiments of the late 2000s. The “Obama Girl” video was a game-changer, setting the stage for the media landscape we see today.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Meme
Amber Lee Ettinger’s role in “Obama Girl” was more than just a fleeting internet trend—it was a defining moment in the evolution of digital media, political satire, and viral marketing.
While the video itself was playful, it signaled a major shift in how politics and the internet intersect. Ettinger embraced the moment, rode the wave of viral fame, and used her platform to build a career beyond a single viral hit.
Looking back, “Obama Girl” remains one of the most iconic internet moments of the 2000s. It serves as a reminder that in the world of digital media, a single video can spark a conversation that lasts for years.
