Happy Wednesday, Democrats!
The DNC Video Team, led by Video Director Akeima Young, has been hard at work creating long-form content that spotlights authentic voices across the country. You may remember hearing from Akeima earlier this year about the team’s mini-documentary featuring soybean farmer John Bartman.
Through these mini-documentaries, the video team is putting a face to the devastating impacts of Trump’s policies and exposing the Republican agenda. By allowing these voters to share their authentic stories, viewers get a real understanding of why they should care about what’s going on in Washington.
As the success of these mini-docs continues to grow, the video team has been able to scale up their work to share the stories of even more Americans. This week on The Blue Print, we’ll be sharing the newest mini-docs from the video team and spotlighting the work they’ve been doing across the country as we approach this year’s midterm elections.
This crucial work exposes the reality of an administration hellbent on making life harder for everyday Americans across the nation who are just trying to survive. Thank you for powering our efforts so we can continue to share the stories of real, hardworking Americans who are fighting back.
The Latest From The Video Team: Standing Up For Our Veterans
Earlier this week, the Video Team released their latest mini-documentary, “U.S. Veteran: Trump’s Iran War is a disaster,” which highlights how the Trump administration has abandoned U.S. veterans. The documentary features U.S. veteran William Mitchell Ellerby, who speaks out against Trump’s war in Iran and cautions against repeating the mistakes America made in Vietnam.
“When you put your country at war, you put your children, your grandchildren at risk,” Ellerby said. “Believe me, I don’t want to see another war like Vietnam.”
Trump’s war with Iran has already claimed the lives of 14 U.S. service members and injured hundreds of others — and with no end in sight, service members are still being put in harm’s way. While our brave service members are putting their lives on the line, Trump and Republicans are decimating programs veterans rely on. In the documentary, William discusses how this administration is failing to honor its veterans by rolling back critical veteran services, like healthcare and housing.
Video Director Akeima Young filming in Moss Point, Mississippi
“What really hurts the most is when you see wounded GIs who are dying for their country,” Ellerby said. “But does the country really care what happens and how we feel emotionally? If one veteran is hurt, we are all hurt.”
Protecting Our Farmers
The video team also released their mini-documentary, “American Farmer Explains: Trump’s Iran War is Killing Us.” The documentary features Kaden Cable, a farmer in Union Parish, Louisiana, who is one of millions of U.S. farmers who has been impacted by Trump’s war in Iran.
“The war in Iran is taking a financial toll on U.S. farmers,” Cable said. “We went from stability to nothing but instability week by week. And [Trump] has caused that.”
American farmers are struggling to deal with the rising cost of fertilizer, with 70% of U.S. farmers saying they are unable to afford it. More than three weeks ago, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the administration was acting “with urgency” to bring down fertilizer costs, but the proposed initiative could take one to two years to materialize. Farmers need relief now.
“To put it bluntly, it’s been a whirlwind. Literally the first week that Trump was in office, trade war with Canada. China used to buy over a billion dollars in soybeans from Louisiana. Our citrus industry has collapsed. Pecan industry, collapsed…. We went from stability to nothing but instability week by week. And he has caused that.”
After facing the impacts of Trump’s trade war in 2025, many American farms cannot afford the impacts of Trump’s reckless war in Iran. Nearly 60% of U.S. farmers say their finances are getting worse as fertilizer and fuel costs rise.
“Most of us here, we don’t have that luxury to dream anymore,” Cable said. “Our reality is unaffordable.”
Tangible Impacts
Behind the scenes filming with Kaden Cable
Through mini documentaries, the video team is able to bring awareness to real issues Americans face each and every day. Showcasing stories like William’s and Kaden’s puts a face to the headlines and forces the GOP to reckon with the real-world costs of their reckless policies.
The video team shot, directed, and produced these projects. From promoting the mini-docs in the press to clipping and sharing the projects across social media, thousands of Americans were able to learn about how Trump’s war of choice is impacting real citizens because of the video team’s work.
Akeima and the team’s workflow remains flexible to allow a rapid response for important moments, while still keeping real Americans at the forefront of the work. By spotlighting these stories, we are capturing the real impacts of Trump’s America.
The team will continue to work on the ground throughout this midterm season to highlight the issues that matter most to Americans, and the real voters who are at the forefront of our fight. Your contribution directly powers the team’s work and allows for more real stories to be amplified in a time of uncertainty.
Check out our YouTube channel to see more of the video team’s work, and stay updated on the latest stories.
Best,
Olivia
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I’m worried about the World ending in less than 6 months from today bc of his stupid War against Iran and racist Gerrymandered maps through Congress!
So glad to see Democrats are getting the word out about the damage this regime is doing. Please, please compare and contrast how the democrats will do things different. Do not make it just about bashing Trump (though there is certainly plenty of material). We need to hear that democrats are prepared to be bold and assertive and we have a real plan.