'Gossip Girl' Stars Featured in Obama Spot

By Ira Teinowitz

Blake Lively and Penn Badgley, stars of CW’s “Gossip Girl,” are going political in an ad for the MoveOn Youth Vote program that supports the election of Barack Obama.

In a parody of the White House’s anti-drug advertising, the 30-second spot features youths discovering that their parents have—horrors—a “drill baby drill” hat in their home. The spot goes on to encourage youths to talk to their parents about the consequences of voting for John McCain.

“Mom? Dad? I found THIS in your room,” says Ms. Lively in the spot as she holds up the hat. The ad then features youths talking to their parents.

“Are you thinking about voting for John McCain? … Just because other people your age are doing it doesn’t make it cool. … You say it’s harmless, it’s ‘just one vote.’ … Voting Republican even once can have disastrous effects that last for years.”

The ad points to a Web site, www.mccainfreewhitehouse.org, before switching to a final scene with Ms. Lively.

“Talk to your parents about John McCain,” she says. “And if you’re ever out somewhere and you’re considering voting McCain, just call me. I’ll pick you up. No questions asked.”

The ad will air in a $150,000 buy that includes one airing on CW nationally during “Gossip Girl” followed by 10 days on MTV and Comedy Central in local buys in two battleground states, North Carolina and Nevada.

The ad is directed by Doug Liman, director of the films “Bourne Identity” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Mr. Liman said in a statement that the ad is intended to stress the importance of the election.

“This will be the most important election of our lifetimes when you think about what is at stake. Young people get it—They are voting overwhelmingly for Barack Obama,” he said. “Too many of their parents are still on the fence, and I thought it was important to make this ad and let my generation and older generations know that the younger generation is clear: They want a future and a country led by Barack Obama.”