Power Trip
Can a Viral Video Help Democrats Grab a House Seat in Deep-Red Central Texas?
Afghan war vet MJ Hegar tiptoes through a political minefield
The 3.5-minute video that tells the life story of Mary Jennings Hegar shifts seamlessly from suburban dining room to Afghan battlefield to the halls of Congress. The Steadicam cinematography carries echoes of Goodfellas (though its director, Cayce McCabe, actually had the single-shot aesthetic of Oscar winner Birdman in mind), and the soundtrack is Hegar’s breezily confident narration backed by a Rolling Stones–ish riff. We see Hegar, whom everyone calls MJ, as a caring mom, heroic combat pilot, and activist for women’s rights. Finally, as the camera wends through a throng of sign-hoisting supporters, Hegar points out — accurately — that her Republican opponent, John Carter, has never really faced a tough race.
“We’ll show him tough,” says a smiling Hegar, holding her toddler, Daniel, in her arms, “and then we’ll show him the door.”
Hegar served three tours in Afghanistan and earned both the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device.
