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Film of the week: Nick Clegg says sorry - the autotune remix

Fundraising | Niki May Young | 21 Sep 2012

In a departure from the normal run of Film of the week, Niki May Young appeals to you to bring Nick Clegg's autotuned apology to number 1 in the iTunes charts.  

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so, so, sorry..." I've not been able to get those words out of my head for the last 24 hours. But it's not my conscience running wild, rather it's Nick Clegg's.

If you've not witnessed it yet, here's your chance to see what one of my colleagues referred to as "hilariousness at its best" - Nick Clegg's grovelling public apology for breaking the Liberal Democrat Party's promise to block the increase in university fees, remixed.

Clegg made his sincere (as-a-politician-can-be) apology for u-turning on his party's key pledge from the 2010 election on Wednesday. His aim, of course was to restore the LibDems' credibility back to the levels that gained him his place in the coalition - that which many felt he had when he was seen at the coalface of campaigning, sweating it out with the students on the picket line, placard-in-hand.

Credibility he sought, but comedy he provided. I can't help but feel a little sorry for the Deputy Prime Minister after his attempted return to the hearts of the liberal public was hijacked by political parody site the Poke, which using auto-tune technology remixed his statement, to epicly amusing proportions. It was an instant viral hit, speading across the Twittersphere where it received praise from celebrity Tweeters such as Jeremy Vine, Martin Lewis and Greg James, as well as opposition MPs John Prescott and Tom Watson.

But praise be upon thee that can take it on the chin, and frankly, a big "hurrah!" to Clegg for not just doing that, but for embracing the scenario as an opportunity to make a few pennies for charity.

Colleagues, including right-hand-man Vince Cable have admitted they were apprehensive about Clegg's acceptance of the Poke's request to sell their version, which has already seen over 295,000 hits on YouTube alone, on iTunes. But with such viral success, the film could provide a substantial boon for Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, the charity Clegg chose to receive the proceeds from its sale.

The move was welcomed by the charity via Twitter, when it said: "Lots of tweets and media calls today about the @nick_clegg youtube video. Thank you Nick for your continued support of @SheffChildrens."

As yet, the song's still not appearing on iTunes, but when it does, I'll be hitting the download button. Whatever party you support, I urge you to do the same. Here's your preview, courtesy of @alex__ross: