One of the real interesting developments I have learned about here on the ground in Nevada is what SEIU calls "Popular Media Organizing" -- or finding innovative ways to use the skills of those within the creative arts to forward a progressive agenda.

This afternoon, Josh and I had an opportunity to speak with Tim Daly, an actor probably best known for his starring role on the NBC show "Wings", who was in Las Vegas as a part of the Guess Who's Knocking initiative within the Popular Media Organizing effort. What this particular program does, and why it stood out to me, was that rather than using celebrities to merely draw crowds and fire up the already decided -- a task, by the way, which is important -- it facilitates progressive entertainers canvassing efforts.

Today, Daly hit the pavement like the dozens of other canvassers here in Las Vegas, going door-to-door to spread the message about not only Barack Obama, but also congressional candidate Dina Titus and even state legislative candidates in the area. According to SEIU's Wyatt Closs, others participating in the program around the country include Jason Ritter (of "The Class") and Martin Starr (of "Freaks and Geeks") in Ohio; Danny Glover (of "Lethal Weapon") in North Carolina; Gloria Reuben and Laura Innes (both of "ER") in Western Pennsylvania; and Malcolm-Jamal Warner (of "The Cosby Show") in Philadelphia. The program is a great way to get organizers even more motivated to knock on doors, and it also is a great way to spread a message quickly in a non-traditional way (voters might call some of their friends to let them know Daly or someone else came by their door to ask for their vote).

Beyond this, there are other possibilities on the horizon. One includes working with progressive writers, directors and producers to advance a progressive message through their works. Yes, there have been union-focused films like "Norma Rae" or films that speak to problems with healthcare in the country today, such as "As Good As It Gets". However, more could be done -- not just in creating movies dedicated to a particular topic but even writing story lines in television series that compellingly explain, for instance, how stronger workers' rights could solve particular employment problems or how real change is needed in the healthcare system today.

There's a lot of talent and creativity that could be put to bear to help create a more progressive country, so it's good to hear that there are efforts underway to harness these capabilities in a thought out way.

Josh and I are up in Las Vegas through election day blogging about the campaign, and our coverage has graciously been sponsored by SEIU.