While I may agree with Michael Moore on most of his political views, I don't necessarily see him as a great spokesman for particular causes-except when he lets his film-making do the talking for him. This is a tough debate to take sides on. In the end, Michael Moore may well wish to be remembered for his political activism, but it is in the forum of his film-making that he makes the most impact. Both may be important in his life, but his films will be what is most remembered about Michael Moore.
I've seen Michael Moore speak and I often agree with what he has to say, but anything he can say in a speech bashing George W. is amplified tenfold by watching "Fahrenheit 9-11." As many Hollywood types are, Michael Moore is very politically outspoken. This is all fine and dandy, but it's his work as an artist that really grabs one's attention. Making movies is where Michael Moore shines best. Using his films as a forum for political debate is just a bonus. Not many people can make documentaries with the impact of a "Bowling for Columbine" or a "Fahrenheit 9-11" but Michael Moore has done it beautifully. These contributions will always be remembered.
I guess I don't see why the two have to be mutually exclusive. The question should probably be worded, "Will Michael Moore be remembered MORE for his contributions..." There can be no doubt that Michael Moore is a political activist. His stances on Iraq, post 9-11 America and white-collar America are well understood. But, he displays his views best when he presents them on film. His movies are made with an obvious slant, but he will always try to present as fair an argument as he can. And the films themselves are usually brilliantly done. With this in mind, I'll always think of his film-making ahead of his speechifying. For Michael Moore, film is his conduit for speech. Like a good non-fiction writer, documentary film is how Michael Moore best presents his views.
Call me a sucker for good art, but between the two, I think Michael Moore will always be remembered more for his films than his political activism. The two are definitely intertwined, but it's his work as a film-maker that separates him from the rest. A lot of people in Hollywood are politically active and most of them have something to say publicly. But, as is often the case, Michael Moore makes the case for his causes with much greater impact with his art-his film-making-than with his speech-making.