If there's one reason that everyone loves presidential elections, it's that we're constantly bombarded with reminders of why a candidate's opponent is a terrorist, a rapist, or an armed robber. Okay, maybe those went a little too far, but you get the point. Who can forget Swift Boat from 2004, which played a part in swaying public opinion on John Kerry by using one of his biggest strengths against him? Oh, the civility. With all that being said, let's take a look at some ads that we've seen so far this year. I've chosen some to critique and grade. I'm having trouble posting thumbnails, so I'll try to get that fixed at some point.
1. Jon Huntsman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biqIuX3uX0U
In this lengthy ad, we see what we assume to be Jon Huntsman riding a dirtbike through the Southwestern desert while some bored announcer talks about all the reasons we need him as president. This ad suffers from a severe lack of excitement, and the majority of people who have watched it probably fell asleep before it was over. It fails to mention any of Huntsman's policy proposals, although it does tout the fact that he understands China and is fluent in Mandarin. For a guy who's hardly generating any attention in the polls, he needed to make a bigger splash than this. I understand that he's trying to play the mature, middle-of-the-road politician, but come on, a dirt bike?
Grade: D
2. Herman Cain
This ad, although it looks like a power point presentation, is much more concise and exciting than the previous one. Cain shows the firepower that has made him a tea party sensation and a sudden contender. He attempts to paint himself as an outsider to a political establishment that is scandal-ridden and solution-free. At 45 seconds, it manages to keep the viewer attached, and the bit about his father chasing his dream (although hard to hear) was a good piece of Republican rhetoric.
Grade: B-/C+
3. Mitt Romney
The seemingly eternal front-runner turns up the cheese factor in this spot, touting his support from well-respected and former-almost candidate Chris Christie. Although Romney does not speak in the ad, Christie articulates most of his stances for him. If you're looking for something new or refreshing here, keep looking. This is about as cliche as it gets, but it does a solid job of getting the point across. Mitt smiles and shakes a lot of hands without losing that impeccable hair, and the background music adds some sentimentality. In all reality, Mitt will probably win, so it won't matter whether his ads suck or not.
Grade: C
4. Rick Perry
The opening scene of this ad appears to be some sort of post-apocalyptic America that has come about as a result of President Obama's policies. Perry's visuals are top-notch, as he cuts to multiple shots of closed-down factories and classic American scenery. If the first half of the ad doesn't convince you that Obama's presidency is the worst thing since the common cold, I don't know what will. He manages to even make Obama's voice sound sinister, which adds a chilling touch. Perry's half of the ad is triumphant, with epic music backing Perry's renewal of commitment to America. As much as I may dislike Perry, this is a damn good ad.
Grade: A-
5. Michele Bachmann
This ad just sucks. Bachmann uses her annoying Minnesota accent to tell us how she's such a Constitutional conservative and stares into the camera with that awkward smile she wears so well. I don't need to spend much time on this one.
Grade: F
6.Ron Paul
Titled "Conviction," this ad paints the same doomed picture as Perry's aforementioned piece. It mentions the previous debt ceiling deals that came out of the Reagan administration as well as the ever-present threat of raising taxes. It highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to deficit reduction and his unwillingness to compromise. Not much new here, but a good illustration of a guy who refuses to shift his positions to the mainstream.
Grade: B-
7. Gary Johnson
Of course, I saved the best for last. This one has no words and a slow piano version of "America, the Beautiful" playing in the background. The fact that a Republican candidate relased this ad is simply amazing. Tolerance. What an idea. The entire premise of this ad is that it's wrong to discriminate against other people based on how they were born. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a Republican presidential candidate say that, I'd probably be homeless and naked. I know, I know, Gary Johnson has no chance of winning the nomination, and many voters have never even heard of the former New Mexico governor. It takes balls to run an ad that makes so much sense, though. He definitely broke the mold with this one, so props to you, Mr. Johnson.
Grade: A+
So, Gary Johnson wins the non-existent prize. Congratulations, Gary, although this probably won't win you many votes.
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