Monday, November 12, 2012

Post 10: Campaign Ads: NRSC


Where you support Obama or not, this video is so ridiculous that it could make the most stubborn Democrat chuckle.

It is an attack ad directed at Obama concerning the campaign promises he made and has kept. In this universe, Obama single handedly eliminated our debts, created trillions of jobs, absolutely free health care, and we all ride and depend upon rainbow powered unicorns, as Hillary Clinton ushers in the scores of chanting and singing choirs of angels and cherubs to give America its blessing.

It all comes crashing down about one minute in, when the stark reality of the foolishness crashes in upon itself. The organization claims that Obama has done none of what he promised; staggering debt, unemployment, and vouchered healthcare. The upliftng music is brought to a jarring halt as the sound of a gavel slams down, and is replaced by a dark moody back tone. As the attack wraps up, it tosses in information as to how to contact people who you can support to fight back at the president. The video effectively bashes the Obama administration, despite the surreal premise. The bits of script and footage are used to make the targets look foolish, even during the 'utopia' section of the video, and the sober end gives the subject matter a stark contrast that leaves the viewer thinking about learning more from the people who created ad.

Post 9: Campaign Ad: Perot


This is a campaign ad that Ross Perot used during his attempt for the presidency in 1992. Ross Perot had a real chance at crushing the 2 party norm that continues to this day, as he commanded a large portion of the popular vote. If he had not bowed out of the race early, he might have be able to change the face of politics in America.

As it is, the two party standard continues to this day. The dominance of the Republicans and Democrats are a security to most voters, but an upset of others. On one hand, its a good thing there are only two parties because clear lines are drawn on many issues and voters can vote for the issues they support the most. On the other, there is a clear lack of choice; it's either yes or no.

This ad in particular focuses on Perot's position on the economics. It has a somber atmosphere, and rather than pandering to the people it focuses on giving as many people as possible the information they are trying to spread (the economy is bad, trickle down isn't working) and infusing a serious mood into the viewer with the sound and scenery.