In my story this morning on TV ad spending, I noted 6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will probably raise enough dough to be on TV from now through Election Day. She unveiled her first ad a few days ago, with the memorable debut of “Jim The Election Guy.” Here’s Eric Black’s take on that.
Bachmann’s DFL opponent, Tarryl Clark, won’t have as much dough for the tube. But she is trying a Jim Jiu-Jitsu with this web ad featuring “Jim The Actual Voter.”
Will this Jim (actually, Jims) cross over to TV spots? Might not be the worst tactic in the world.
(If for some reason the video doesn’t start up, you can see it on Clark’s campaign site here. Be forewarned, some of you: it’s a donations page.)
Not sure how persuasive it is, but it’s amusing. I can see it going down in the history books of Great Minnesota Political Ads to be Parodied in the Future.
First off isn’t the candidate supposed to say that they approve this message?
It’s an old lefty tactic to copy and satirize opponents ads. It might have gotten old.
Also, these three remind me of the Minnesota Lottery Page local games “winners circle”.
Great idea but pretty lackluster execution compared to the NY ad agency feel of Bachmann’s. If Clark has any hope to win they need at the very least to put out some professional and innovative ads now. She also needs to get ahead of the responding role and describe who she is instead of letting a paid actor define her. There is no shortage of Bachmann sound bytes, she is practically a walking attack ad for herself, but 2 months will fly by before you know it.
Gregory- online ads don’t fall under the law that requires federal candidates to approve the message.
With regards to political TV ads, regardless of the budget, less is more. A large chunk of the bundle that was spent on the Bachmann spot probably paid the fees of sharp directors who know that, and know when the point has been made.
Paul Wellstone’s and Jesse Ventura’s media magicians won elections with low-budgeted, succinct spots.
Wellstone’s and Ventura’s ads were both produced by Bill Hillsman and North Woods Advertising. Fantastic spots but produced by folks who make ads for a living and I’m sure loads of experience. “Dave the Actual Voter” comes no where close to the production value of “Dave the Paid Acto–ahem..Election Guy”. Ads are only one piece of the strategy but well produced spots create buzz and get people talking and making decisions, whether they’re well informed or not I suppose is another thing.