Anti-Bush, but Also Oblique (NYT critique of Media Fund tv ad) [View All]

THE AD CAMPAIGN
Anti-Bush, but Also Oblique
By JIM RUTENBERG

Published: March 10, 2004


This 30-second advertisement by The Media Fund was to begin running today in 17 important states where President Bush is also advertising.

PRODUCER The Campaign Farm/Squier, Knapp, Dunn....

***

SCORECARD If it were not for the derogatory mentions of President Bush, this could easily be one of his advertisements, with all its glossy images of middle-class Americana. The advertisement could help in establishing the Democrats as the party of the middle class, and it does complement Senator John Kerry's accusations that Mr. Bush's policies cater to corporate interests more than they do to regular, working people. It even makes a play for supporters of Howard Dean of Vermont with its call to "take our country back." The only problem is that the spot does not tell voters anything about who is behind it — their party affiliation or anything — and does not make it clear who will help them to do all this taking back, so some viewers may find it confusing.


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/10/politics/campaign/10ADBO.html