So I was at
Political Wire, browsing through today's updates. I enjoy the site, because it offers a good mix, though no discussion.
About midway down the page, I see the headline: "Steele Loves Puppies".
What? Steele loves puppies?
Follow me to see more about the ad...
So I read what looks to be a satiric script for an ad for Steele.
"Hey, me again. Michael Steele. Soon your TV will be jammed with negative ads from the Washington crowd. Grainy pictures and spooky music saying 'Steele hates puppies.' And worse. For the record, I love puppies. And I think you deserve better. Some real ideas for change. Like a ban on all gifts from lobbyists to Congressmen. And no last minute amendments for pork barrel spending. That's a start. Because Washington can't fix our problems until we fix theirs. I'm Michael Steele and this is my message."
Hey it's me again? For the record I love puppies? What jokester wrote this?
So, curiosity got the best of me. I clicked on the link and saw the ad.
I'm impressed. As a hard core Democrat-til-I-die kinda person, this ad was incredible. Sure it doesn't mention his party. And sure he neglects to say that he'll enable the Bush agenda. And that means... for Maryland it is perfect.
The ad it's self is simple. Not a lot of imagery so you can focus on the man and the message. The intial knock and the opening like are folksy (which doesn't necessarily mean anything in terms of his governing abilities, but hell it resonates with people...).
He mentions the "Washington Crowd," attacking Cardin who's been in DC and feeding off the anti-incumbant sentiment. He delivers the "I love puppies" line perfectly, with a straight face. I believe him. He loves puppies. What does this have to with DC? Nothing, or course. But he loves puppies.
Sitting on his name in a relaxed position, he tells you his plan. More of the same old, but that's not the point. It's the imagery. He's holding a puppy at the end. Because, hey, who doesn't love puppies? Besides cat people and my mom of course.
Finally, the last line. He doesn't endorse the message. It is his messge. "This is my message." That resonates and I think it's a powerful line. It's a good variation, like Lamont and the people who say, "So do we," at the end of his ads. They are playing with lines they are required to have.
Let me repeat, I want Cardin to crush Steele come Nov. I think Cardin will crush Steele.
But I cannot help but like this ad. He's relaxed, funny, and it connects. There's no substance, but honestly, I don't think that matters here. It's great and I wish we saw more of this from our candidates.
Go see it, and check it out for yourself...
The Ad