WASHINGTON — Here are a few of our favorite TV ads from the presidential candidates:
Barack Obama, “Our Moment is Now.” Borrowing footage from Obama’s speech at the Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner late in 2007, the ad effectively captured the idea of the senator’s campaign as a movement. “America, our moment is now,” Obama says in the ad as music rises and the crowd cheers. Powerful stuff.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, “3 a.m.” By far the most talked-about ad in the Democratic primary race, the ringing-phone commercial focused on the issue of crisis management and framed the choice between the experienced and steady hand of Clinton and the untestested Obama. Unfortunately for Clinton, the ad was too little, too late.
John McCain, “Celebrity.” It’s hard to argue that the daring ad, which sought to draw comparisons between Obama and celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, didn’t work. Using images of the massive crowd Obama drew in Berlin during his mid-summer European tour, McCain’s campaign turned what could have been a strength for their Democratic opponent into a weakness. A brilliant piece of political jujistu.
Bill Richardson, “Job Interview.” Give the New Mexico governor this: He’s not afraid to take chances. Surrounded by better-known candidates in the Democratic primary campaign, Richardson played the role of a job interviewee; the series of ads made the point, in a humorous way, that he has a lengthy resume and record of accomplishments. A good twist on the traditional biographical ad.
Mike Huckabee, “Chuck Norris Approved.” The breakout star of the Republican primaries (He runs marathons! He plays the bass guitar!) topped himself with this spot featuring the action star. Best line? “Chuck Norris doesn’t endorse, he tells America how it’s gonna be.”
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