Saturday, October 23, 2010

















Waste Money The Chinese Way (CAGW) Or The American Way (Bankrupting America)


Wasting money is some of the best creative fodder around.

In this lavish ad for Citizens Against Government Waste, the Chinese become the target. Nice concept, well-produced, nicely derisive and reminscent of Apple's "1984" without directly stealing from it. I thought the giant CG Chinese flag could have looked better, but I'm nit picking.

Earlier in the cycle, Bankrupting America went up with this simple ad showing how, not the Chinese, but our own government is spending us into the ground. Literally. Full disclosure: this is spot our talented team produced.

Grade?: A for both

Click here to watch CAGW "Chinese Professor"

Click here to watch Bankrupting America's "Stop Digging"

Friday, October 15, 2010


Dead Man Talking: Stevens Endorses Murkowski

This had to be a tough call. The Murkowski campaign cuts an endorsement spot with the late Sen. Ted Stevens. We all know what happened next.

With her campaign in major trouble, she really needs that endorsement. No doubt, Senator Stevens would have wanted them to use the ad, but it's still a tricky bit of business.

Here, the Murkowski campaign plays it smart and errs on the side of respect having Sen. Stevens' daughter introduce the ad, give her blessing and even appear with Murkowski.

Will this turn the tide and get people to write in Murkowski? Probably not, but it's Alaska, so you never know.

It won't win any awards for creativity, but they handled this right.

Grade: B

Click here to watch "Ted Stevens"

Friday, October 08, 2010


David Vitter Says Charlie Melancon Is A Tad Weak On Immigration

Vitter is hitting Charlie Melancon hard with this over-the-top "Immigrants Welcome" spot.

These are always tricky to do, because you want to get the point across without insulting anyone but the opposing candidate. In this case, Team Vitter goes with ridiculous, cartoony visuals that really work. You won't miss this spot on TV.

Grade: B

Click here to watch "Welcome Prize"

Tuesday, October 05, 2010


Rand Paul Discovers That Comedy Is A Dangerous Business

We've ranted and raved about the lack of production values in political ads. This time we won't. Because Rand Paul has taught us you can still make a dreary commercial with nice production values.

We want to like this spot and, on paper, it has everything. Quality shooting, tasteful editing, good props, what could be wrong?

It's only half an idea.

A Barack Obama impersonator talking about how much he wants Jack Conway in the Senate. Good start, but it doesn't go anywhere from there. No gag, no twist, no great line for people to talk about over coffee in the morning.

Looks good, but it's a missed opportunity.

Grade: B (for the production value)

Click here to watch "Stamp of Approval"

Christine O'Donnell Not A Witch Apparently

Let's be honest, Christine O'Donnell has made some boneheaded moves. One smart move she made was to hire a top flight media consultant.

In this straight-to-camera confessional Christine comes off as earnest, honest and brave enough to present a contrast to the whirlwind of noise around her.

We still think she has a snowball's chance in hell of winning this thing, but this is a simple, well-done ad that hits all the right buttons.

Grade: B

Click here to watch "You"

John McCain Delivers For Bill Flores

Love him or hate him, when John McCain is on he can really deliver. Here he is doing just that for Bill Flores.

We like the closer shot of Bill Flores speaking to workers, but the shot of him working at his desk late at night? Let's aim a little higher folks.

Grade: B

Click here to watch "Texans Deserve Better"

Friday, October 01, 2010


Joe DioGuardi Does A Little Presto Chango

Joe DioGuardi has a problem. His opponent is a very good looking woman. He looks like Joe Pesci.

The solution? In this case, a bit of trickery. This spot features Joe standing on a white cyc holding a green screen credit card that magically changes as he swipes his finger across it.

To be honest, his opponent is a lot easier on the eyes, but this spot's pretty well done.

Grade: B

Click here to watch "Credit Card"