Clarks NH ad...I just saw it on tv

[KaraokeKarlton]

Why is there an announcer talking about Clark instead of Clark talking himself? All he says in the whole commercial is "I'm Wes Clark and I approve this message". The content itself was fine, but it wasn't in Clark's own words and I think that takes away from the ad. Does anyone know why it was done this way?

[carpetbagger]

1. Two answers. Modesty and McCain-Feingold Act.

Clark would appear immodest bragging on a commercial about his life experiences.

He does, however, under the law need to say on the ad that he approved the message. This was part of the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Act.

[helleborient]

7. I think this change in McCain-Feingold calls for a change in...

The traditional way of doing ads. I do think having voiceovers following with the candidate's own voice saying I approved the message sounds a bit odd.

I'm sure over time the development of the ads will change to incorporate this change in law. In the past, most voiceover ads included voiceover for the statement about who paid for it. That can't be done any more.

[Renew Deal]

2. Ads are traditionally done this way

unless they are a hit piece like Howie's new one. The announcer depends on the message you are trying to get accross. THat guys voice is more soothing than Clark's. Are you feeling soothed? :)

Seriously, where do you live (I noticed the VT Avatar)? How do you think it will play there?

[KaraokeKarlton]

5. I live on the border of NH

and in this area both states share the same media sources. Retail politics are big in this area. I never see political ads that don't have the candidate doing the talking. I think the content itself was fine for NH, but I do think the fact that Clark didn't do the talking takes away from it. Clark doesn't have a bad commercial voice. NH is very picky about little things. It's really hard to say if it will help him or not. It won't hurt him I don't think, but there is one disadvantage to the commercial. Unless you're sitting right there watching it, it takes awhile to figure out it's a political ad. There's a good chance that a lot of the stuff being said will be missed by a lot of people, especially if they aren't sitting right in front of the tv watching the commercials. It sounded more like a sales ad because of the announcers voice. Clark is my second choice right now since Graham dropped out, so I don't have any reason to slam him on the ad. I just didn't care for someone else doing all the talking. It's probably because of the hands on politics and campaigning that I'm used to being around in this area.

[SahaleArm]

3. Giving your own biography would be weird.

He'll be doing the talking when they air targeted-issue ads.

[Kahuna]

4. There is nothing unusual about an ad with a voiceover...

especially if it is a biographical ad.

[KaraokeKarlton]

6. It isn't the way the political ads here usually are done

and if people have their back turned from the tv they won't figure out it's a political ad until it's half over. I didn't even hear his name mentioned until half way through the commercial. Maybe that's why I didn't really like the ad. It could have been done better to catch people's attention more. I didn't like the announcer's voice, either. It was quiet and too "soothing", as someone else put it. I actually think Clark's voice would have been better.

[MaineDem]

8. It's definitely the way political ads are done

Perhaps you haven't been aware of it.

[KaraokeKarlton]

11. The only ads I've seen with someone else talking

were attack ads on certain issues. I suppose I could have just missed other ones, but I honestly haven't ever seen a candidate ad where the candidate didn't do the talking.

[MaineDem]

12. Happens all the time

Maybe not in your neck of the woods.

Oh well...

[KaraokeKarlton]

15. Like I said...retail politics are big here

and in NH, politicians are expected to sell themselves to the voters directly. To win in NH you have to personally reach out to voters. That's probably why I haven't seen candidate ads done this way here.

I'm originally from Maine, but moved away when I was 19. I'll be back home for Thanksgiving. What area are you in? I grew up WAY Downeast. :D

[Desertrose]

9. Would you like anything that is

non-Dean?
Just curious.:)

I didn't hear it so I can't say....but I have heard plenty of political ads that sound like they might be similar...things are just getting started...takes em awhile to see how things "play" I would imagine.

Peace
DR

[helleborient]

10. I thought Clark was fantastic on Fox News...

And his voice in an ad would be perfectly fine.

He's a strong candidate...and I think this was intended as constructive criticism.

[KaraokeKarlton]

13. Clark is my second choice

I also wouldn't mind seeing him as Dean's VP choice along with a couple of others. I just didn't like the way the ad was done. I already said there was nothing wrong with the content. Just because someone supports Dean it doesn't mean they hate everyone else. The only ones I hate are Kerry and Gephardt...and Bush, of course.

[MaineDem]

14. Hate?

You "hate" the candidates?

Lovely. :eyes:

[KaraokeKarlton]

16. Only two of them and here's why...

THey have been lying about my state (Vermont) and my ex governor whose policies have helped me make a better life for myself and made Vermont a better place to live. I am loyal to my ex governor because he did a great job here and is an honest man. I would have the same kind of loyalty to Maine if I heard candidate lying about it.

[helleborient]

17. Very good points.... (n/t)