Thursday, October 16, 2008

Post-Debate Ads

You know that technology is pretty incredible when you can watch a debate that ends at 9:30 PM (CST) and see brand-new post-debate presidential campaign ads by 9:30 AM the next day. And on your computer, no less!


Both ads - one from the McCain campaign, the other from the Obama campaign - deal with the question of McCain's pro-Bush record. Although polls and focus group results* show that Obama clearly won the debate according to undecided voters, McCain did get the memorable line of the night.


"I am not President Bush," he told Sen. Obama. "If you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago."


Trying to drive that point home, the McCain campaign released this ad today.






As he did during the debate, Obama disputed the difference between Bush and McCain with this ad - also released today.



Analysis:

The McCain ad is successful in so far as it is positive. The negative ads he has run against Obama over the last several weeks have hurt his own image more than that of his opponent.


However, the ad fails to address how McCain will do the challenging tasks he promises to do. While they may not all understand or memorize those specifics, voters tend to appreciate hearing them.


The Obama ad could be a classic. It has the awkward images of McCain's facial expressions last night, gives verifiable information, and ends with McCain proudly admitting to the charges against him - charges he is now trying to play down, both in the debate and now on TV commercials.


Obama may have handled the debate well, but he is handling the post-debate climate even better.


*See

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=2781429f-786e-4830-bf64-d896decf284c

http://mediacurves.com/

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/15/politics/horserace/entry4525171.shtml



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