The 2010 midterm election cycle has been a doozey. The campaign TV ads have often been the true game changers – destroying front-runner establishment candidates or raising the momentum for newcomer Tea Partiers.
One week from today, American voters will finally get to cast their ballots for their congressman or senator. As the midterm election season comes to a finale, we are highlighting the best and worst political campaign ads of 2010.
BEST CAMPAIGN ADS:
“Mourning in America” – National: This ad is by far the best of the election because of the combination of image and message which perfectly express the depressed state of our nation under Obama’s leadership.
The 60-second spot was produced by the group “Citizens for the Republic” in the style of Ronald Reagan’s iconic ad “Morning in America.” However, unlike Reagan’s optimistic message, this heart-wrenching ad shows the failed Obama initiatives have wreaked havoc on the United States.
The ad ends with these words: “There’s mourning in America. Under the leadership of President Obama, our country is fading, and weaker and worse off. His policies were ‘grand experiment policies’ that failed. This November, let’s choose a smaller, more caring government — one that remembers us.”
“Don’t Call me Ma’am” – Carla Fiorina (R) vs. Barbara Boxer (D) for California Senate: iorina’s ad, which is entitled “Sir,” points out Boxer’s arrogance as she demeans an Army General for calling her “Ma’am” instead of “Senator.”
“The Taxman” – Christine O’Donnell (R) vs. Chris Coons (D) for Delaware Senate: O’Donnell’s taxman ad effectively shows Coons record of raising taxes. This ad gets ranked in the best category for cleverly referencing the funniest (non-political) video of the year, Antoine Dodson’s “bedroom intruder” warning: “Hide yo’ Wife, Hide yo’ Kids.”
“57” – Ron Johnson (R) vs. Russ Feingold (D) for Wisconsin Senate: This simple and effective ad has Johnson writing on a white board. He starts with, “There are 100 members of the US Senate. 57 of them, including Russ Feingold, are lawyers. That would be fine if we had a lawsuit to settle. But we have an economy to fix.”
“We Are Better Than That” – Dale Peterson (R) for Alabama Agriculture Commission primary: Peterson’s good ole’ boy, straight-talking ad was so genuine that it put him in the race. He lost, but the ad has spurned amusing parodies in an election year that can use a few good laughs.
“For the Kids” – Joel Demos (R) vs. Keith Ellison (D) for Minnesota 4th congressional: Demos’ offbeat ads get the message across in a clever style. All Demos’ ads are kooky, but surprise the viewer with their effectiveness in conveying the failed Obama policies.
