Monday, November 19, 2007

Advertising

A bit off topic, though my interest in U.S. politics does end up here from time to time.

Mike Huckabee is one of the Republican contenders for president in next year's election. He is probably best known by Canadians for being one of two governors that were fooled in editions of Rick Mercer's Talking to Americans. Governor Huckabee wished Canadians luck in saving our national igloo which is, of course, a scale replica of the Arkansas Capitol building made of ice and serves as our parliament building.

Other than political junkies, most would not know that this guy has any chance at winning the presidency. In fact, he is running a strong second, in polls in Iowa and history tells us that unknowns can win the presidency thanks to a surprise win in Iowa (just ask Jimmy Carter).

Anyway, that is not why I am writing this post. It is because he is running the best political advertisement in the history of mankind. I can't decide if it will actually be helpful or not, but it is certainly unique and will attract a lot of attention. I thought it a bit silly, though very amusing, but non-political types in rural Iowa may be moved by it. What do you think?



(h/t Jonathan Martin)

9 comments:

Independent said...

Best
Ad
Ever.

"Chuck Norris doesn't endorse. He tells America how its going to be".

No mention, however, of the time Chuck Norris impregnated a woman, and 9 months later she gave birth to a sizzlin' 26 oz. porterhouse steak.

Anonymous said...

There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.

Wish I were witty enough to come up with one to point out Chuck's obvious eye and face (cosmetic) surgery.

Seriously though - the US is rightfully screwed. They deserve to be driven into the ground for their warmongering actions. The vast majority of the candidates are nothing more than rotating actors on the stage of global destruction.

On the other hand, part of me still loves the Americans and hopes for a brighter future. This part of me would want to elect Ron Paul if at all possible...

It's all a big con game anyway.

Spinks said...

No surprise, I love Huckabee. Sorry I can't vote for him.

NB taxpayer said...

Brilliant. Though I think he's slowly losing ground to Paul on libertarian (and true conservative) issues he raised in that ad.

Anonymous said...

Btw, I was endorsing the ad, not Huckabee. The guy is about as electable as Michael Dukakis.

NB taxpayer said...

Sorry to clog up y0ur comments section nbp, but this Post poll on the democratic side is showing a bit of a Clinton slide and a small Obama surge, especially amongst those in the sample who believe [he] is more "honest and trustworthy".

RS said...

nbt,

You state Huckabee may be unelectable in a general election (I would tend to agree), but he has momentum in both Iowa and South Carolina in aggregate polls and even has momentum in New Hampshire if you follow Rasmussen (who is quite good). Do not count him out yet. But we know momentum swings both ways.

Romney MUST win both Iowa and New Hampshire (he currently looks set to do this). Huckabee only has to come second in Iowa and third or better in New Hampshire to become the third candidate in the Romney / Guiliani / Anybody Else scenario. The US media will love Huckabee, socially conservative / economically liberal and the ‘awe shucks’ style equals much to write about.

Guiliani currently risks finishing fourth in IA (behind Romney, Huckabee, Thompson), third in NH (behind Romney, McCain) and third in SC (behind Romney, Thompson). This could cause Guiliani to lose ground in Florida, since if he does not win Florida decisively after trailing in the first three match-ups he is toast. But a big win in Florida (more than 10 points) means it is candidate Guiliani.

Or, I could be completely wrong on all of this. I definitely love watching it though!

RS

nbpolitico said...

RS - I agree 100% with that analysis.

Anonymous said...

Huckabee is now leading some polls in Iowa (Rasmussen / Des Moines Register).

Rasmussen also has Guiliani / McCain / Huckabee in a tie (15/15/14) in New Hampshire. Romney is way ahead there.

Huck may have peaked too soon, unless he is still increasing.