I am a Dean supporter, but I have to say I was not crazy about his new ad for Iowa. While I am just a lowly Marketing guy, I wanted to give my opinion and suggestions. The ad has received mocking attention from various media including Comedy Central's "The Daily Show", which aired the full ad.
First of all, the farm tractor as a backdrop is a bit predictable. Gov. Dean seems a bit stiff in front of the camera, which Jon Stewart brings up--comparing him to Al Gore.(ouch!) And then there is the final sentence "that's why I approve this message." language, which may be complying with some obsure law, but which leaves the average viewer thinking "huuuuhwhat?" I think if the candidate himself delivers the message it can be inferred that he approves the words coming out of his mouth--I mean this is not puppetry here!
Anyway, my suggestion is this. Dean comes across best when he is speaking to a group and interacting with other people. Why was this ad not made from edited pieces of meetings and speeches he has already given in Iowa? We all know that Gov. Dean's every move is being filmed, so lets use that to our advantage. Not only will the message ring more true, but Gov. Dean's passion and personality will show. If they insist on talking to the camera, then maybe they should bring a group of people in for him to speak to. Finally, I can think of a dozen backdrops that would provide more progressive and forward-thinking imagery for the average citizen of Iowa. Hey, they are not all farmers! That tractor is a bit old school. Hope someone gets the message--I was not happy to see my donation go toward this ad.
First of all, the farm tractor as a backdrop is a bit predictable. Gov. Dean seems a bit stiff in front of the camera, which Jon Stewart brings up--comparing him to Al Gore.(ouch!) And then there is the final sentence "that's why I approve this message." language, which may be complying with some obsure law, but which leaves the average viewer thinking "huuuuhwhat?" I think if the candidate himself delivers the message it can be inferred that he approves the words coming out of his mouth--I mean this is not puppetry here!
Anyway, my suggestion is this. Dean comes across best when he is speaking to a group and interacting with other people. Why was this ad not made from edited pieces of meetings and speeches he has already given in Iowa? We all know that Gov. Dean's every move is being filmed, so lets use that to our advantage. Not only will the message ring more true, but Gov. Dean's passion and personality will show. If they insist on talking to the camera, then maybe they should bring a group of people in for him to speak to. Finally, I can think of a dozen backdrops that would provide more progressive and forward-thinking imagery for the average citizen of Iowa. Hey, they are not all farmers! That tractor is a bit old school. Hope someone gets the message--I was not happy to see my donation go toward this ad.
