New Kerry Spot Is Upbeat Without Beating on Bush

[conjur]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/03/politics/campaign/03adbox.html

This 30-second spot for Senator John Kerry began running on Wednesday in 20 states, and on some national cable networks, as part of his $18 million advertising campaign this month.

PRODUCER Shrum, Devine & Donilon

THE SCRIPT Mr. Kerry says: "We're a country of the future. We're a country of optimists. We're the can-do people." A male narrator says: "For John Kerry, a stronger America begins at home. Real plans to create jobs here, not overseas; lower health care costs; independence from Middle East oil. And in the world: A strong military and strong alliances to defeat terror. America: Stronger at home; respected in the world. John Kerry for president.'' Mr. Kerry says, "I'm John Kerry and I approve this message.''

ON THE SCREEN The spot opens on a smiling, blonde-haired girl before moving on to show Mr. Kerry sitting indoors, speaking directly into the camera. As he speaks, the left-hand side of the screen shows a veteran saluting at a V.F.W. hall. While the spot flashes statements like "Stronger at home'' and "Respected in the world,'' it shows Mr. Kerry on the hustings: shaking hands with a veteran; helping a little girl at a computer; addressing small crowds of voters outdoors and bigger ones indoors, sometimes in front of huge American flags (at least one flag appears in 8 of the 22 shots in the ad). The commercial presents slices of Americana: a girl in a soccer uniform holding a ball, a factory worker at a machine, the silhouette of an oil drill pumping against a blood-orange sky. It ends with Mr. Kerry grinning widely, the stars of a gargantuan flag behind him.

ACCURACY While Republicans may argue with the cost or likely efficacy of some of Mr. Kerry's policy initiatives, this spot has no refutable claims. Mr. Kerry has proposed stanching the flight of jobs to other countries, in part by ending provisions allowing companies to defer tax payments on profits earned overseas and by offering to tax those profits at a one-year rate of only 10 percent if they are reinvested at home. He has proposed reducing health care premiums by $1,000 per family per year, in part by giving the federal government responsibility for catastrophic care. He has proposed intensified efforts to find and use new sources of energy in an effort to decrease reliance on foreign oil. Mr. Kerry has also called for a larger active-duty Army and "a new era of alliances'' in the fight against terrorism.

SCORECARD With this spot, Mr. Kerry continues on his tack of upbeat television commercials in the face of attacks from Mr. Bush, whose latest spot questions Mr. Kerry's commitment to the USA Patriot Act. To be sure, this commercial could make Mr. Bush's attack ads look cynical and dark by comparison while helping to establish Mr. Kerry as an optimistic alternative with a clear set of goals on everything from health care to terrorism. But by presenting a hodgepodge of disparate issues rather than one coherent theme, the spot asks a lot of its 30 seconds, not to mention its viewers. And, the commercial could disappoint those Democrats calling for bolder strokes from Mr. Kerry. But, his aides say, there is no need for many of those when various public polls show that the positive, if perhaps safe, tone of Mr. Kerry's latest spots are raising opinions of him in pivotal states.

 

[burnedout]

Meanwhile, from the "other side".....

His latest ad is all generalities, no facts

But some statements are so vague as to give voters practically no sense of what Kerry actually would do if elected. For example, to help achieve what the ad calls "independence from Middle East oil," Kerry has proposed "A Plan to Use Hydrogen Throughout the Nation By 2020." That "plan" contains few specifics, and is not terribly different from President Bush's own proposals to fund research on hydrogen-powered vehicles. In any case it's highly dubious whether hydrogen will be a practical fuel for motorists by the time this year's newborns reach driving age, according to a study issued last year by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.

Since Kerry's ad avoids specifics, he can't be accused of false statements. The worst we can say is that some of the ad's statements -- like hydrogen itself -- are lighter than air.

 

[LordMagnusKain]

ACCURACY While Republicans may argue with the cost or likely efficacy of some of Mr. Kerry's policy initiatives, this spot has no refutable claims

not hard when you don't say anything at all.

Kerry: We're a country of the future. . . we're a country of optimists, we're the can-do people.

Narrator: For John Kerry, a stronger America begins at home. Real plans to create jobs here, not overseas; lower health care costs; independence from Middle East oil.

And in the world, a strong military and strong alliances - to defeat terror.

America. Stronger at home. Respected in the world. John Kerry for President.

If you can put the name 'Nader' and/or 'bucanon' and not change that it's compleatly irefutable; then you've not said anything at all.

"I?m LordMagnusKain, America is good, and can do good stuff.

I want Americans to work and stuff to be cheaper,

I don't like foreign oil but also don't like domestic oil.

I?m for the military; I say this because people can honestly question that looking at my record.

America. Good. Submitting to what the French think. LordMagnusKain for president

I?m LordMagnusKain and I disapprove of this message."

As my autistic brother says to me when i tell him 'no' "Try again!"

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain

ACCURACY While Republicans may argue with the cost or likely efficacy of some of Mr. Kerry's policy initiatives, this spot has no refutable claims

not hard when you don't say anything at all.

Kerry: We're a country of the future. . . we're a country of optimists, we're the can-do people.

Narrator: For John Kerry, a stronger America begins at home. Real plans to create jobs here, not overseas; lower health care costs; independence from Middle East oil.

And in the world, a strong military and strong alliances - to defeat terror.

America. Stronger at home. Respected in the world. John Kerry for President.

If you can put the name 'Nader' and/or 'bucanon' and not change that it's compleatly irefutable; then you've not said anything at all.

"I?m LordMagnusKain, America is good, and can do good stuff.

I want Americans to work and stuff to be cheaper,

I don't like foreign oil but also don't like domestic oil.

I?m for the military; I say this because people can honestly question that looking at my record.

America. Good. Submitting to what the French think. LordMagnusKain for president

I?m LordMagnusKain and I disapprove of this message."

As my autistic brother says to me when i tell him 'no' "Try again!"

What happened, your perscription for Smart Pills run out? j/k

 

[LordMagnusKain]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain

ACCURACY While Republicans may argue with the cost or likely efficacy of some of Mr. Kerry's policy initiatives, this spot has no refutable claims

not hard when you don't say anything at all.

Kerry: We're a country of the future. . . we're a country of optimists, we're the can-do people.

Narrator: For John Kerry, a stronger America begins at home. Real plans to create jobs here, not overseas; lower health care costs; independence from Middle East oil.

And in the world, a strong military and strong alliances - to defeat terror.

America. Stronger at home. Respected in the world. John Kerry for President.

If you can put the name 'Nader' and/or 'bucanon' and not change that it's compleatly irefutable; then you've not said anything at all.

"I?m LordMagnusKain, America is good, and can do good stuff.

I want Americans to work and stuff to be cheaper,

I don't like foreign oil but also don't like domestic oil.

I?m for the military; I say this because people can honestly question that looking at my record.

America. Good. Submitting to what the French think. LordMagnusKain for president

I?m LordMagnusKain and I disapprove of this message."

As my autistic brother says to me when i tell him 'no' "Try again!"

What happened, your perscription for Smart Pills run out? j/k

i've been up all night, so it could be.

 

[conjur]

Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

 

[Vadatajs]

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain

ACCURACY While Republicans may argue with the cost or likely efficacy of some of Mr. Kerry's policy initiatives, this spot has no refutable claims

not hard when you don't say anything at all.

Kerry: We're a country of the future. . . we're a country of optimists, we're the can-do people.

Narrator: For John Kerry, a stronger America begins at home. Real plans to create jobs here, not overseas; lower health care costs; independence from Middle East oil.

And in the world, a strong military and strong alliances - to defeat terror.

America. Stronger at home. Respected in the world. John Kerry for President.

If you can put the name 'Nader' and/or 'bucanon' and not change that it's compleatly irefutable; then you've not said anything at all.

"I?m LordMagnusKain, America is good, and can do good stuff.

I want Americans to work and stuff to be cheaper,

I don't like foreign oil but also don't like domestic oil.

I?m for the military; I say this because people can honestly question that looking at my record.

America. Good. Submitting to what the French think. LordMagnusKain for president

I?m LordMagnusKain and I disapprove of this message."

As my autistic brother says to me when i tell him 'no' "Try again!"

What happened, your perscription for Smart Pills run out? j/k

i've been up all night, so it could be.

Redbull is your friend. But anyway, I would consider a vague positive about one's self to be considerable better than a vague negative about one's opponent. The thing I find odd, however, is Kerry trying to defining himself as an optimist, instead of refuting the obviously misleading claims in the Bush ads. Personally, if I were Kerry, I would buy a lot more ads, and most of them would be refuting Bush's claims, while at the same time telling voters they're smart enough to see through that sort of dishonesty and deserve better.

 

[burnedout]

Originally posted by: conjur
Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

So the Annenberg Public Policy Center now resides in the camp of "facist Kerry-bashers"? Apparently, you thought rather highly of factcheck.org in this thread.

Ah, nevermind.

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: burnedout

Originally posted by: conjur
Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

So the Annenberg Public Policy Center now resides in the camp of "facist Kerry-bashers"? Apparently, you thought rather highly of factcheck.org in this thread.

Ah, nevermind.

Reelin' 'em in!!

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: Vadatajs
Redbull is your friend. But anyway, I would consider a vague positive about one's self to be considerable better than a vague negative about one's opponent. The thing I find odd, however, is Kerry trying to defining himself as an optimist, instead of refuting the obviously misleading claims in the Bush ads. Personally, if I were Kerry, I would buy a lot more ads, and most of them would be refuting Bush's claims, while at the same time telling voters they're smart enough to see through that sort of dishonesty and deserve better.

Thats a pretty good idea.

I would do that as well, while still putting out those optimistic ads. You want to play defense, but if he doesn't define himself then what are people suppose to be voting for? People may say it sounds vague (on here at least) but from what I read on that ad, its the first time I've actually been excited about Kerry as a candidate. Some simple, hopefully feasible policies I can get behind. Health care is a problem. Alternate energy needs more attention. And freedom from Middle East oil, or any oil, is definately something I believe in.

Kerry might actually win this thing if he comes on strong at the end like he typically does. The Bush team is busy playing damage control from internal threats while trying to paint Kerry in an unfavorable light. But I haven't seen much lately positive out of Bush, and his admins creditability is taking a major hit with all the scandals and Iraq war problems.

 

[maluckey]

Has anyone else ever seen the Pinky and The Brain episode "Meet John Brain"? The voters take everything Brain says (with very poor understanding and poorer translation) to heart, and Brain becomes the lead candidate.....For a while at least.

It's a must see for those whose can't see through all the B.S. of politics. Brain told it like it was, and the voters saw what they wanted to seem, despite the facts staring them in the face.

 

[LordMagnusKain]

Originally posted by: maluckey
Has anyone else ever seen the Pinky and The Brain episode "Meet John Brain"? The voters take everything Brain says (with very poor understanding and poorer translation) to heart, and Brain becomes the lead candidate.....For a while at least.

It's a must see for those whose can't see through all the B.S. of politics. Brain told it like it was, and the voters saw what they wanted to seem, despite the facts staring them in the face.

that was an ep from the old pinkey & brain from animaniacs.

good stuff.

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: burnedout
Meanwhile, from the "other side".....

His latest ad is all generalities, no facts

But some statements are so vague as to give voters practically no sense of what Kerry actually would do if elected. For example, to help achieve what the ad calls "independence from Middle East oil," Kerry has proposed "A Plan to Use Hydrogen Throughout the Nation By 2020." That "plan" contains few specifics, and is not terribly different from President Bush's own proposals to fund research on hydrogen-powered vehicles. In any case it's highly dubious whether hydrogen will be a practical fuel for motorists by the time this year's newborns reach driving age, according to a study issued last year by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.

Since Kerry's ad avoids specifics, he can't be accused of false statements. The worst we can say is that some of the ad's statements -- like hydrogen itself -- are lighter than air.

Nothing wrong with generalities in an ad.

Let's leave the details for the debates, which should begin immediately.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain
As my autistic brother says to me when i tell him 'no' "Try again!"

Your autistic brother owns you on a regular basis? :Q

But seriously, 30 or 60 second campaign ads are by their very nature vague BS on the order of a soft drink commercial. At least Kerry's doesn't lie or smear the other guy.

Hidden in all this is the reason that Kerry can afford not to go after Shrub. Shrub's doing a damn good job of discrediting himself these days.

Kerry might win this thing in spite of himself. Still, there's a long way to go, folks, and in crunch time, few things beat incumbancy during a "war". But the Bush administration has been SO incompetent and SO deceitful that they may just set a precedent here, and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

 

[sandorski]

Kerry--Generalities no details
Bush-- Details out of context leading to false conclusions

Decide.

 

[chrisms]

Nader!

 

[heartsurgeon]

HAHAHAHAAHa

check this out about Kerry's new "ad"

A television advertisement for Democrat John Kerry's presidential campaign appears to have violated copyright laws by broadcasting several photos from the Caller-Times book "South Texas Heroes.

linky

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: heartsurgeon
HAHAHAHAAHa

check this out about Kerry's new "ad"

A television advertisement for Democrat John Kerry's presidential campaign appears to have violated copyright laws by broadcasting several photos from the Caller-Times book "South Texas Heroes.

linky

I don't see anything there about that. And, appears is not a violation. They'll have to prove it.

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: conjur
Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

Kerry is only honest when his mouth is shut. All that fluff that Kerry garbles about says absolutely nothing. What he needs to do is be honest with the Americans and admit that he has no plans for this country and is solely riding on the anti-Bush diatribe fanned by the far left. John Kerry should also admit that his handlers suggested that he slow down on the botox intake.

 

[GrGr]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: conjur
Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

Kerry is only honest when his mouth is shut. All that fluff that Kerry garbles about says absolutely nothing. What he needs to do is be honest with the Americans and admit that he has no plans for this country and is solely riding on the anti-Bush diatribe fanned by the far left. John Kerry should also admit that his handlers suggested that he slow down on the botox intake.

You mean honest with the American people like Bush was when he ran on a middle "uniter" platform only to unveil a 19th century reactionary and fascistic policy once in office?

 

[LordMagnusKain]

Originally posted by: Vadatajs

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: LordMagnusKain

ACCURACY While Republicans may argue with the cost or likely efficacy of some of Mr. Kerry's policy initiatives, this spot has no refutable claims

not hard when you don't say anything at all.

Kerry: We're a country of the future. . . we're a country of optimists, we're the can-do people.

Narrator: For John Kerry, a stronger America begins at home. Real plans to create jobs here, not overseas; lower health care costs; independence from Middle East oil.

And in the world, a strong military and strong alliances - to defeat terror.

America. Stronger at home. Respected in the world. John Kerry for President.

If you can put the name 'Nader' and/or 'bucanon' and not change that it's compleatly irefutable; then you've not said anything at all.

"I?m LordMagnusKain, America is good, and can do good stuff.

I want Americans to work and stuff to be cheaper,

I don't like foreign oil but also don't like domestic oil.

I?m for the military; I say this because people can honestly question that looking at my record.

America. Good. Submitting to what the French think. LordMagnusKain for president

I?m LordMagnusKain and I disapprove of this message."

As my autistic brother says to me when i tell him 'no' "Try again!"

What happened, your perscription for Smart Pills run out? j/k

i've been up all night, so it could be.

Redbull is your friend. But anyway, I would consider a vague positive about one's self to be considerable better than a vague negative about one's opponent. The thing I find odd, however, is Kerry trying to defining himself as an optimist, instead of refuting the obviously misleading claims in the Bush ads. Personally, if I were Kerry, I would buy a lot more ads, and most of them would be refuting Bush's claims, while at the same time telling voters they're smart enough to see through that sort of dishonesty and deserve better.

Kerry needs to focus on refutation and positives about him... but I?ve yet to hear two pro-Kerry arguments in a row that don't mention a hate for bush... Something that most of the electorate doesn't share.

Your autistic brother owns you on a regular basis?

yes, smartest person I?ve ever met.

At least Kerry's doesn't lie or smear the other guy.

Positive is his only way to win, i hope he focuses on it from now on.

Kerry might win this thing in spite of himself.

if he does, it will be

But the Bush administration has been SO incompetent and SO deceitful

that it should remind you of the Clinton administration during the first 4 years

Kerry--Generalities no details
Bush-- Details out of context leading to false conclusions

Actually 90% of the 'bushisms' I?ve seen are just that: details taken out of context.

What he needs to do is be honest with the Americans and admit that he has no plans for this country and is solely riding on the anti-Bush diatribe fanned by the far left.

only if by admit, you mean admit to himself so he can come up with ideas, and by 'be honest' you mean "spin as hard as he can so that it looks like it's not true"

You mean honest with the American people like Bush was when he ran on a middle "uniter" platform only to unveil a 19th century reactionary and fascistic policy once in office?

actually, much to the dismay of many on the right, bush is upsettingly moderate... but at least that's better than liberal.. oh well

i think we can all agree that McKain is the best man for the job.

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: GrGr

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: conjur
Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

Kerry is only honest when his mouth is shut. All that fluff that Kerry garbles about says absolutely nothing. What he needs to do is be honest with the Americans and admit that he has no plans for this country and is solely riding on the anti-Bush diatribe fanned by the far left. John Kerry should also admit that his handlers suggested that he slow down on the botox intake.

You mean honest with the American people like Bush was when he ran on a middle "uniter" platform only to unveil a 19th century reactionary and fascistic policy once in office?

Was that your conclusion before or after September 11?

 

[tallest1]

Originally posted by: sandorski
Kerry--Generalities no details
Bush-- Details out of context leading to false conclusions

Decide.

What pisses me off more is that there are hundreds of points [discussed here] that Kerry can attack Bush on but instead he goes "Bush does this. that's stupid. I'm against it" to everything. The trend is getting rather old

 

[GrGr]

Oops

 

[GrGr]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: GrGr

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: conjur
Geez...what's with these fascist Kerry-bashers?

Kerry is only honest when his mouth is shut. All that fluff that Kerry garbles about says absolutely nothing. What he needs to do is be honest with the Americans and admit that he has no plans for this country and is solely riding on the anti-Bush diatribe fanned by the far left. John Kerry should also admit that his handlers suggested that he slow down on the botox intake.

You mean honest with the American people like Bush was when he ran on a middle "uniter" platform only to unveil a 19th century reactionary and fascistic policy once in office?

Was that your conclusion before or after September 11?

Way before 9/11 actually. 9/11 only proved the point. Bush was a reactionary and a neocon well before 9/11. All 9/11 did was allow him to accelerate his neocon agenda. Bush had so many options after the world embraced the US following the 9/11 disaster. His actions before and after 9/11 speak for themselves. The plans to invade Iraq were made way before 9/11. The plans for a reactionary economic strategy was in place well before 9/11.

Btw. doesn't it get old to use 9/11 as an excuse for everything?