savage attacks

This attack ad on Sarah Palin was made by the Wildlife Action Fund, a group that supports Barack Obama (but is not connected with his campaign). According to 538, researchers are finding that it works amazingly well in focus groups, instantly changing people's views of Palin. It is quite brilliant. Democrats have been wondering how to take Palin on. Finally, they have an answer: it's the animals, stupid. Everyone loves animals! Everyone hates people who are mean to animals!

This is a great example of how the best ads seek a visceral rather than a cerebral reaction. That it manages to invoke our sympathy for wolves is doubly impressive. What next? Fact: Palin sued the government to stop polar bears from being a protected species, so that an oil pipeline could be built. Do I foresee an ad with lovely cuddly polar bears having pipes rammed up their backsides? Here's hoping.

Comments

[Elemjay]

to my English sensibilities that's a sensational ad - dunno if it will work for Americans who I guess are more likely to go hunting...

[tde]

I am an American and I have hunted for 30 years and I think it is a terrific ad.

Shooting running animals from airplanes is not hunting - it's slaughter.