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DEL.ICIO.USWeb-only ads in the Senate race: What campaigns say only to their best friends
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The 2008 political season brought us many things, but one of its most enduring gifts may be the web-only campaign video.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee put out this one today, declaring that incumbent Saxby Chambliss’ re-election is required, if we are to escape the “radical social agenda” of Barack Obama and other Democrats.
Working title is “It All Comes Down to Georgia.” The primary function appears to be the generation of campaign contributions.
The audience for a web-only ad is different than one broadcast over TV. As you vegetate on your couch, TiVo-less, you have no control over the what commercials are thrown your way.
But the same can be said for the advertiser, who is not absolutely certain who sits on that couch. He must be careful so as not to offend.
The web-only audience is largely self-choosing and viral, spread by friend-to-friend, usually via e-mail, so there’s a certain guarantee of like-mindedness. Thus Web-only ads can be longer, and more complicated. The commitment of time and interest is assumed.
Two weeks ago, as the general election came to a close, the U.S. Senate campaign of Democrat Jim Martin launched a two-minute treatise on Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss’ treatment of a witness at a Senate hearing on the explosion of a sugar refinery near Savannah. Much background was required — too much, Democrats appeared to judge — for a 30-second spot.
Web ads can also be sharper in visuals and language because, again, you’re assumed to be speaking to a relatively closed circle of friends.
The NRSC ad above is a good example. Far from acknowledging any feeling of relief or uplift from last week’s election, it begins with the funereal tolling of a bell and a black-and-white Charlie Gibson announcing Obama’s victory. No live video of Obama, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gets a few seconds of exposure.
Subtitles are key: “But the liberals aren’t done yet. They need Jim Martin to win Georgia’s runoff election. Higher taxes. Bigger government. Radical social agenda. It all comes down to Georgia. Don’t give Obama a rubberstamp Senate.”
Not a message likely to be aimed at a general audience. At least not right now.
Comments
By Saxby Is a Coward
November 11, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Saxby has collected over $13 Million from Lobbyist & Martin has only got $4 million. Looks like Saxby may be putting a little in his & his lobbyist son’s pocket.
By Save the Bailout
November 11, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
It all comes down to Georgia. If we don’t get Saxby back to Washington, how can our friends on Wall Street be assured of more bailout money! That horrid Jim Martin opposed the bailout!
By lucylou
November 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Saxby Chambliss is the biggest crybaby since Paul Coverdell. He’s as corrupt as Ralph “I didn’t associate with Jack Abramoff until somebody proved it” Reed. Besides if Saxby isn’t re-elected he might actually have to work for a living - then how is he gonna play all that golf and take trips for free.
By National Rifle Association for MARTIN
November 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
IF we don’t send Saxby back to Moultrie,we face another gloomy six years.
By SWIFT BOATS for MARTIN
November 11, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Martin is the man,not the draft-dodger.
By T
November 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
The RNC are masters at this stuff—give credit where credit is due.
Notice they used a video of Martin holding a “Women for Obama” sign…women….get it. They laughed their behinds off at that…like calling him a girl.
By T
November 11, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
The RNC are masters at this stuff—give credit where credit is due.
Notice they used a video of Martin holding a “Women for Obama” sign…women….get it. They laughed their behinds off at that…like calling him a girl.
By NO MORE SAXBY
November 11, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
VOTE MARTIN for U.S. SENATE
By SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
November 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
SAXBY is a rubber stamp for Socialism and Nationalization of free enterprise capitalism.
By Hola Georgiafornia
November 11, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Saxby and his help think that conservative Georgians have forgotten his daliance with amnesty for illegals last year.
We haven’t.
While American workers are being laid off right and left ( get it?) and our local governments’ are cutting their budgets, Chambliss still refuses to speak up and promise “no legalization” and to put American workers in American jobs by enforcing our laws.
I will vote for this character…as soon as he finds the courgae to speak up on illegal immigration and protecting American workers.
The same is true for more than enough voters to save him.
The smart money is on him remaining silent.
By Oscar Lewis
November 12, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Chambliss and the Republicans gave us an unnecessary and never ending war in Iraq. They’ve plundered our government with the Wall Street bailout. Now they want us to be affraid of the Democrats. HA!
If you want to see a little truth in advertising, check out my YouTube videos about Chambliss. http://www.youtube.com/user/OscarLewis
By Sissy Saxby
November 12, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Sissy Saxby calling another veteran a “girl” - priceless.