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TN-SEN: Mehlman Explains "Bimbo" Ad
By now you may have seen this exceptionally tasteful Republican National Committee ad attacking Dem Harold Ford, Jr., in which a somewhat, shall we say, crass looking young woman says: "I met Harold at the Playboy Party!"
Now RNC chair Ken Mehlman has defended the ad. According to The Hotline, Mehlman was just on MSNBC, where he said: "I don't have the authority to take it down or put it up. It's called an independent expenditure." More on this soon.
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After seeing it all over the web I finally saw this ad run on TV last night. I have my doubts as to how much the Corker campaign really objects to this ad since they have their own "Memphis Man on the Street" ad which is not a whole lot better. Both are rather silly.
October 24, 2006 4:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
CNN showed the complete ad in a news segment today, giving free air time to the extremely negative campaign of Corker against Ford. The context was: here's an example of a really negative ad by Republicans. Republican strategists use these ads because their extensive focus-group research indicates they are effective, whatever context they're viewed in, whether the allegations are true or false, even independent of whether the viewer believes the allegations. CNN realizes that by replaying the ad in a news context, the network is reinforcing the association of negative images with Ford, at no cost to Corker.
October 24, 2006 4:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not being from the area, I can't tell whether this is effective or not. What I can say, however, is that it will be especially satisfying if Ford pulls an upset.
Party of Lincoln, my arse.
October 24, 2006 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Personally, I found the opening shot of the ad much more offensive for its not-so-subtle racism. The ONLY African-American in the ad is a naive young woman who implies that Ford's being good looking is reason enough for her to vote for him.
October 24, 2006 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
This ad is 100% HILLARIOUS! I can't believe this is real! How can anyone even think this is going to do anything but make the GOP candidate a laughing stock!? [wink..wink..."call me..."] Thats precious! HAHA
October 25, 2006 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Its real to Mehlmann's audience, the redneck forces of wingnuttery.
October 25, 2006 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, the target audience will get it even if those of us in blue states think it's so over-the-top it's hilarious.
It's part of the reason they can get away with coded racist language. Those of us who aren't racist don't always link it up in time to realize it but to the people it's targeting it works perfectly.
October 25, 2006 7:37 PM | Reply | Permalink