Lamontsters
EmailIn my in-box just now, a breathless email from Ned Lamont spokesman David Sirota.
"FYI – Linked below is an explosive and controversial political video, just released in Connecticut’s Senate race today. I don’t want to describe what it the video is as I don’t want to ruin the punch of it. But as political reporters/operatives following the 2006 election, I strongly suggest you watch it – it will make your head explode. "
Sirota adds that "Ned Lamont will be addressing the topics covered in this video in a major speech today at the University of Hartford ."
It’s not news that Lamont has had trouble transitioning from his successful anti-war, anti-Sen. Joe Lieberman primary message to a general election message. Lieberman is significantly ahead in most major polls.
This video kind of sums up why.
It purports to compare Lieberman/Iraq to Richard Nixon/Vietnam. If one is inclined to relish this comparison, I’m sure the video might be "explosive." But if you’re not inclined to think of Lieberman in that way — in short, if you’re not already voting for Lamont — would this youtube video work on you? I have my doubts…
What do you think?
– jt
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I watched the video and had to appreciate the almost-hysterical tone it took trying to make the comparison between Joltin’ Joe and Tricky Dick, and I especially appreciated the way Nixon’s photo morphed into Lieberman’s photo about midway through. However, while the video brings back some choice memories, its forced comparison between Lieberman and Nixon won’t change any minds who aren’t already leaning toward Lamont. Lieberman isn’t as crazy and as evil as Nixon was, nor is he as much of a liar; he’s just an opportunist who will do anything within reason he can to stay in office. My head didn’t “explode,” nor do I think others’ heads will if they watch this charming piece of propaganda.
Posted by: chuck | October 24, 2006, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
I agree with Chuck. A handful of quotes, taken out of context, aren’t likely to persuade many.
Posted by: DKNY | October 24, 2006, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm
2006 – 1968 = 37
37 + 18 = 55 = a stab at the average age of someone who could have been drafted to fight in Vietnam in 1968.
This is a seminal and searing issue for this age group. I’m sure the Lamont folks have done their work and know just how many Vietnam era vets and protestors they’ve got in Connecticut.
I live in Massachusetts, so it doesn’t matter how I’d vote. (Though, amazingly enough, I’ve got this soft spot for Lieberman. I can’t explain it to myself rationally.) In my opinion, this is a stroke of genius. Though I still hope it doesn’t work. Depends mostly on media buys and targeting, I guess. (It’s already gotten coverage on abcnews.com. and will continue to get coverage ‘cuz it’s got some good visuals.)
But, maybe to call a spade a spade, this is really an act of desperation on Lamont’s part — though still a pretty darn good one.
VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7 for the candidate of your choice!
Posted by: Annabelle Paine | October 24, 2006, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm
Better still, Annabelle, vote for the candidate of MY choice!
Posted by: DKNY | October 24, 2006, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
My apologies for the “fuzzy math.” Obviously,
2006 – 1969 = 37
37 + 18 = 55 = a stab at the average age of someone who could have been drafted to fight in Vietnam in 1969.
My point’s the same though.
Posted by: Annabelle Paine | October 24, 2006, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm
I don’t think the Lamont video will change many votes to his side. However, the images of two (more) deceitful politicians sending American troops into a war that they and their friends and relatives didn’t and wouldn’t fight in is all-too-familiar. Sending our Armed Forces to die in another pointless effort goes on and on.
Posted by: sophillyfatz | October 24, 2006, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
I think the video’s brilliant, except in two ways:
1. The morphing thing should be banned from political advertising! Wrong, wrong, it’s just wrong.
2. The ad needs to be remade with Bush as its target. He has made many quotes that match up as well and sometimes better than Lieberman’s. Using this tactic against Joe Lieberman is like using a tank to destroy an anthill. No matter if JL has waffled ineffectively on the war – it’s not his war, it’s Bush’s. I’d LOVE to see this video remade starring Tricky Dick and W. There’s a far more worthy successor.
Posted by: LeeLee | October 27, 2006, 3:14 am 3:14 am