So, what do you think about this campaign ad?

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   tsmogposted 2 years ago

   Below is the link to a campaign ad for Republican Jerone Davison defending his home with an AR-15 from the Democratic KKK.
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_cmpSUe8co
   
   
   Caught the campaign ad on TMZ Live this morning and it peeked my interest on different levels. First, being a writer I first Focus on the Audience meaning Who is my audience? With that in mind with the campaign ad I asked who is the audience. Then came along the writer's main questions to address:
   
   Who?
   What:
   Where?
   When?
   Why?
   and, How Much? (Remember how much speaks not only to money, yet also other values with a cost; emotionally, intellectually, socially, culturally, and etc.)
   
   Next, after a little poking about I discovered an interesting article about campaign ads by the American Psychological Association:
   
   The science of political advertising
   (Subtitle: Do all those clichéd images of happy children and American flags actually sway voters? Yes, but perhaps not in the way you’d expect, researchers say.)
   
   https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/advertising
   
   So, what do you think:
   
   What was the message(s)? Did it hit home for you and what was that?
   Who was the message addressed to?
   Where is a given being Arizona where Davison is running for office
   When is obvious - Today!
   Why? That is an open door to discussion for this thread
   How Much? Views will vary and is open for discussion
   
   Otherwise open for discussion . . .

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      Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      How did it hit me?
      
      I generally don't trust Republicans, their principles, ideals nor ideology regardless of the candidate's skin color.
      
      My first reaction to the ad is that of a joke, this man aligns himself with the very party and ideology for which an AR-15 would be needed to defend himself in the first place.
      
      It is loathsome Republican philosophy in "blackface". It falls flat.
      
      The problems proposed by the Right and their "so called" moderate conservative accessories are far to vast to be dealt with by one black man with an AR-15. Only weak minded fools fall for "Jedi Mind tricks".
      
      The ad as presented is neither OUR thrust nor concern, speaking for myself, this is a rather crude form of  misdirection employed by Republicans. And it is not going to work. It is just a chew toy of the extremist Right.

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         tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Frankly, I am mixed and betwixt with this ad Cred. First, below is a link to the Phoenix News Times about it and Davison. So, from a regional perspective of the the district he is running in as background.
         
         https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/re … d-13981291
         
         I was surprised it was from Arizona as I don't look at them as being staunchly red, though know they are a red state that turned blue in 2020.
         
         I have seen other campaign ads where the candidate highlights themself with an AR-15 weapon in hand to bust up the Democrats. I don't know whether to feel appalled at the messaging or the creativity of the ad. Understanding it is making a statement on the second amendment, which I have no qualm with, I don't like the inference of using violence to overcome the opponent party; i.e. Democrats.
         
         The latter gives me pause as to who the audience is and is addressed. Best guestimate is it aims at established Republicans. I know as an Independent with discretion of rejection at hand through critical thinking I don't like the messaging. He would not get my vote because of this ad.
         
         Besides, after doing a study on Qanon I have suspicions since his campaign manager has ties to them and Davison may be affiliated as well. From the linked article, "His campaign is managed by Austin Steinbart, a.k.a. BabyQ, a QAnon influencer who claims to be from the future." hmmmm . . .

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            Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks for your reply, TSmog.
            
            The link to the New Times article gave me a better feel as to who this Davidson candidate is.
            -----
            "Davison, who is Black, wants to “shake up traditional thinking in the Republican Party” by marrying conservative firearms ideals with a more progressive effort to curb institutional racism in Arizona, according to Steinhart"
            --------
            I am not as negative about him and his campaign as I was initially. He is just tremendously naive, that his objectives can really be consistent with the very definition of what it means just to be a Republican.
            
            If he thinks that Republicans could consider any "progressive" idea, then he has another thing coming. Mixing gun extremism and a progressive approach to race relations within the state Is no more palatable to Republicans than attempting to mix oil and water.
            
            He is a jock, and I don't care for jocks and their attitudes, generally. I want people who have backgrounds in grounded disciplines, not just based on their ability to kick a football. He is playing to the Trump base, which is just as dumb and futile as chickens Voting for Colonel Sanders. Republicans believe that this candidate would attract Blacks, because he is black and can throw a football. I am not much of a sports fanatic and is not as easily impressed.
            
            The message is aimed at a right wing establishment, that might be willing to give this black guy a pass because he relates with their lingo.
            
            Despite Arizona giving Biden its electoral votes in 2020, it is still a very conservative state. If it wasn't for problems the elderly had with Trump in relations to COVID crisis, Arizona would have easily slid into the Republican camp as it always had.
            
            I am always distressed that with all the gun violence here, those that wish to lead us are descending into a glorification of firearms rather than reason and tangible solutions to move their respective campaigns. That is a negative sign that should concern us all.
            
            His association with Qanon says that he is willing to pander to the hard right GOP base to get elected and then attempt to make change in a party that could only resist his best efforts.
            
            Yes, the ad is trashy, condescending, negative, inaccurate, clearly pandering in a way such that its subject loses my respect.

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            Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            I did not add that in reality the ad may have a contradictory effect. Right wing oriented white men, in my experience, would express fear and discomfort at the very prospect of any black man who is armed.
            
            I think that the message would be an intimidating one for most of the base that he is trying to attract. It would repel rather than invite.

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      Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      I will share my very first impression.  This candidate fully realizes as a rule the black votes go to Dems, pretty much no matter what.
      
      He pointed out a stark fact in his ad -- Who were the KKK, ultimately they were Dem, and they were white, and organized to terrorize black people.
      
      He then pulled in the second amendment which Republicans cherish.
      Does he not promote respect for the Constitution, a constitution for all to benefit from upholding. Are the Dems not pretty much streaming on the constitution these days with far-left ideologies? Perhaps he is saying we all Black or white need our freedoms. The freedoms that come with our Constitution.
      
      I mean, let's face it most black men and women in politics today who profess to be Republicans are labeled Uncles or tokens.
      
      In my view this man is saying  --- hey ya better think twice about me, and them... They are ultimately the party of the KKK.
      
      I am not black, but if I was, oh yeah his ad would have me thinking twice about calling him "uncle".
      
      Let's face it a Republican has a real problem getting the black vote, even if black.

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         Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

         "I am not black, but if I was, oh yeah his ad would have me thinking twice about calling him "uncle".
         
         ---
         
         An astute assessment, I hereby confer upon you the honorary title of "black person" for today.
         
         
         Yes, we are hard on conservatives as most of the negative controversy and actions are coming from their side, it is all the from the same source as it differs only in intensity.
         
         His adherence to the Constitution is consistent with the conservative point of view, which most of US do not share. People on the extreme right are not interested in "sharing" freedoms, and I don't get that message from the Left.
         
         I think this guy as a Republican had reason to expect little Black support, so he was left to find an unlikely Republican audience.
         
         As usual, I appreciate you candor and fearlessness in treading where only angels dare. Some of the conservatives talk tough but have that soft underbelly that is vulnerable, taking a quick exit whenever the heat is on. I just wish that I was a good as you...

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            Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            "An astute assessment, I hereby confer upon you the honorary title of "black person" for today."
            
            I love you... I have a big smile on my face!  I think you may be the only person here that has me figured out... LOL
            
            I have not become acquainted with Jerone Davison, but after watching his ad --- Oh yeah he has me wondering.
            
            I must admit in todays l climate, and with today's "new Republican" I guess "JD" might not appeal to Black Democrats. He might be a man woman would vote for, if ya know what I mean. He looks like a movie star.
            
            Maybe, he should switch parties, Dem's are very drawn to celebrities.
            
            I must return the compliment, I think we are both straight shooters and are not afraid to share our uncensored views. You are better at keeping out of trouble than me.  Sometimes the quick exit keeps me out of trouble, but it's not as much fun as staying in the brawl.
            
            So, enjoy and respect you.

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               Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

               "So, enjoy and respect you."
               
               Thanks, Sharlee, the feeling is mutual.
               
               No, I haven't figured you or your points of view out totally, but I am working on it. It is your perspective over so many issues that is difficult for me to grasp, but you are in earnest and persistent in making your point, so we are compelled to listen regarding the reality from the view of the "other side", you being one of its most passionate representatives. It is courageous to not go into hiding when you face opposition, as many tend to do.
               
               Arizona is not in the thick of African American Politics as many of the states back East. Despite the 2020 election outcome, Arizona is radically conservative, for the most part. As a Republican, Mr. Davidson has to attract the MAGA crowd to have any chance.
               
               Yeah, he does have that "star appeal", a cross between Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier. I just hope the women make their selection based upon the substantive.
               
               It is not that Democrats are attracted to celebrities as much as the entertainment industry has a liberal bent. Ronald Reagan and Alnold Swartzenegger (the Gubernator) were Republicans and quite popular. Arnold was the kind of Republican that could survive in California, one that was moderate and reasonable in his conservatism.
               
               Mr. Davidson has to have affinity for GOP ideals, otherwise he would register as a Democrat. I just dont think that he would effectively reach the constituency he needs to win.

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         tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         I get that, but to me it came straight out of Dante's Inferno's 8th circle of Hell - fraud. It almost reaches the final 9th circle - treachery.

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            Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Oh, I agree with your sentiment, would I have encouraged a candidate to put that ad out. No. It reeks of a political ploy, in so many ways.
            
            Makes me wonder if he would have grabbed more attention if he spoke soft, yet carried a big pervertible stick. Some of the public are looking for more strength in leaders and a "softer common sense character".
            
            He had the big stick, but was it too big? I wonder how he is doing in the polls?

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               tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               Agree!! I approached the OP on the idea of campaign ads with article posted link with the article about the science of campaign ads. I guess in a sense he is pandering to a select segment of voters. And, the 8th circle of Hell in Dante's Inferno is where panderer's go ha-ha A great book!! Some say the epitome of psychological horror.
               
               As contrast I think of the conservative Thomas Sowell whom I have a lot of respect. What would he think of this campaign ad and the direction seemingly at least one segment of the Republican party is going?

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                  Credence2posted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  I have read Sowell and read his opinion editorials, he is quite conservative. But, in an interview a while back, he indicated that he did not like Trump as being pompous and arrogant

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   Stephen Tomkinsonposted 2 years ago

   As always, some thoughtful comments and much to think over. In my view, this ad is distasteful in the extreme. However, it is effective in getting a clear message across to those who believe as the candidate does but might waver because of his color.
   It ticks all the boxes, prayer, the flag, the lone defender. and the willingness to challenge the hordes of pitchfork/waving barbarians at the gate.
   We have come a long way from the party of Lincoln, it is a pity that we are now reduced to campaigning on this level.

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      Sharlee01posted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Well said.

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