- Johnny Pyle Driver - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:53 am:
The one thing I’ve noticed about this ad is that all the surveillance accusations come from “eyewitness accounts.” I think the ad sounds like Benton is really sleazy, but if you care enough to read who they cite, it leaves you feeling underwhelmed. Also, he doesn’t seem to have responded to the allegation about him lying about his military record - unless I just missed it. I’m not in Mcann’s district so I don’t get all the updates - just the commercials
“Surveillance teams”. I suppose that must be what Sam calls trackers, something every competent campaign uses these days. Understandable, then, that he wouldn’t know anything about them
C
At this point, IMO, earlier ads from both sides have had whatever effect they are going to have. So it is this ad, vs the marine ad, as we draw to a close. The marine ad is an A–easy to understand, a real body blow. Mcanns ad whines about dirty tricks (yawn) and millions spent (snooze). Its up to the ground game, and crossovers.
It doesn’t do anything to change people’s minds. Now if he would have included that the accusations about the other ads were false, etc., in this attempt, perhaps it would resonate better.
I don’t think this spot is meant to change people’s minds. It’s meant to try and keep people who voted for McCann before. No sense in reinforcing the oppositions message by mentioning it. For people who don’t know what to believe, this says don’t believe everything you hear and stick with the guy you voted for before. Most people aren’t familiar with campaign tactics and this ad isn’t targeted towards anyone that does. If you throw enough mud up there that nothing is clear, people may stick with the guy they know.
McCann’s ads have been mostly positive pieces. This mild attack ad is pretty much in tune with the others, trying not to destroy McCann’s nice guy / no dirty tricks image while getting the point across that Benton isn’t a nice guy.
I’d say a C+ for the ad itself.
However, in the larger context of a public fed up with politicians in general and politically motivated attacks in particular, it may be hitting just the right tone. If there are any left in the district, it may move some undecided votes.
It’s a pass, but not a strong one. The voice casting is poor. That voice doesn’t sound trustworthy or credible for the message trying to be conveyed. My own choice would have been a female with more concern in her voice and less contempt. The images and voice fight and conflict. A lot of imagery going on. If his wife and kids are being followed around, better production and casting would have been more helpful here. Again, a very weak pass.
Benton’s being used by the Governor. If Benton is not elected how does this affect his work relationship with the State Troopers after the election? Not being endorsed by the State Troopers or the State FOP has to hurt in more was than one.
Can Benton win w/o labor? We will see in a couple of weeks. But this election is mild compared to Dunkin’s race.
The Bryce Benton attack ads may backfire. Some primary voters I’ve spoken to are mad that interests from “out of town” are attacking the local guy.
- Behind the Scenes - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 3:47 pm:
Rollo…
May be, but compare the money thrown at this downstate race by Proft’s PAC and today’s totals in Dunkin’s race. Scary.
- Former State Employee - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 4:47 pm:
The entire Madigan/Rauner fight has turned into two minor races, a testosterone match. Regardless of what happens in either race, what is going to change except sound bites
He might survive these attacks in the primary but he still has unanswered questions that need to be answered after its over, like travel reimbursements among others. He can’t hide forever. Not all these charges are a smear campaign. You got troubles Sam.
Based on this and the past few McCann mailers I’ve gotten, I can’t tell if he just doesn’t know that IECs aren’t under the control of political campaigns, or if he knows and just doesn’t care.
- downstater - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:48 am:
I think it’s a weak attempt. I rate it a D+
- Johnny Pyle Driver - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:53 am:
The one thing I’ve noticed about this ad is that all the surveillance accusations come from “eyewitness accounts.” I think the ad sounds like Benton is really sleazy, but if you care enough to read who they cite, it leaves you feeling underwhelmed. Also, he doesn’t seem to have responded to the allegation about him lying about his military record - unless I just missed it. I’m not in Mcann’s district so I don’t get all the updates - just the commercials
- Anonymous - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:53 am:
“Surveillance teams”. I suppose that must be what Sam calls trackers, something every competent campaign uses these days. Understandable, then, that he wouldn’t know anything about them
- Langhorne - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:55 am:
C
At this point, IMO, earlier ads from both sides have had whatever effect they are going to have. So it is this ad, vs the marine ad, as we draw to a close. The marine ad is an A–easy to understand, a real body blow. Mcanns ad whines about dirty tricks (yawn) and millions spent (snooze). Its up to the ground game, and crossovers.
- Tinsel Town - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:55 am:
Think it is effective.
- Handle Bar Mustache - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 11:59 am:
==McCann told the Speaker —NO.==
To what? A facebook friend request?
- The Muse - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:01 pm:
It doesn’t do anything to change people’s minds. Now if he would have included that the accusations about the other ads were false, etc., in this attempt, perhaps it would resonate better.
C-
- NIU Grad - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:03 pm:
This is the first ad I’ve ever seen complaining about routine campaign tactics…To anyone used to campaigns, it just seems whiny.
- Tube - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:17 pm:
I don’t think this spot is meant to change people’s minds. It’s meant to try and keep people who voted for McCann before. No sense in reinforcing the oppositions message by mentioning it. For people who don’t know what to believe, this says don’t believe everything you hear and stick with the guy you voted for before. Most people aren’t familiar with campaign tactics and this ad isn’t targeted towards anyone that does. If you throw enough mud up there that nothing is clear, people may stick with the guy they know.
- RNUG - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:19 pm:
McCann’s ads have been mostly positive pieces. This mild attack ad is pretty much in tune with the others, trying not to destroy McCann’s nice guy / no dirty tricks image while getting the point across that Benton isn’t a nice guy.
I’d say a C+ for the ad itself.
However, in the larger context of a public fed up with politicians in general and politically motivated attacks in particular, it may be hitting just the right tone. If there are any left in the district, it may move some undecided votes.
- Cadillac - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:31 pm:
Next Benton Ad: “Sam says I have gone too far, but has he checked his odometer lately?”
- A guy - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:39 pm:
It’s a pass, but not a strong one. The voice casting is poor. That voice doesn’t sound trustworthy or credible for the message trying to be conveyed. My own choice would have been a female with more concern in her voice and less contempt. The images and voice fight and conflict. A lot of imagery going on. If his wife and kids are being followed around, better production and casting would have been more helpful here. Again, a very weak pass.
- Anon - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 12:55 pm:
He forgot to mention the black helicopters…
- Beaner - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 1:29 pm:
The ad was weak because it does not link “that Madigan” to the challenger. /s
- nonn - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 2:24 pm:
I like the “Even for Illinois” part!
- Rollo Tomasi - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 3:00 pm:
B-
Benton’s being used by the Governor. If Benton is not elected how does this affect his work relationship with the State Troopers after the election? Not being endorsed by the State Troopers or the State FOP has to hurt in more was than one.
Can Benton win w/o labor? We will see in a couple of weeks. But this election is mild compared to Dunkin’s race.
- Keyser Soze - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 3:27 pm:
The Bryce Benton attack ads may backfire. Some primary voters I’ve spoken to are mad that interests from “out of town” are attacking the local guy.
- Behind the Scenes - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 3:47 pm:
Rollo…
May be, but compare the money thrown at this downstate race by Proft’s PAC and today’s totals in Dunkin’s race. Scary.
- Former State Employee - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 4:47 pm:
The entire Madigan/Rauner fight has turned into two minor races, a testosterone match. Regardless of what happens in either race, what is going to change except sound bites
- Ginhouse Tommy - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 4:48 pm:
He might survive these attacks in the primary but he still has unanswered questions that need to be answered after its over, like travel reimbursements among others. He can’t hide forever. Not all these charges are a smear campaign. You got troubles Sam.
- JI - Monday, Mar 7, 16 @ 7:59 pm:
Based on this and the past few McCann mailers I’ve gotten, I can’t tell if he just doesn’t know that IECs aren’t under the control of political campaigns, or if he knows and just doesn’t care.