Chris Kennedy’s Campaign Releases First Digital Ad
This is the Kennedy campaign’s first advertisement. It will be distributed digitally through email, web and social media today. The ad highlights Chris’ statewide anti-violence plan, which he announced on Saturday.
Chris Kennedy, Democratic candidate for governor, spoke to a congregation on Chicago’s south side today to outline his anti-violence plan and share his own family’s personal experience dealing with the effects of gun violence.
“Violence which can touch our society anywhere will eventually touch our society everywhere, just as it did to my family, just as it has done for too many of the people in this room, just as it has done to tens of thousands of families across Illinois,” said Kennedy, son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Chris lost both his uncle, President Kennedy, and his father, Robert Kennedy, to gun violence.
The persistent gun violence that plagues Illinois shows no signs of slowing down. While Chicago is on its way to exceed 700 homicides for the second consecutive year in a row, there are other communities in Illinois that have more gun crimes per person.
“Never should the problem be solved from above with solutions pushed down,” Kennedy said. “I believe this is true with violence. I believe the ideas that are present in the community are more important than those that can be found in white papers and academic journals.”
Kennedy made a call to action to address the violence and outlined specific plans he would pursue as Governor, including:
Creating a gun tracing program to trace the ownership of all guns used in a crime and cooperate with other states that want to do the same thing to ensure compatible data collection and reporting techniques.
Licensing gun dealers in the state of Illinois, just like the state licenses restaurants, barbers and nail salons.
Closing the gun show loophole where any can purchase a gun without a background
Providing resources to the state police to speed up the process of getting a firearms owner identification card (FOID).
Passing an Order of Protection Act to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and those involved in domestic violence.
Banning anyone on the terrorist watchlist from receiving a FOID card in Illinois.
Confronting the gun train issue where low levels of security are provided to trains loaded with guns, which is a public safety issue for the state of Illinois.
“These are all things we must do. But alone, they will not stem the violence unless we transform neighborhoods from places where people are merely trying to survive, to communities where they can thrive,” Kennedy said. “We need a progressive income tax - where if you make more money, you pay a little more in taxes, and we need to use those resources to fairly fund schools based on the unique needs of students and families within that community.”
“For communities disproportionately affected by violence, that means committing to counseling, and social, emotional and mental health access for children attending schools in communities affected by violence.”
“When we allow Governor Rauner and his broken government to jeopardize programs that help at-risk youth, we add to the problem of violence. When the mayor closes down nearly 50 schools, violence inevitably goes up,” Kennedy said. “And, when you rely on a rigged property tax system to fund schools and government, you lack the resources necessary to combat gun violence.”
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:17 pm:
Excellent
- Southwest Burbs - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:20 pm:
Chris Kennedy is like the 2017 Cubs, every other day alternates between the good and the ugly!
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:24 pm:
I’m glad he’s talking about this. Every candidate, for every office, ought to be talking about this. It is the single most important issue facing Illinois.
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:26 pm:
Hmm.
Once again, my caveat is that putting an ad up is usually more important than the specifics of the ad. However, when we’re talking about an online ad, it kinda has to go viral for it to have any effect. And even sidestepping some of the odd editing choices, I’m not sure an ad about gun violence is the best first step. OTOH, it does seem to start to answer who Kennedy thinks his base is.
- lake county democrat - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:43 pm:
African-American voters are going to play a big role in determining the Dem nominee. I heard a JB ad on WCPT which seemed to target African-Americans (African-American man from the inner city saying how he thinks JB is “different” and “cares”).
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:45 pm:
I’m giving it a B as I think the tone could be a bit more strong and like with this one, I always think these things are too long even for web use. I do like the editing to give different sounds of tv reporters. it makes it real not staged. the topic is the one topic the national media is talking about, that has an immediate effect on people’s lives, and which affected him directly. good emotion from him without going over the top.
- Real - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:51 pm:
As an African American voter I give it an A. I like all of the dem candidates but I gope Kennedy is the nominee because JB has too much baggage. Rauner would love to spend millions against JB. At least with the other dem candidates they don’t have aa much dirt on them.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:54 pm:
It’s ok. Especially for him. The cadence takes a while to get to Bobby Kennedy speed. I’m not sure why the images of the ladies fanning themselves. That’s not usually a good response.
But grading on a curve…it’s good for him.
- Real - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:59 pm:
Typing from a mobile phone excuse the typos.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 1:59 pm:
Obviously, he can’t miss on this subject. It will make for a powerful 30-second spot.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:15 pm:
===I’m not sure why the images of the ladies fanning themselves===
That’s actually a positive. Reminded me of being in an African-American church. Black women are the rock solid base of the Democratic Party.
- Red fish blue fish - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:17 pm:
I noticed the use of multiple narrators with different accents and genders– a subtle but smart way to convey the image of a broad support for Kennedy.
There were points when it was hard to see the subtitles due to the lack of outlined letters or a shaded transparent box. A minor issue.
Overall: A-
Well done
- Telly Prompter - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:20 pm:
Images of reading from a script…UGH ..good copy, now deliver it from the heart.
- ILPundit - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:37 pm:
Solid, not spectacular. Kennedy as a candidate needs obvious work. But he’s talking about the right things, not just on this but on the importance of governance generally. I’ve seen far less messaging from him than any other candidate, but I already have a strong handle on why he wants to be Governor. I can’t really say that about any of the other candidates.
- ILPundit - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Agree with Telly Prompter. As he improves and gets more comfortable with the public presentation aspects, his message is going to have a lot of traction
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:40 pm:
This is the Chris Kennedy I’ve been prodding, cajoling, pushing, even berating…
… this is the Chris Kennedy I’d hope would emerge.
… this is the Chris Kenndey that needs to be the “candidate”
It was smart, artsy, told a story and yet never lectures. It had real people, it had kids, it has a message that speaks to others and tells his own story too.
This is the Chris Kennedy I’ve waited for to emerge and show us all that he’s serious, he’s thoughtful, he’s genuine, he’s human. This is the Kennedy sweet spot. It’s now up to that Crew to right their ship, organize, focus, and realize getting caught in the minutiae isn’t broading the base or building an organization to build off this really good framing.
I give it an “A-”
Now make it a :30 second ad, then you’d get some serious attention after.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:50 pm:
odd that they launch the video but its not on their website and neither is this “8 point plan” on the site. If you are touting your plan don’t you want to make it available? And the press release section hasn’t been updated in a month. I’m a little confused by their campaign’s failure to do these basic things.
As for the ad, i think its pretty good. B+
- Almost The Weekend - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 2:57 pm:
This should be his commercial he is using to introduce himself to voters on TV. Unfortunately he doesn’t want to or doesn’t have a good team around to push him to do call time. This video will probably be sent in a fundraising email to spark fundraising. 2017 2Q Fundraising numbers already causing problems.
It’s well done all around, props to whoever put it together.
- LilLebowskiUrbanAchiever - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 3:41 pm:
A reporter told me that Kennedy hired a new Communications Director last week. This is a good start. Let’s see if there is improvement going forward.
- Todd - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 4:02 pm:
As an ad its ok. For content its using buzz words that don;t mean much since most of it is current law lets take a look:
Creating a gun tracing program to trace the ownership of all guns used in a crime and cooperate with other states that want to do the same thing to ensure compatible data collection and reporting techniques.
Police already trace guns. Maybe they should look up 720 ILCS 5/24-8) Sec. 24-8. Firearm tracing.
Licensing gun dealers in the state of Illinois, just like the state licenses restaurants, barbers and nail salons.
They are already licensed by the feds. this bill was tried and in the House seen as the disaster that it is.
Closing the gun show loophole where any can purchase a gun without a background
Can’t do that in Illinois it’s been the laws since I believe 2005. BTW what is the FOID card for then anyways?
Providing resources to the state police to speed up the process of getting a firearms owner identification card (FOID).
Lets see if they actually staff it or try to tax gun onwers to pay for it. My bet is he’ll want to jump FOID fees.
Passing an Order of Protection Act to keep guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and those involved in domestic violence.
Again already the law. You have a DV arrest or conviction or order of protection, you loose your FOID card. Unless hes trying to sugar coat the BS lethal violnece order so you can be stripped of your rights without due process till after they are taken.
Banning anyone on the terrorist watchlist from receiving a FOID card in Illinois.
Sounds good, but there is a little problem with due process on a list you don’t know how you get on or how you get off for an accusation without charges.
Confronting the gun train issue where low levels of security are provided to trains loaded with guns, which is a public safety issue for the state of Illinois.
But Sen. Harmon doesn’t believe that criminals get their guns this way.
Tech staff gets an F for their research on policy
- Skirmisher - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 5:11 pm:
Todd is spot on. Kennedy seems to have got his talking points from some national Democrat talking points which might be applicable in Indiana but not Illinois. R
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 5:17 pm:
Todd just wants them to get an F because as usual, talk about doing something and the ISRA/NRA go off the rails. Kennedy has some good ideas and not just in Todd’s house.
IlPundit, you have clarified for me why Kennedy is becoming my choice…he is articulating strongly why he wants to be governor. his two in depth speeches were compelling in substance.
- Mama - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 5:20 pm:
He is the only candidate that uses captioning. I give him very high points for that. I think he did a good job.
- Todd - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 5:31 pm:
Amilia, 1/2 of what he proposes is the law already. It doesn’t apply to Illinois. So to me, if you want to be Gov, then you should have a basic understanding og the laws and what ur proposing
- Amalia - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 5:43 pm:
Todd, the fundraising email which I just got says he wants to fight crime and violence. that is a fight worth joining.
you might recognize that a governor is involved in doing more than changing the laws in their own state. besides, your list includes things that in fact can be changed in Illinois and which will make a difference. no room for snowflakes in this discussion.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 9:37 pm:
Todd. Nice stuff. Thanks.
The ad. OK for the primary.
I have been warning Dems all year. You want to do better in them 2 in 5 union households? Ya better not nominate a candidate that is going to be labeled anti-gun. You may not want to hear this kinda stuff, but its gospel. Now I know the usual response that follows….BDD, do you want a governor that wants to destroy unions? No, I want a governor that negotiates tough contracts, gets rid of the useless FOID card, and works to throw the books at criminals who commit gun crimes. While were at it, I support bringing back the death penalty.
- Bee - Tuesday, Jul 25, 17 @ 10:20 pm:
I am volunteering for the Kennedy campaign. My impression was that it was disorganized, but think it is coming together.
- Lady Lefty - Wednesday, Jul 26, 17 @ 9:03 am:
Late to the party, still bringing the chips…
This ad is really poorly done. Different voices jarring against one another, kind of ambling narrative…again I say, if spending money gets you that, why is money so prized?
- Jerry - Wednesday, Jul 26, 17 @ 9:47 am:
Best I have heard him sound. Obviously from the heart, even if it was heavily scripted.