Today, Lightfoot for Chicago announced the launch of its TV ad campaign with two ads, “Delivers Again” and “Believe.” “Delivers Again” stars characters “Oscar” and “Felix,” the two Chicago “experts” who are discussing Mayor Lightfoot’s track record for the city. “Believe” highlights the Mayor’s personal view on the progress of the city, while acknowledging the unprecedented challenges of the last four years.
“Delivers Again” features “Oscar” and “Felix” discussing Mayor Lightfoot’s public safety and violence reduction efforts, including:
Oscar: People don’t know. She’s delivering record spending for violence reduction, getting guns off the street, and more money for police. You know we didn’t get into this mess overnight.
Felix: True.
Oscar: Getting out of it takes time, and Lightfoot has a plan. Right?
Lightfoot: [On the phone] Hold on. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Felix: [Offers video game controller] Wanna play?
Lightfoot: Love to, but I’ve got work to do for our city. [Returns to phone call]
Lightfoot: Believe in us. Believe in this city. We have come through hell and back, and we are the better for it.
Our economy is the best in the country.
We are making significant progress in public safety and implemented some of the most progressive policies that are going to make life better.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you we did everything perfectly–we haven’t. But we’ve tried our darndest to make sure that we got it right. And when we haven’t, you pick yourself up, and you listen, and you’re humble, and you learn from your mistakes.
I would give the first ad a B-. It’s clever but I’m not sure if it really conveys much. The second ad is a C. Referencing the order protecting abortions is interesting. While not downplaying the significance of the issue, I don’t expect Lightfoot to be challenged by a pro-life candidate anytime soon. And that closing line doesn’t at all fit what we’ve come to know as Mayor Lightfoot. At this point she might be better off leaning into her combative approach rather than offering up an alternative reality.
First ad is a C-. “She’s delivering record spending on…” is different from delivering results. I don’t think it’s a great look to tell people you’re spending a record amount on crime reduction initiatives when voter perceptions may be that crime is still really bad. “It takes time” is not a great campaign message, especially for a re-election campaign.
Second ad…I guess suffers from some of the same issues. What she is saying is just not believable, or at least it’s not what many voters are feeling. The economy being “best in the country”? Are we going to cite any metrics, or should we just take your word for it? Also a C-.
The one thing that both ads have going for them is that they show Lori in a semi-flattering light, which is not something she’s enjoyed these past few years.
- James the Intolerant - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:26 am:
IT reminds me of Rahm’s commercial wearing a sweater.
If Lightfoot wants to run on her record, I have some unfortunate news. Basically all of her challengers want to run on her record, too, and they have a lot to choose from.
It gets a D, for the type of student Lightfoot has been in her 3.5 years learning on the job. Her success more or less hinges on her opponents being a circular firing squad, and now that she has two opponents who aren’t fringe or jokes, the probability of that has dropped a fair bit.
Maybe she can consult Rahm for some wardrobe ideas in February. She’s already adopted his leadership style with none of the competence; may as well copy the look while she’s at it.
I don’t get that first one at all. Two dudes are hanging out, playing video games oddly, reciting stats about Chicago, and then MLL is just in their kitchen, taking a phone call? I think that’s kinda supposed to be the joke, but it doesn’t quite land for me.
The second one is fine. Running on an uplifting message is good.
D on both ads.
Doesn’t move the needle towards electing MLL. Carjacking and crime on the CTA trains are major impediments.
At least she’s not playing a violin.
- Chicago Born - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:54 am:
IC for incomplete. It would be fine for a generic candidate. But she isn’t a generic candidate. This completely neglects to address the political reality that everybody hates her. No fuzzy sweater?
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:58 am:
D for first one. The message is probably right, but I don’t get the setting or joke. It’s really non sequitur. Why do we care about these random people playing video games? It’s like they’re trying to replicate Alexi’s kids ads from the primaries, but it’s not funny, cute, or likeable.
B for the second. Right message, classic political ad vibe. It moves the ball forward for them.
I admit to lacking any objectivity on that hellacious excuse for a leader Lori Lightfoot. She has single handedly ruined a once-great city. She is a tone deaf, obnoxious, arrogant failure and it is nauseating that she suggests we are somehow the best in anything.
Fortunately, the ads are not too good so maybe someone can beat her.
F on both. Who did these? Total joke. When she got in the face of Ald Jeannette Taylor last year on the council floor, that showed me all I needed to know.
Oh my God. That first ad is horrifically bad. I mean epic. Don’t pay any attention to the crime you see because it’s not that bad. And if she has a plan, that’s news to everyone cause I haven’t heard it. Total fail. F- Can I go lower than that?
The second one is only ok in the sense it wasn’t quite as laughably bad. And does anyone feel like the Chicago economy is the best in the country and that we’re making big progress on crime? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? I will give it a charitable D.
I know I commented, but I’m so struck by how bad these are that I am starting to think my prediction that she may not even make the runoff may come true. Wow.
These are not engaging or persuasive ads for anyone in the Chicago area who has tried to actually live and work within Lori’s mismanaged and chaotic environment. The first goofy one is an F. Second one is a D–but barely. How on earth did she justify saying “our economy is best in the country” without offering any caveats whatsoever?
The number one challenge for Team Lightfoot is to make her a human being. These ads are trying to do that. She needs to smile more. She acknowledges she’s made mistakes. For too many people, she’s not a person, she’s a caricature, a meme. These ads set the table for her to reconnect and I think they will work as intended.
There’s a long way to go until February. For now, she’s the only one on the air. When you have that advantage, you use it to define yourself before anyone else tries to define you. It’s a good strategy.
Lightfoot is telling *her* story and telling folks she made mistakes before a single soul asks her in ads to account, or make a case as to who she is.
The more Lightfoot decides to be on the air pushing her story and telling folks “I’ll do better”, the better chance no other candidate will get an upper hand on her where Lightfoot plays total defense.
It’s the opportunity to create a playing field where she (Lightfoot) can win
Responsa,
Not that I live there (I’m in Berwyn) but the regional economy does seem pretty solid. I don’t know a single person who has looked for work and not gotten something and pretty quickly at that. That includes people who work as tradesmen, and people who work professional gigs.
This ad betrays a mayor that is not only tone-deaf but is playing a little too cute with serious issues like gun violence in Chicago.
“Believe” C-
This ad takes a small step towards where Chicagoans really are but the whole, “I’m sorry. I will do better, trust me” message doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
–The more Lightfoot decides to be on the air pushing her story and telling folks “I’ll do better” –
She certainly needs to do better…. quite the campaign message
- George Ryan Reynolds - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 3:55 pm:
Eric Adelstein has some great ads on his resume, including the 1994 Dawn Clark Netsch “straight shooter” pool/billiards ad that helped her win the gov primary.
Don’t think the Felix and Oscar thing works. It’s a 50-plus-year-old cultural reference, but even setting that aside, the concept comes across as forced and cheesy. The ad featuring the mayor kinda sorta almost tries to repeat the Rahm fuzzy blue sweater deal from 2015, but isn’t quite as direct. You can imagine the mayor pulling a Fonzie (since we’re doing dated references) and struggling to say “I’m s-s-s-ooooo-r-y.”
- Huckleberry1926 - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 4:39 pm:
I was never so happy to see “Shoppy” and his owners porn-star mustache….and then it begins all over with the untruths.
- Not again - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 10:48 am:
Dan proft doing her stuff?
- Montrose - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 10:49 am:
“And when we haven’t, you pick yourself up, and you listen, and you’re humble, and you learn from your mistakes.”
I give her credit being able to say that with a straight face.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:04 am:
I would give the first ad a B-. It’s clever but I’m not sure if it really conveys much. The second ad is a C. Referencing the order protecting abortions is interesting. While not downplaying the significance of the issue, I don’t expect Lightfoot to be challenged by a pro-life candidate anytime soon. And that closing line doesn’t at all fit what we’ve come to know as Mayor Lightfoot. At this point she might be better off leaning into her combative approach rather than offering up an alternative reality.
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:04 am:
F
For fraud. For failure.
I don’t know that this city has ever had a more arrogant, less capable person in the mayor’s office.
That she and her team can roll out an add claiming humility and effectiveness…it’s an F.
- Riversidian - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:19 am:
First ad is a C-. “She’s delivering record spending on…” is different from delivering results. I don’t think it’s a great look to tell people you’re spending a record amount on crime reduction initiatives when voter perceptions may be that crime is still really bad. “It takes time” is not a great campaign message, especially for a re-election campaign.
Second ad…I guess suffers from some of the same issues. What she is saying is just not believable, or at least it’s not what many voters are feeling. The economy being “best in the country”? Are we going to cite any metrics, or should we just take your word for it? Also a C-.
The one thing that both ads have going for them is that they show Lori in a semi-flattering light, which is not something she’s enjoyed these past few years.
- James the Intolerant - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:26 am:
IT reminds me of Rahm’s commercial wearing a sweater.
- Roadrager - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:26 am:
If Lightfoot wants to run on her record, I have some unfortunate news. Basically all of her challengers want to run on her record, too, and they have a lot to choose from.
It gets a D, for the type of student Lightfoot has been in her 3.5 years learning on the job. Her success more or less hinges on her opponents being a circular firing squad, and now that she has two opponents who aren’t fringe or jokes, the probability of that has dropped a fair bit.
Maybe she can consult Rahm for some wardrobe ideas in February. She’s already adopted his leadership style with none of the competence; may as well copy the look while she’s at it.
- Arsenal - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:30 am:
I don’t get that first one at all. Two dudes are hanging out, playing video games oddly, reciting stats about Chicago, and then MLL is just in their kitchen, taking a phone call? I think that’s kinda supposed to be the joke, but it doesn’t quite land for me.
The second one is fine. Running on an uplifting message is good.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:33 am:
B on the first one. feels good if thin on policy. second is a C. respect that she fesses up to mistakes but the things she claims are not all true.
- Rudy’s teeth - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:49 am:
D on both ads.
Doesn’t move the needle towards electing MLL. Carjacking and crime on the CTA trains are major impediments.
At least she’s not playing a violin.
- Chicago Born - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:54 am:
IC for incomplete. It would be fine for a generic candidate. But she isn’t a generic candidate. This completely neglects to address the political reality that everybody hates her. No fuzzy sweater?
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 11:58 am:
D for first one. The message is probably right, but I don’t get the setting or joke. It’s really non sequitur. Why do we care about these random people playing video games? It’s like they’re trying to replicate Alexi’s kids ads from the primaries, but it’s not funny, cute, or likeable.
B for the second. Right message, classic political ad vibe. It moves the ball forward for them.
- DougChicago - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 12:14 pm:
I admit to lacking any objectivity on that hellacious excuse for a leader Lori Lightfoot. She has single handedly ruined a once-great city. She is a tone deaf, obnoxious, arrogant failure and it is nauseating that she suggests we are somehow the best in anything.
Fortunately, the ads are not too good so maybe someone can beat her.
- low level - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 12:39 pm:
F on both. Who did these? Total joke. When she got in the face of Ald Jeannette Taylor last year on the council floor, that showed me all I needed to know.
- New Day - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 12:54 pm:
Oh my God. That first ad is horrifically bad. I mean epic. Don’t pay any attention to the crime you see because it’s not that bad. And if she has a plan, that’s news to everyone cause I haven’t heard it. Total fail. F- Can I go lower than that?
The second one is only ok in the sense it wasn’t quite as laughably bad. And does anyone feel like the Chicago economy is the best in the country and that we’re making big progress on crime? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? I will give it a charitable D.
- New Day - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 12:58 pm:
I know I commented, but I’m so struck by how bad these are that I am starting to think my prediction that she may not even make the runoff may come true. Wow.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:20 pm:
These are not engaging or persuasive ads for anyone in the Chicago area who has tried to actually live and work within Lori’s mismanaged and chaotic environment. The first goofy one is an F. Second one is a D–but barely. How on earth did she justify saying “our economy is best in the country” without offering any caveats whatsoever?
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:31 pm:
The number one challenge for Team Lightfoot is to make her a human being. These ads are trying to do that. She needs to smile more. She acknowledges she’s made mistakes. For too many people, she’s not a person, she’s a caricature, a meme. These ads set the table for her to reconnect and I think they will work as intended.
There’s a long way to go until February. For now, she’s the only one on the air. When you have that advantage, you use it to define yourself before anyone else tries to define you. It’s a good strategy.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:35 pm:
They are both B-
“Why?”
Lightfoot is telling *her* story and telling folks she made mistakes before a single soul asks her in ads to account, or make a case as to who she is.
The more Lightfoot decides to be on the air pushing her story and telling folks “I’ll do better”, the better chance no other candidate will get an upper hand on her where Lightfoot plays total defense.
It’s the opportunity to create a playing field where she (Lightfoot) can win
- Sue - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:37 pm:
LL deserves to be re-elected about as much as Trump. They are both devisive nasty human beings
- don the legend - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:41 pm:
==How on earth did she justify saying “our economy is best in the country” without offering any caveats whatsoever?==
Did you listen to the Trumpster last night? That’s what failed incumbents/past incumbents do.
- Friendly Bob Adams - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 1:42 pm:
Lightfoot has done a terrific job of uniting Chicagoans, in that everybody thinks she’s been a lousy mayor.
Having said that, she will at least make it to a runoff election, probably against Garcia. Don’t have a feeling as to how that would turn out.
- cermak_rd - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 2:37 pm:
Responsa,
Not that I live there (I’m in Berwyn) but the regional economy does seem pretty solid. I don’t know a single person who has looked for work and not gotten something and pretty quickly at that. That includes people who work as tradesmen, and people who work professional gigs.
- 180 Kick-flip - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 2:48 pm:
“Delivers again” D-
This ad betrays a mayor that is not only tone-deaf but is playing a little too cute with serious issues like gun violence in Chicago.
“Believe” C-
This ad takes a small step towards where Chicagoans really are but the whole, “I’m sorry. I will do better, trust me” message doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
- Pundent - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 2:54 pm:
=How on earth did she justify saying “our economy is best in the country” without offering any caveats whatsoever?=
I’m not saying this statement isn’t true, but I find it a bit odd that the first time I heard it was in Lightfoot’s campaign ad.
- Zoe - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 3:03 pm:
Even the way she says “you listen and your humble and you learn from your mistakes” it doesn’t sound like she’s talking about herself.
F on both ads.
- Anthony - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 3:10 pm:
–The more Lightfoot decides to be on the air pushing her story and telling folks “I’ll do better” –
She certainly needs to do better…. quite the campaign message
- George Ryan Reynolds - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 3:55 pm:
Eric Adelstein has some great ads on his resume, including the 1994 Dawn Clark Netsch “straight shooter” pool/billiards ad that helped her win the gov primary.
Don’t think the Felix and Oscar thing works. It’s a 50-plus-year-old cultural reference, but even setting that aside, the concept comes across as forced and cheesy. The ad featuring the mayor kinda sorta almost tries to repeat the Rahm fuzzy blue sweater deal from 2015, but isn’t quite as direct. You can imagine the mayor pulling a Fonzie (since we’re doing dated references) and struggling to say “I’m s-s-s-ooooo-r-y.”
- Huckleberry1926 - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 4:39 pm:
I was never so happy to see “Shoppy” and his owners porn-star mustache….and then it begins all over with the untruths.
- Dotnonymous - Wednesday, Nov 16, 22 @ 7:25 pm:
C… for contrived.