Just when I thought the 2012 GOP field could not be any more gaffe-proof, Texas Governor Rick Perry proved me wrong. Last week, the 2012 Republican contender released a campaign advertisement worthy of the silver screen. As the ad began, I was fairly certain I was in store for another ludicrous, action-packed Michael Bay movie trailer, but instead, I was treated to well-packaged propaganda.
The first 40 seconds or so are scenes straight out of an Orwellian dystopian fantasy, depicting the United States’ normally vibrant metropolitan hubs empty as a direct consequence of President Obama’s failed economic policies. Toss in a few ultra-pessimistic political pundits’ prognoses for economic recovery with some arbitrary statistics on American poverty, and you have an altogether depressing image of America. The first segment ends with President Obama boldly asserting he is “just getting started.”
Move forward to the next minute worth of content and you have the polar opposite; President Obama’s dramatic foil is manifested in a smooth-talking, inspirational Rick Perry. Professional camera angles and maneuvers capture the image of a presidential candidate in touch with the most basic needs of the American people – from the urgency of job creation to an intrepid foreign policy that does not “apologize” for America’s greatness. The recurring image of children basking in American pride and smiling faces affirms the wave of optimism that would readily sweep the country upon Perry’s election. The best days lie ahead, we are assured.
Let’s be blunt for a second. What does it say of our political culture if we have advertisements that say nothing about our platforms and conform to some vague, broad, universal thematic strand that virtually every American embraces? Though it may be an idiosyncrasy of mine, I cannot fathom why the American people would rather be coddled (and give Perry almost 30% of the party’s support) by familiar political jargon than confronted with substantive issues.
Where are the ads that discuss Perry’s newfound zeal in stripping the Federal Reserve of some of its monetizing powers and its role in the 2008 financial meltdown? Or how about ads that clarify his increasingly controversial ideas on immigration and Social Security? During an election in which it has become more commonplace to buck political precedents and hash out a distinct role politically, why is no one making a determined effort to distinguish themselves from the pack and engage the American people in an issues-based discussion?
It may sound unsavory to compile an advertisement for the American people that does not tug at the heartstrings via associative imagery, but it is time to speak to us as adults and not some shallow adjudicators who prefer charisma to reason.
Photo Credits: RickPerry.org