banner

« Nutter's economic development plan | TheNextMayor.com Main Page | And the beat goes on... »

    Rate the ads!

    Now that all five major Democratic candidates are on the air with TV commercials -- welcome to the fray, Chaka Fattah! -- seems like it's time to critique them en masse.

    Which ones work? Which ones bend the truth? Which ones are just annoying?

    And how do you like Knox's "Don't hate me for being the frontrunner!" strategy, or Nutter's "I AM NOT JOHN STREET" message?

    We're gonna do a little blog-based survey of sorts. Just watch the five ads below (or turn on your TV during the local news; before you see the latest horror-story Phillies score you'll see them all, probably twice). Then leave a comment with your thoughts.

    We'll report out the results later today.

    Remember, the campaigns are all still fliming, so now is the time to tell them what you think.

    Chaka Fattah's "Transform" ad

    Tom Knox's "Five Candidates" ad

    Michael Nutter's latest ad

    Dwight Evans' "Table" ad

    Bob Brady's "Son" ad
    (This ad is a little dated. If you'd rather, comment on any ad from Brady's Web site.)


    Comments (70)

    Dave [TypeKey Profile Page]:

    - Fattah: nice music, but not much else. He seems to have a pretty specific target audience (and that isn't the entire city). He also sounds like he's taking credit for Hope IV (the federal program that provides funding to replace high-rise projects with lower density subsidized housing).

    - Knox: seems to be targeting other candidates' supporters (maybe he noticed his numbers didn't move too much in the last poll and figures the basic message has outlived its usefulness). The ad also seems to be trying to give the impression that he's the only budget savvy candidate when, truth be told, Nutter did a huge amount of work on the budget while on city council. Maybe I'm reading too much into the ad, but he also seems to be implying that he single handedly fixed the budget under Rendell. I'm sure his work renegotiating city leases was invaluable toward that end, but the above implication may be a bit of a stretch. He also doesn't really have a political record, so implying he's done the same kind of things as Evans and Nutter on gun legislation and ethics is also a stretch. The one believable thing in his record, in my opinion, is that he's successfully run and/or turned around businesses.

    - Nutter: Gives a nice, tangible baseline to compare him against, but still sounds fairly introductory (I suppose that's understandable, since it's only his second). I'm hoping the next ad tells us about some of his accomplishments while on city council.

    - Evans: clever ad, nice message. As others have mentioned, though, I don't know that it'll connect too well with the average, drooling TV watcher who's eating dinner at the same time. I don't really watch TV anymore but, when I did, I usually timed things so I was preparing a sandwich or going to the fridge during the ads, so it took something special to catch my attention. Fattah's music, Nutter's sudden lack of music and full screen presence, that kind of thing might have caught my attention -- if I saw Evans' ad out of the corner of my eye, I probably would've assumed it was for asthma medicine or something.

    - Brady: is he trying to be "The Neighborhood Mayor II"? I guess his message is that he isn't "out of touch" like the rest of the politicians. Nice message, but I happen to think he's more in-touch with union leaders and ward leaders than the general public, so I'm going to call him on stretching the truth ;-)


    Janine:

    I am so sick and tired of Knox and his ads. Talk about stretching the truth - in his 5 candidates ads, he says he's been fighting against crime just like Dwight Evans. That is just plan old crap. Evans has been out there fighting crime for years, long before he was a mayoral candidate and needed a poll to tell him it was an important issue. Nutter has been trying to curb corruption and cut taxes for his entire career.
    Knox is trying to take credit for issues these other candidates have truly been battling for their entire careers. Does Knox have one innovative bone in his body?
    IT is an absolute shame! and would be a total travesty if he won this election.


    Liz:

    If I was totally dependent upon these ads to make up my mind on who to vote for (which, let's face it, most voters are)... Nutter's ad is not very effective. It just isn't! (I support nutter, so this is very upsettig to me)

    Fattah & Knox may be stretching the truth on their involvement or the successfullness with the things they are claiming, but the guy watching tv doesn't know that. I'd say their ads are successful in establishing to a guy who doesn't read the papers that they have accomplished things. In addition, Fattah's add is very entertaining- with the hip hop and the great visuals. People will watch this one.

    Also, I really felt like Evans & Brady come across as really caring about the people of this city, and their day-to-day problems. This is perhaps the most important thing that a commercial can do.

    Nutter needs to acknowledge that the t.v. ads are not going to convince people who think about the issues- we all made up our minds already, and if not- a t.v. ad isn't going to do it. He needs realize that these adds are for people too busy/ uninterested to read a paper. He needs to get more emotional, and personal, and really try to make a connection to the people who watch t.v.

    In the end these people vote based on their heart or their gut, not their head, and while I think that Nutter can be appealing on these levels as well as intellectually- he is not showing it. The point: He need's a new meida guy.


    sj:

    I think Knox better come up with some more details in his ads soon. The "take the for sale sign off city hall" thing is played out now.


    Josh:

    My internet connection is too spotty at the moment to watch all the ads, but having waited for the Nutter ad to buffer up, I have to say that is one of the worse political ads I've ever seen. It says nothing about him, his philosophy or policy and attacks someone who is not running in the race. Closing with telling the viewer to vote for someone else is just not smart. I understand the tack that Nutter is taking, but I don't see how it's an effective technique in a 30 second TV buy.

    And like Liz above, I say this as someone who is leaning towards Mike. This ad is just terrible.


    Anonymous:

    I understand that Nutter can't be warm and fuzzy. I think he's setting himself up as an independent--it may not work this round but I think it's a good tack to take and build name recognition.


    sj:

    I dont know that Nutter's ad is terrible, it's just that he cant be a one trick pony. He needs to follow these ads with some more details about his ideas and track record.


    Max:

    Liz and Josh, do you realize that almost 70% of Philadelphians disapprove of John Street and a comparable number believe that Philadelphia is on the "wrong track?" Watching the Nutter ad in the context of those two numbers should give you a better perspective on who that ad is intended to appeal to.

    Hint: it isn't people who are thinking about the issues. You may not like the ad, but my bet is that the message will resonate.


    Anonymous:

    Knox - good message, but the spots look cheesy, and the more he talks the less likable he is.

    Nutter - good concept, really bad execution, and he shouldn't talk either.

    Fattah - nice, I thought it gave him context, though I would have thought he would do well talking in his ad

    Brady - surprisingly good, I thought he was a hack union guy, but he comes accross as so human and warm, you can't help but like him. I really like the one where he and abraham are talking.


    Josh:

    Max: Running against someone can be a great technique. Just look at Dems nationwide in 2006. A lot of the wins came by running against Bush and by tying their opponent to Bush because he/she was a Republican and a loyal Bushie.

    But there is no loyal "Streetie" in this race. None of his opponents are running as the Street candidate or establishment candidate (except for perhaps Brady). You can't run against something when there's no something there. And as much as we all disapprove of John Street, he's simply not in the race.

    Not to mention the simple mechanics of the ad. Nutter has a slightly strange voice and standing in front of a green screen with random colored backgrounds depersonalizes him. He should be out on the street with other people. My first thought was that it looked like an ad for NBC10 News or something.

    I hate the fact that it seems like I'm attacking Nutter here but I feel he's too strong a candidate on policy to make such poor political choices.


    Liz:

    Yeah, I realize that everyone hates street, and wishes he would crawl in a hole and die- or at least try to do his job.

    But the John Street angle only works if the voters alread believe that the other candidates will be like Street. And while I think that this is true of Brady and Fattah- people who watch the six o'clock news for their information don't think this. It would have been a better angle if he had been attacking the other candidates for thier street-like ways, and then said he was the anti-street, but that is not what he did.

    I just didn't feel anything watching this ad, it left me a little cold. And I am probablly the easiest person in this whole city to get to feel warm and fuzzy over Nutter. He is like my total political crush.
    Nutter has so much going for him, and so many people who feel strongly about him- that he should do better than this.

    If I was going to make an ad for Nutter, I would have him talk about how he grew up in West Philly, and how almost two decades later his old neighborhood is still falling apart due to unemployment/ violence, and how his job is not done here until this changes. Or you could try the old fashioned- this is what I've done and I'll do it better when I am mayor- which his first add used- Or, another good one- testimony from those citizens who feel Nutter has already made a strong impact on our lives, and we want more.
    Geese, I'm no media guy, but even I could do a better job making this ad.


    Eric:

    No real surprises for me...except I agree with whoever mentioned that the Brady ads were well executed in the sense that they painted him as the "Bob from the Block" kind of guy. For the people who vote with their remote and not the newspaper, that ad may have played better than any court challenges by Knox or tax returns by Fattah. Also, Nutter really backed himself into a corner with his personality in his ad. He still comes off as a whiny college professor, not a dynamic leader or caring figure. It will be an interesting last few weeks.


    Anonymous:

    Josh and Liz make a good point about associating your opponent(s) with the disliked individual. However, I think its applicability diminishes in a race such as this one with multiple candidates. This is more of a "pick one" situation than a "this one or that one/blue or red" situation. I think people who are overwhelmed with the options and dislike Street might say "oh, he's the anti-Street? He's got my vote" (in fact, I've heard somebody say just that, although not in response to the ads). I won't comment on the execution of the concept other than to say that none of the candidates have the funds to create ads of the quality Knox has been creating. They're all on a relatively tight budget.


    Dave [TypeKey Profile Page]:

    ^
    |

    Me


    PA voter:

    Brady's ad is so well done. I was surprised at how moved I was by it. He just seems very honest and warm.

    Nutter's ad is a bad strategy. Gives voters very little to go on. We already know we're getting rid of John Street - we need to know why we should vote FOR you.

    Fattah's ad is good at the beginning but the tagline is so political and worn out it sort of turned me off.


    Anony-mouse:

    Chaka Fattah's ads are pretty slick. I would like it if HE was the one speaking in the ads, but whatever. Also, does anyone else think that his education ad seems to emphasis race?

    Bob Brady's ads sum him up pretty well - total douche.


    Anonymous:

    you are right, Brady is a total douche, but his commercials have really put lipstick on that pig. I just hope voters don't buy in. Great commercials. Would make maybe the worst mayor ever.


    littlephillygirl:

    Tom-Why is he talking about everyone else? If pure name recognition has lifted him so high in the polls, then I think an ad that just focuses on him makes more sense. This ad seems like a strange choice to me.

    Chaka - Good concept, good story--a little too much content for the short format. If I didn't know anything about him, it would be convincing ad. He is taking credit for Hope VI which is more than a stretch, but most people don't know that.

    Nutter - Huh? This is what he spent my contribution on? Of all of things he needs to differentiate himself on, I think that the issue of running against Street is the least important. Oxman, I thought you were better than that.

    Evans - I think it is good metaphor. It makes the integrated solution to the crime problem concrete for people who may not understand. However, the execution is poor, and I didn't understand what the four legs were the first time. I had to watch it twice. So, I wonder if it will have the desired effect.

    Brady - The machine works. His is the most clear and relatable ad. Too bad he is a connected party boss who can barely put a sentence together. Oh well, I just live here.


    LL:

    I am a big supporter of Michael's so I may be biased. But, I think the latest commercial with Olivia in excellent! It's hip, different and really does a great job at portraying some of Michael's personal side. I have met Michael on more than several ocassions and I know him to be funny, warm and sensitive to all sides of issues. Hopefully this commercial will allow others to get a glimpse!


    Son of Anonymous:

    It is a little disheartening to see Nutter throwing his daughter into the omnivorous path of the 2007 mayoral shredder... I think desperation is starting to set in at campaign HQ !


    Very a few huge It is not uncommon for our photo sets to include The quantity of your likes No other erotic website offers sheer artistry displayed by our photographers, or the breathtaking beauty of our naked models. would be to bring you the very


    zero friction marketing:

    It was my pleasure locating your site last night. I came up here just now hoping to come across interesting things. I was not disappointed. Your ideas upon new tactics on this subject were insightful and an excellent help to myself. Thank you for making time to write down these things as well as sharing your thoughts.


    Thanks for all your labor on this web site. Debby takes pleasure in managing internet research and it's really simple to grasp why. We all hear all concerning the powerful form you create rewarding items by means of your web blog and in addition encourage response from the others on this topic and our own daughter is in fact learning a lot. Enjoy the rest of the new year. Your conducting a dazzling job.


    This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I've joined your feed and look forward to more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!


    many cat furniture manufacturers as discover further issue the materials used along with the construction process Sharing this facts as well as folks self-control in time patronage their kitty's as well as pet parents equivalent


    he's hopeful as a pig in a poke! Cats (resembling children) are enticed along with a supplementary toy stipulation acquire tired of the equal old toys as soon as play with both the occasion They be fond of possessing more toys The trick is once to achieve them sense they be the owner of additional toys every week


    A cat tree placed in front of a window is a and, impressive cats adore while sit in the sun as well as bird watch or else watch anything after is going theme outside Cats require exercise, cat furniture provides kitty in addition to a gymnastic tool after play plus throw away happy various of their energy Fat cats are cute if not healthy We require our furry links around in support of a long point in time, cat furniture helps as soon as relieve stress as well as provides exercise while backing your fur baby stay healthy


    Why do cats need whilst scratch? Spirit your cat really scratch their furniture instead of yours? What attracts cats while scratch as regards their furniture instead of yours? What's the fantastic notable feature of a scratching post or else pole? Every serious questions, give permission's by familiar terms with if we know how to shed a quantity of light issue the subject on behalf of you


    original with last name, current address, some past addresses, all telephone numbers with a few more specifics linked as the phone number


    What do you need in order with the intention of conduct a successful transpose cellular phone lookup?


    Recognition to facilitate YouTube you know how to access 24-hour diversion of both parts Qualification you've do not viewed otherwise downloaded one YouTube videos


    YouTube is a popular the web Web20 blog that millions of people enjoy each day The YouTube craze has opened ahead a entire additional world used for both video creators as well as the people who watch the videos Proviso you necessitate after down load YouTube videos quickly plus easily


    Several webmasters would resembling that download and read YouTube videos and put the videos about their possess sites Proviso again YouTube provides


    The excellent popular cat toys are mice large toy mice contain catnip inside the body of the mouse Cats be in possession of a natural shopping around instinct so whilst a toy mouse is moved, kitty thinks it is actually the real thing


    A quantity of cats willpower take a liking after anything at what time moves once they bat or else push it, others call for further enticing toys with the purpose of move with reference to their be the owner of or along with the help of batteries Stipulation you have still shopped in favor of cat toys you on how compound sundry parts of toy mice are presented stipulation in addition there are complicated


    Cats be in possession of a require to scratch that remove dead tissue as of their claws in addition to generate other growth Cat furniture is manufactured plus scratching otherwise given that supports for condos, perches or hammocks, otherwise condition you opt a scratching post attached with the intention of a sturdy base, they are supportive because well


    This type of information is exactly what I have been looking for, thanks very much for helping me out.


    I'll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)


    I love blogging when it is for or about something I believe in. I also read news blogs often and find that it makes me feel much more intelligent every time I read them. I also feel like I am a pretty good person who tries to treat others with respect, no matter what their view is. There are some real haters out there. Thanks again. I learned a few things about blogging. I will definitely put your site on my speed dial.


    The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.


    Hello there! Would you mind if I share your article with my myspace group? There's a lot of readers that I think would really devour your content because this subject is exactly what they are interested in. Please let me know if you have any objections. Thank you!


    Just wanted to chime in and say very good job on your post. I for one agree with what you are explaning and expect to see more of your posts in the near future.


    I'll watch from time to time to check if you add more good information to your post.


    If you're still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you'll know which is right for you.


    The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.


    If you're still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you'll know which is right for you.


    I'll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)


    The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.


    This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.


    Between me and my husband we've owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I've settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.


    Between me and my husband we've owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I've settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.


    Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass' favor.


    The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod's. It works well, but isn't as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that's not an issue, but if you're planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod's larger screen and better browser may be important.


    Sorry for the huge review, but I'm really loving the new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews some other people have written, will help you decide if it's the right choice for you.


    swimming pool and spa:

    I am really inspired together with your writing skills and also with the format on your weblog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one nowadays..


    The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.


    I’d must check with you here. Which is not something I often do! I take pleasure in reading a submit that will make folks think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!


    Can you tell us more about this? I'd care to find out some additional information.


    Hi every one, here every person is sharing these kinds of experience, so it’s fastidious to read this weblog, and I used to visit this weblog everyday.


    Awesome! Its in fact awesome piece of writing, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this article.


    Intriguing post it is always good to have posts like this in yahoo


    Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just nice and i can assume you're an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.


    Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is just great and i can assume you're an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.


    You are deep in your sleep and suddenly you hear your phone ring.


    very nice publish, i certainly love this web site, keep on it


    Hello, thanks for all the viewers, I will upload many more video lessons in future days, admin


    Together with almost everything which seems to be developing inside this subject material, all your perspectives happen to be fairly refreshing. However, I beg your pardon, but I can not subscribe to your whole plan, all be it exhilarating none the less. It looks to us that your remarks are generally not entirely validated and in simple fact you are yourself not thoroughly certain of the argument. In any event I did enjoy looking at it.


    Extraordinary article. I like reading information like this. It is instructive, but also well written. It is this form of info that needs to be getting endorsed. If I came across more information like this on a ordinary basis I would be considered a well-informed person. Keep up the great. I came across your post through Bing.


    Post a comment