Campaign AdWatch: Read Poets' Society

The latest advertisement from the Clinton campaign is the shrewdest and most fortuitously-timed piece of campaign video we've seen in a while. Check the recipe. First, ascend into some vaguely pulpit-y space. Then, remove the image of a raving, lunatic preacher from the minds of the voter. Replace with the calming, dulcet tones of one of America's most beloved poets. Allow to warm, then simply bask in the radiance. And if you are going to reach out for the endorsement of an African-American poet, Maya Angelou is going to be the name that resonates with the working-class crowd you're courting. (If you want to pander to the elites, you get someone a little more Nikki Giovanni-esque or Wanda Phipps-like.)

Really, the only thing I'd lose is the music. As a general rule, "tough fighters" eschew the panflute.

Comments

[RobertaInCT]

Maya Angelou is clearly a person who thinks for herself. You may not agree with her choice however, she should respected.

Democratic victory in November..­........

[60at]

I concur with the author, this is an excellent campaign ad and of the quality that will appeal to voters. Most of us would prefer seeing more positive ads about the qualifications of the candidates themselves and their policies rather than negative shots at opponents (which often aren't entirely true statements). However, even though I love Maya Angelou, I am still a Barack Obama supporter because I believe he is the best candidate. Nontheless, this is a great ad.