Campaign AdWatch: Reagan Reprise Deployed By Creator Against McCain

In 1980, Jeff Goodby took a moment from Ronald Reagan's debate performance and turned these words into an iconic advertisement and a cultural referent for political junkies that has lasted three decades:

"Are you better off than you were four years ago? Is it easier for you to go and buy things in the stores than it was four years ago? Is America as respected throughout the world as it was? If you don't think that this course that we've been on for the last four years is what you would like to see us follow for the next four, then I could suggest another choice that you have."

Now, Marc Ambinder is reporting that Goodby, who's since brought the world those ubiquitous "Got Milk?" ads, is bringing "better off" back -- but he's working on the other side of the fence now, using the words of McCain's hero against him.

Comments

[TrooAmerican]

Ronald Reagan for Obama/Biden!

[cobaltbluedog]

If it makes you tear up, does that mean it works?

Thank you, Mr. Goodby, your ad is a perfect balance of mind and heart.

[Marconiusrex24]

What a very effective Ad!

[GwenElle]

Nice job Progressive Future! I had not heard of this group before. From their website here is their mission statement:

"Progressive Future promotes progressive values through grassroots action. We are a nonprofit organization advocating for core progressive principles such as community, fairness, security and liberty. We are organizing around critical issues such as economic fairness and security, health care, global security and educational reform. We make the case for sensible policy solutions and hold politicians’ feet to the fire by activating citizens in their communities and helping progressive Americans make their voices heard."

Here is a statement from their Media page about how and where they intend to use the ad:

"In addition to being featured in an online outreach program to swing voters in battleground states, the advertisement, sponsored by Progressive Future, will run this week in Ohio and Florida. Viewers can also access the ad at www.BetterOff08.com."

http://www.progressivefuture.org/media-center/press-releases/28-years-later-new-ad-echoes-reagan--in-asking-if-americans-are-better-off#Perk4Inhd7EEap7UNECz1A

[Dhammi]

This is downright BRILLIANT!

Get out and Vote (early) for Change.

[MetryJen]

This needs to play EVERYWHERE.

[lovethesinner]

Talk about being hoist by your own petar[d].
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petard#.22Hoist_with_his_own_petard.22

[AKTION]

This is a great ad. I keep hearing Reagan's name bandied about in a worshipful way by the GOP this election cycle, and it's great that his own argument can be made to support Senator Obama.

[weatherwaxx]

Considering that the deregulation under St. Ronald is what opened the doors for the economic cannibals who've brought us to this sorry situation ... it's a lovely example of karma.

[Worquie]

This is GREAT. We need to see this Ad running nonstop all weekend!!!!

[UpstateNY]

My husband is a proud Reagan Repubican who is now proudly voting for Barack Obama!

[jobecky20]

Show him this ad to make him even feel better about his vote!

[deliziosa]

i love it...

[eden4barack08]

Excellent! Is this going National? Nonstop? Please? Can we donate to make it so? To whom?

[CaliTLC]

LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

[truthtopower007]

2 words. OH WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!