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

[logic63]

Great ad-should be on every chance in front of undecided voters (although I don't understand how anyone could still be)

[MichelleB]

love it,

[Johnjlws]

Great ad. Here (in a red state), we're struggling to get two voting groups to early voting:

The young (newly registered) and minorities.

An important component of Barack's base.

Every election we hear about "the Hispanics," or "the energized younger voters." And every election they under whelm us as we begin counting the votes. Minorities (Black, Hispanic, Native American, Women [not in terms of numbers, but in terms of power]) can own and turn (even here) this election, if they'd like--they have the numbers. But you'll have to vote, you'll have to call friends to make sure they vote, and you'll have to get them to the polls and insure they get to vote.

Otherwise, we've had a bunch of very clever ads...again.

[AMERIKA]

Ha Ha HA hA...Brilliant!!! Outstanding, Sublime!

[Lolasmom]

WHAT A SPLENDID AD!

It should run EVERYWHERE!

GO OBAMA!

[deliriousgod]

is there anything that America can't fix with more Reagan?

[Luigi53102]

Itself.

[reliant1]

This was a hit then and it is a hit now - this should be up in every state!!

[Mikeeee]

mccain will try to connect Obama to reagans failed economic policies.

[jobecky20]

LOL...I remember McCain droning on and on about being a foot soldier in the Reagan revolution during the primaries...

[austinblues]

Absolutely brilliant! Wish that were a 50 state ad...

[imsickofit]

The most effective ad I've seen. Will serve Barack very well!

This is awesome!!!

[GolfingDevil05]

Wow, that ad should play during Obama's prime time infomercial slot on a constant loop. What a great ad.

[moongal6]

This is PERFECT.
So many people say that Obama doesn't have enough experience.
Well, when Mr. Reagan became Governor of the fifth largest economy in the world, California, he had NO EXPERIENCE at all. NONE.
After California, he went on to the Presidency.

[tyger]

Oh man, this is awesome! This is the big smack down.

[UncleSamb]

WOW! I know everybody else already said that, but WOW!

[AbrakadaBarak]

A guilty conscience needs no excuse!

[212RLamas]

let's try to spread this ad to as many people as possible...
send the link to everyone you know...
c'mon.

6 DAYS LEFT!!!

we can do it!!