Hillary Clinton's First Ad

Sen. Hillary Clinton sounds a partisan, populist theme in her first television ad, which begins today in Iowa.

The sixty-second spot features an excerpt from Clinton's stump speech, interspersed with footage of Clinton talking to farmers, shop-keepers and other ordinary folks.

"As I travel around America, I hear from so many people who feel like they are invisible to their government," Clinton says in the ad. "If you have a family that's struggling... you are invisible to this president...You're not invisible to me....You won't be invisible to the next president of the United States."

A Clinton spokesman wouldn't say what the ad is costing the campaign but did say that it will air in all Iowa television markets. Virtually all the Democratic candidates will spend the balance of the week in the state; they'll participate in a debate on Sunday.

Clinton's ad joins a medley of rival spots: Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. John Edwards, Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Chris Dodd are all fairly regular paid presences on the TV screen.

Both Clinton and Obama believe they are making progress in Iowa, and both campaigns will watch to see whether Clinton's ad helps her. Obama's ads use his biography to draw out an appeal to the value of consensus and bipartisanship. (The system is the problem and Obama is the solution). Clinton's is more traditional; (Bush is the problem and Clinton is the solution.)

Clinton is the last major Dem candidate to turn on the media spigot -- and it's not yet September. At this point in 1992, her husband had not even opened a presidential committee.

Comments

so now we are to believe

that

1.. "lobbyists represent real americans" - hillary clinton and

2. she's a "populist" -- holy moly this is just like Rove's faith based vs. reality based campaigning.

I guess if you repeat a lie often enough..

Posted by Outside the Beltway | August 13, 2007 1:49 PM

People in America are motivated by money. They think of themselves. Hilary does not understand this. She won't be elected.

Posted by Brian | August 13, 2007 3:25 PM

Is she trying to look like Bill?

http://political-buzz.com/

Posted by mp | August 13, 2007 3:45 PM

"Clinton is the last major Dem candidate to turn on the media spigot -- and it's not yet September. At this point in 1992, her husband had not even opened a presidential committee."

I think you meant "1991" or, perhaps, "at this point before the 1992 election..."

Posted by Sam | August 13, 2007 3:46 PM

Hillary Clinton is still the best person to get America back in high standing. Just look at it this way, you are going to get two for the price of one, Bill and Hillary, two smart people to run the nation.

Posted by Steve | August 13, 2007 4:24 PM

2 philandering liars for the price of one? No thanks.

Posted by Lucianne | August 13, 2007 4:44 PM

Senator Clinton has made a promise in this commercial.

She has promised that as President, she will use her powers to help Middle America.

Middle America, beset as it is by governmental corruption, the abandonment of its core values by the elites and looming scarcities, needs to come together.

Senator Clinton, in this commercial has promised to help us come together in a respectful way to assure that we all get a fair shake.

What more can we expect from out leaders?

Senator Hillary Clinton, the prospective nominee of the Democratic Party deserves respect and serious consideration from all voters.

Posted by robert chapman | August 13, 2007 4:47 PM

Actually I think that this study is a very big deal and Andrew is right to point it out. I know that anything remotely genetic about human abilities and character sends politically correct America into a fit a emotional denial, but these studies are revealing important aspects about us that cannot be just brushed away. We should not fear the truth nor fear digging a little deeper when interesting facts
reveal themselves to us. It seems that most of PC America is more interested in shaming people into self-censorship than exploring reality.

Posted by Bill | August 13, 2007 4:52 PM

...sorry to disappoint; I've been anti-Hillary/Bill from the get-go but I liked the ad--the first I've seen. Will I vote for her/them based on the ad; of course not but it does aim at Middle America and not the Middle East and speaks to domestic concerns.

Posted by nanfo2 | August 13, 2007 5:06 PM

Not only is this a "middle class" pitch, but look at the details of the invisible people in the ad:

a) American families struggling to afford health care.

b) American mothers struggling to find childcare.

c) American soldiers struggling to find veterans' services.

These are real issues that real people face in their lives. Oh, and they also happen to be specific issues that poll off the top of the charts.

My guess is that this ad will be very effective. Looking to the general election, these themes will be extremely difficult for the Republicans to counter.

Posted by hwc | August 13, 2007 5:11 PM

I am impressed with Hillary's ad. Her description of people being "invisible" under the current President is absolutely true. There is no doubt that Americans will relate to this ad.

I did not start out being in support of Hillary for President; but she has changed my mind and that is something I never thought would happen.
I watch her during the debates and can't believe how adept she is and how the other candidates just don't measure up to her level of confidence and professionalism. I believe Hillary will be a very fine President.

Posted by Mary Lee Scanlon | August 13, 2007 5:35 PM

Other than the fact that all she is using is the material from John Edwards' campaign that began 4 years ago, I guess what she says is OK.

Posted by philjames | August 13, 2007 6:16 PM

That anyone would believe word one from "I can't remember..." is a testimony to the complete destruction of the education system. Let us recall cattle futures....it goes on and on...

Posted by Max | August 13, 2007 6:33 PM

What are you smokin Steve?

Posted by Max | August 13, 2007 6:35 PM

i like Hillary's ad and she has capture the issues. My vote goes to Hill ...Is she loses in primary i will not vote any demo in presidential election. But i bet she will win.

Posted by Uma, mpls, MN | August 13, 2007 6:39 PM

She is a celebration of divisiveness. This ad isn't her biography or her broad vision for the country - usual fodder of first ads for candidates of both parties. Instead its, "The Republicans have ignored you and I won't."

Not saying it isn't effective. But I don't see how she can ride nothing but divisiveness to a nomination.

Posted by Paul | August 13, 2007 6:44 PM

Good ad. It has a strong message.

Posted by Jonathan | August 13, 2007 6:47 PM

By far the best person to right the wrongs of this bold faced liar the republicans call a president

Posted by jim | August 13, 2007 7:08 PM

"People in America are motivated by money. They think of themselves. Hilary does not understand this. She won't be elected."
OMG, Hilary doesn't understand about money? I find it difficult to believe that there is anyone in the U.S. who doesn't understand that H.C. IS all about money. She's got plenty. Now she wants the power to go with it.
Blow some smoke, you're sure to get someone coughing.

Posted by Catmoves | August 13, 2007 7:44 PM

I don't really support either platform. Over the years, I look at the country and vote who will best serve in the issues and problems our country is facing at those moments. I honestly believe hands down of ALL the candidates running rep. or dem. that Hilary is heads/tails above the rest. She is smart, she knows what to expect since she was with Bill. I truly believe she will be a remarkable president. We owe it to our country to give her a chance to right the ship.

Posted by Kevin - Atlanta GA | August 13, 2007 9:08 PM

Hiliary is not to be trusted....and is dangerous...Heaven help us if she would ever get in the oval office. I have more faith in the voters of this country to know better.

Posted by mjoberg | August 13, 2007 9:09 PM

Never again. No friggin socialist scum Democrats are ever getting my vote again. And worst of all would be Billary.

Begone and get your hand out of my pocket, thief!

Posted by TK | August 13, 2007 9:14 PM

I think John Edwards (rightly) wants his campaign ad back.

Posted by Dream On | August 13, 2007 9:52 PM

No friggin socialist scum Democrats are ever getting my vote again.

Amen. Tax cuts - no matter what the cost. We can all drvie off-road in our SUVs as our nation's infrastructure continues to crumble around us and our children continue to read at a 3rd grade level while aspiring to be Paris Hilton.

Too bad you can't vote for Bush again, eh?

Posted by John S. | August 13, 2007 9:58 PM

Too bad you can't vote for Bush again, eh?

I have no interest in voting for Bush. Doesnt change the THEIVING nature of socialist Dems who want to practice "shallow thinking doo-gooder" public policies.

Posted by TK | August 13, 2007 11:37 PM

Monica Lewinsky was invisible to her, so how in the hell can we expect her to see hundreds of thousands of other Americans?

Posted by clamshell | August 14, 2007 12:55 AM

Excellent ad. Senator Clinton is the real deal.

Posted by Brooks | August 14, 2007 1:10 AM

And the federal reserve just pounded a 100 Bil. into the system to help out those who invested so unwisely to sub-prime loans.

More money chasing the same amount of goods and services means my money is no longer worth as much. gov. spending to help out particular people who should be responsible for their own choices? Ummm... sounds like socialism for the rich.

As for taxes. Everytime reps. reduce the top tax rate, capital gains, and try to reduce the inheritance tax..... my property tax, sales tax, and payroll tax eventual go up.

I'll take the dem. tax priorities anytime.

Posted by Steve | August 14, 2007 2:22 AM

It made me gag! Hyperbolic nonsense. It's a solidly crafted fairly traditional ad that paints the candidate in an appealing light in areas that are her strength and that will be very hard for the Republicans to rebut. The fact is, gagging aside, that she comes off as very sympathetic in this ad. As the polls illustrate the more folks see of her the more they like her so it's hard to see how this ad won't be fairly effective. I've never really doubted she would get the nomination but even I've been surprised at how effective she is. It's hard to deny she demonstrates massive poise and assurance.

Posted by John | August 14, 2007 3:57 AM

i have never forgiven her for using that fake and horrible alabama accent. she sounded like your average hollywood actor trying to sound "southern" without ever been in the south.

GNYAAA GNYAAA GNYAAA... thats all i hear when she opens her mouth.

Posted by guidroz | August 14, 2007 5:28 AM

I bet she wishes her vote for the war would become invisible.

Posted by Jayhawk Max | August 14, 2007 11:01 AM

Dude, thats my theme music in the background! You dirty thief! Just because you have hobbit feet don't mean you can steal a hobbit's song!

Posted by Frodo Baggins | August 14, 2007 3:23 PM

"No friggin socialist scum Democrats are ever getting my vote again.

Begone and get your hand out of my pocket, thief!"

Least intelligent response so far. Cookie winner!

Simple Math. George W Bush has overseen more government deficit spending than every other President of the United States COMBINED. Add them all up from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Bush beats the entire team top to bottom by himself. We could certainly do worse than Billary!

Posted by Idaho Joe | August 15, 2007 2:21 AM

Oh give me a break. What are our choices? I think she can win.
That is why I would vote for her in the General Election. I don't give a damn who replaces the Repugnicant Machine. My first choice is Edwards, despite 400 dollar haircuts. They are a drop in the bucket compared to 400 billion dollar fake wars on terror in Iraq. I would pretty much support any candidate other than the ones who appear to be slouching towards Washington to be born(again) on the Repugnicant side of the aisle. Take heart, America. The Canadian Border is only 6-1/2 hours away if you want to risk a speeding ticket on the Northway from NYC. Can you spell " President Giuliani? " I can. D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R. Yes, Vaginia, there IS something out there worse than Bush and Cheney. Be very afraid.

Posted by hal Weiner | August 15, 2007 10:22 AM

So what's her legislative record? What bills has she passed?

If we wanted dynastic experience, we'd have chosen George I as king.

Posted by Carrington Ward | August 15, 2007 12:11 PM

I'm not sure I see the value to the ad. Nice, family-friendly tones, might sway some people, but upwards of 90% of Democrats claim they already know enough about Hillary to make their decision.

The main benefit is that it provoked the Bush administration to attack her.

Posted by Carrington Ward | August 15, 2007 12:22 PM

it (she) needs to be invisible, what a crock of bull__it, this one cannot be trusted.

Posted by dON | August 15, 2007 1:38 PM

Hillary Clinton has run her first ad in Iowa, and it is clever. By focusing on George Bush, Hillary is distracting voters from her own record, which shows that the Americans who would die in Iraq were invisible to her when she voted to authorize the war.

Posted by Sheldon | August 15, 2007 4:25 PM

This is a strong ad in all ways except one: It conveniently leaves out what Hillary wants to do. If she will do something, it inevitably means, the government will start taking more responsibility for individuals. In the case of the military, it's a real obligation--they're working for us all. But the other examples? How much more of our earnings does she want to tap? Like all Democratic party solutions, it boils down to more taxes and more government programs. Unfortunately, the government's track record is abyssmal when it comes to efficient use of money.

Posted by Mimi | August 16, 2007 8:49 PM