The Ads of the Week

It's been a super-busy week for political ads on TV and online, so busy in fact that it's worth a quick review. After reading the recap, make sure to vote for your favorite ad of the week in the comments section below.

MONDAY:
McCain's 'Outrageous' Ad
John McCain started airing an ad in New Hampshire focused on government spending. It's similar to two previous ads on the same topic. (More analysis)

Clinton's Energy Proposals
Hillary Clinton started airing different versions of the same ad about her energy policy. Do you notice the subtle differences in the Iowa and New Hampshire versions of the ad? (More analysis)

TUESDAY:
Tancredo 'Tough On Terror'
A jaw-dropper of an ad from GOP candidate Tom Tancredo suggests Islamic terrorists will exploit the nation's immigration problems, and carry out an attack on an American shopping mall. The TV ad and a companion radio ad will air in Iowa through the caucuses, according to a Tancredo spokesperson. Will it be enough to help his longshot bid? (More analysis)

Edwards in Iowa, South Carolina
In Iowa, John Edwards airs a simple direct-to-camera message: If Congress and his cabinet can't come up with a plan for universal health care by July 2009, they lose their own health coverage. (More analysis)

Edwards is also the first Democratic presidential candidate to air a TV ad in South Carolina. Taking advantage of his Palmetto State roots, the ad is shot in front of the mill where he and his father once worked. (More analysis)

WEDNESDAY:
Giuliani's First
Rudy Giuliani airs his first ad in New Hampshire. The 60-second spot reviews his work as mayor, and reminds voters he's not perfect. (More analysis)

Thompson Wants 'No Amnesty'
Within hours of Giuliani's first ad, Fred Thompson announces he's running a new one in Iowa, focused on the immigration debate. "Americans know we have an illegal immigration problem. And most of us have a good idea about how to start fixing it -- secure our borders, and enforce the law," he says. (More analysis)

THURSDAY:
Obama Gets Personal
Barack Obama talks about his father in an ad about education. "My parents weren't rich, my father left me when I was very young. The one thing I was able to get was a great education," he says. (More analysis)

ALSO...
Two strong examples of online-only video efforts this week.

Giuliani's campaign released another episode of "Running With Rudy." The televised executive summary is a format the other campaigns would be wise to adopt.

The Clinton campaign released a how-to video about the Iowa Caucus. It includes former heart patient Bill Clinton dreaming of then chowing down on a cheeseburger, and former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack doing his best to look cool on the dance floor. Theatrics aside, it's a neat way to educate voters -- especially voters who spend time online -- about a confusing traditional process.

-- Ed O'Keefe

By washingtonpost.com Editors |  November 16, 2007; 3:12 PM ET Ad Watch
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Posted by: lane filler | November 16, 2007 4:27 PM

Posted by: pmorlan | November 16, 2007 6:34 PM