* Democratic US Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias is going up on TV for the first time. Here’s the ad…
As I’ve told you, rival Democrat David Hoffman is already on the air [refresh your memory and watch it again by clicking here]. He’s reportedly spending in the neighborhood of $250K a week for two weeks with his ad, and the Giannoulias people say they’re essentially matching that number, but that their ads are also running Downstate. I should have the competitives soon, so I’ll let you know. The ad starts running tonight, but kicks in to higher gear tomorrow.
It’s noteworthy that this spot is about how he stepped in to stop a bank that was attempting to “liquidate” an Illinois business. That’s probably a subtle response to Hoffman’s ad, which CQ Politics pointed out includes these lines…
“Let’s take that fight to the U.S. Senate,” Hoffman says in the ad. “The bankers, the lobbyists and insiders have owned Washington for too long.”
The reference to bankers is an obvious jab at the Giannoulias, who used to manage his family’s Chicago bank.
Also, this ad is about jobs. Not enough candidates are talking about jobs right now.
…Adding… Script…
[Open to Hartmarx Plant]
Hartmarx Worker 1: I work here at Hartmarx
Hartmarx Worker 2: 32 years
Hartmarx Worker 3: 46 years
Hartmarx Worker 1: 43 years
HM Worker 3: Banks were looking to liquidate.
HM Worker 1: We were going to lose our jobs.
Alexi Giannoulias: I wasn’t sure if we could help the workers, but I knew we had to try.
HM Worker 1: One man, speaks from the heart.
HM Worker 2: Alexi really stood up with us.
[On Screen: Giannoulias to Wells Fargo: Back Off Hartmarx. Chicago Sun-Times, 5.7.09]
Alexi Giannoulias: We sent a message to this bank: If you want to do business in Illinois, you have to save these jobs.
HM Worker 3: There’s almost 600 jobs here that were saved.
Alexi Giannoulias [stand by your ad]: I’m Alexi Gianoulias and I approve this message.
HM Worker 3: We need more people like Alexi in politics; a person that cares
40 Comments
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 11:56 am:
I’m no fan of Alexi’s and won’t vote for him, but he dug deep and gets an A+.
Great ad! Alexi’s handling of the Hart Marx situation was outstanding and speaks to the type of U.S. Senator he will be. Its also outstanding to have the workers say how great the action was. Its more impactful than hoffman patting his own back. Nice Joe Costigan placement as well.
Very effective. Will not be surprised if we see this advertisement make a re-appearance for a 2011 Mayoral bid should Alexi get buried in primary or general.
The messaging, in my opinion, is spot on. Add that to the professional production quality and the powerful “We need more people like Alexi in politics; a person that cares” send off and you have a first rate, positive, political ad. Exactly what he should be running at this point in the election cycle.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:05 pm:
Nicely done. Seems to have just the right combination of men, women and minorities giving focused testimonies. Could be effective and move some city numbers.
It’s a good ad. 8/10. However, I’m finding it amusing that even though his folks seem to be testing these in advance on Youtube (see, Alexi Stands Up For Illinois Workers), he always manages to screw up at least one thing re: body language that doesn’t get edited out. Odd.
Very well done (but the sound really helps this one Rich). This ad reminds me of one Paul Simon did in ‘90 about his role in settling a Metra strike. Simon’s tag line was something like, “leadership that counts; leadership that cares.”
To me, Giannoulias looks more “Senatorial” than Hoffman when you compare the two ads.
The visuals in Hoffman’s ad really turned me off, as I think I made clear yesterday. Poorly lit, rapidly and constantly blinking eyes (which viewers generally take as a sign of not telling the truth), head cocked and jerky movements. That’s not your usual AKPD product, but A is gone now. That Hoffman ad can’t really compete with this one.
And if this analysis seems superficial, well, it’s intended that way. TV is by far the most superficial medium, so ads, in my view, have to first be judged in that context.
They both have decent messages, but Giannoulias’ is far better presented.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:32 pm:
8/10 are you kidding?????
the huge copycat factor of this ad alone merits no less than a 9. we’re going to see many more like it, which is kinda sad because it means that others won’t be thinking outside the box the way and offer something fresh the way Alexi g. did.
I can see the Pat Quinn ads now,
governor quinn signs tougher gun law bill…
(of course his ad won’t tell you who actually sponsored it, though)
Little old lady: I am so glad he signed this bill.
Little old man: It was really nice of governor quinn to sign this bill
Man w/spanish accent: I am pleased that the governor signed this bill.
—-Sun-Times headline: Governor Quinn signs tough gun law bill 12/3/2009—————-
Young black woman waiting at a bus on the west side of chicago: it’s great that governor quinn signed this bill.
middle aged suburban white male: governor quinn signed a bill that is really helpful to a lot of people; thank you governor quinn.
===
To me, Giannoulias looks more “Senatorial”….
===
Hmmm. Interesting. I honestly don’t see either as “senatorial-looking”, but that might be more of an R thing on my part. Gov maybe someday (for Alexi); Mayor (for Hoffman), but not senatorial for either.
The body language. Additionally, I had problems with your argument as there are no “copy cats” at this time. It’s almost like saying that there’s sure to be a copy cat serial killer just because there’s a serial killer on the loose. Not always true.
- AlexiAlbatross - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:57 pm:
If you want to really know what Alexi is about, check out the Mick Dumke story in the Reader this week:
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:01 pm:
Hold on now folks (sour grapes brigade?), jobs (creation/preservation) are no longer just a local or state issue. Nationally unemployment is significant and by all indication will remain so next year.
Couldn’t possibly be, I’m sure. After all, you’ve been positioning yourself as a Kirk supporter most of the time.
Sorry. Bad call on my part…obviously.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:16 pm:
duly noted, rich. thank you.
anonymous, if his body language bothers you that much that you give the ad a low B (at an , okay. I think this ad will influence others, rightly or wrongly, to follow suit. Unfortunately I think there are some people in the 2010 election cycle who aren’t very creative, fresh and forward in their thinking. I remain hopeful that most candidates will dig deep in their own right and not just copy Alexi G, though.
In terms of quality, tone, substance and appearance Alexi G’s ad is brilliant. My other favorite is the Hynes attack ad on Quinn taxing the income of people making as little as $14K/yr.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:42 pm:
anonymous read my first post, please note the first several words (hint: before the comma).
Great ad by Alexi. Stark contrast from Hoffman’s ad. His was a bit too run-of-the-mill. It’s the type of ad I would ignore because there are thousands out there exactly like it. Alexi’s ad did a great job of catching my attention aesthetically, and backed everything up with some good content…I give it an A
Anonymous, you left out part of my sentence. He looks more “Senatorial” than Hoffman when comparing the two ads.
- Big Policy Nerd - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 2:08 pm:
8/10. Good ad and well produced. Adelstein Liston always puts out good stuff. Better ad than Hoffman’s because it shows Alexi with regular people, rather than just talking to a camera. I understand why he focused on HartMarx in the ad, because the people in the ad appeal to the core democratic constituency adn the #1 issue in the election is by far jobs jobs jobs. But I would have liked to see him with other people too…Farmers,Veterans, Small Business people…
- Two Words: Blair Hull - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 2:36 pm:
Not a bad ad. But Giannoulias speaks in the middle twice with out being identified. It’s like who the Hell is that? Is it an announcer? the candidate? A worker? Why don’t they have him face the camera for those lines?
Good ad notwithstanding, all this collapses like a house of cards when you pop the Rezko/Russian mobster/$75 mil payday family banking scandal.
You’re a rich kid, and you’ve in too far
‘Cause Treasurer isn’t where you want to stay
You can rely on the old man’s money
You can rely on the old man’s money
It’s a political itch kid, close but no cigar
‘Cause Treasurer isn’t in the screenplay
They say money won’t get you too far,
Nuthin’ but an Obama Czar.
And don’t you know, don’t you know
That it’s wrong to take what is given you
So far gone, on your own
You can get along if you try to be strong
But you’ll never be strong
‘Cause
You’re a rich kid, once Obama’s star
The One turned to Madigan anyway
You can rely on the old man’s money
You can rely on the old man’s money
You’re unhitched kid, you’re on your own
‘Cause Barack thinks that you are passe
Hoffman claims you’re easily outsmart,
After Bright Start
Your ads claim, bankers are insane
They cause job loss, and inflict needless pain
Your polls show, that with all your dough,
That they don’t trust, kids born upper crust
So you claim you’re one of us, oh!
You’re a rich kid, you don’t know who you are
‘Cause you’re a banker, no matter what you say
You rely on the old man’s money
You rely on the old man’s money
Economy’s in a ditch kid, voters got feathers and tar
‘Cause they want to make the incumbants pay
Broadway’s money won’t get you too far,
This campaign is gonna leave you a big scar,
Family money won’t be your savior,
You won’t get very far
2 things…first, this is very similiar to the blagojevich ad in 2002 with the seiu people…the janitors. anybody else notice that? second, who is cheryle jackson?
No denyin’. It is a very good ad. My quibble is that the HartMarx story was already all over the news quite a while ago. The issue of what he proposes to do next to help create jobs may be considerably more important to the voting public RIGHT NOW than what he did before. If he tag teams this ad with another good one with specifics about the future then he’ll really have something. 8-10
Riffing off Responsa and Heartless Libertarian — seeing them and raising them one, HartMarx has been a business on life support for decades. How hard is it for a statewide politician to “save” jobs by bullying the business owners/lenders? Which is all Alexi did here. Threats to businesses (”You won’t do business in Illinois if you don’t keep these people employed” - sounds much to close to the language used by his own family bank’s mobster customers) is a business killer, not a job enhancer. This ad praises Alexi for the wrong thing. Responsa is right - what strategery does Alexi have to promote business and job growth and development?
In the end, Hartmax did lay off lots of workers, including in downstate IL and out of state. So while a win, they didn’t save the downstate jobs, an opening for Hoffman/Jackson downstate.
Just read a NY Times article where Axelrod comments on how worried he is about the seat. The White House didn’t want Alexi to run because they know he can’t win a statewide with Kirk who can bring in the independents. I am extremely doubtful about Alexi’s chances…
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 11:56 am:
I’m no fan of Alexi’s and won’t vote for him, but he dug deep and gets an A+.
Very powerful and well done ad.
- anon - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 11:56 am:
Great ad! Alexi’s handling of the Hart Marx situation was outstanding and speaks to the type of U.S. Senator he will be. Its also outstanding to have the workers say how great the action was. Its more impactful than hoffman patting his own back. Nice Joe Costigan placement as well.
This ad gets a big A.
- Area 2 - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:02 pm:
Very effective. Will not be surprised if we see this advertisement make a re-appearance for a 2011 Mayoral bid should Alexi get buried in primary or general.
- dave - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:03 pm:
Very good ad = maybe the best I have seen this year from any of the statewide candidates.
- Obamarama - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:04 pm:
The messaging, in my opinion, is spot on. Add that to the professional production quality and the powerful “We need more people like Alexi in politics; a person that cares” send off and you have a first rate, positive, political ad. Exactly what he should be running at this point in the election cycle.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:05 pm:
Nicely done. Seems to have just the right combination of men, women and minorities giving focused testimonies. Could be effective and move some city numbers.
- Ghost - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:11 pm:
WHoever is doing Alexi’s ad’s is putting out betetr stuff then anyone else IMHO, including the gubernatorial canidates.
- Heartless Libertarian - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:12 pm:
There is really no denying how great the ad is… but I can’t help but adding a little snark… 600 jobs created or saved!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:18 pm:
It’s a good ad. 8/10. However, I’m finding it amusing that even though his folks seem to be testing these in advance on Youtube (see, Alexi Stands Up For Illinois Workers), he always manages to screw up at least one thing re: body language that doesn’t get edited out. Odd.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:22 pm:
Very well done (but the sound really helps this one Rich). This ad reminds me of one Paul Simon did in ‘90 about his role in settling a Metra strike. Simon’s tag line was something like, “leadership that counts; leadership that cares.”
9/10.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:22 pm:
To me, Giannoulias looks more “Senatorial” than Hoffman when you compare the two ads.
The visuals in Hoffman’s ad really turned me off, as I think I made clear yesterday. Poorly lit, rapidly and constantly blinking eyes (which viewers generally take as a sign of not telling the truth), head cocked and jerky movements. That’s not your usual AKPD product, but A is gone now. That Hoffman ad can’t really compete with this one.
And if this analysis seems superficial, well, it’s intended that way. TV is by far the most superficial medium, so ads, in my view, have to first be judged in that context.
They both have decent messages, but Giannoulias’ is far better presented.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:27 pm:
Giannoulais reminds voters that bankers, like him, are a scourge.
But that he is different.
- Scooby - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:29 pm:
Maybe you should write a song about that.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:32 pm:
8/10 are you kidding?????
the huge copycat factor of this ad alone merits no less than a 9. we’re going to see many more like it, which is kinda sad because it means that others won’t be thinking outside the box the way and offer something fresh the way Alexi g. did.
I can see the Pat Quinn ads now,
governor quinn signs tougher gun law bill…
(of course his ad won’t tell you who actually sponsored it, though)
Little old lady: I am so glad he signed this bill.
Little old man: It was really nice of governor quinn to sign this bill
Man w/spanish accent: I am pleased that the governor signed this bill.
—-Sun-Times headline: Governor Quinn signs tough gun law bill 12/3/2009—————-
Young black woman waiting at a bus on the west side of chicago: it’s great that governor quinn signed this bill.
middle aged suburban white male: governor quinn signed a bill that is really helpful to a lot of people; thank you governor quinn.
#
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:40 pm:
And your point, WCW?
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:47 pm:
Anonymous, come on. what was it that made the add less than a 9 or 10 in your view, seriously?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:50 pm:
Please, one “d” in ad.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:51 pm:
===
To me, Giannoulias looks more “Senatorial”….
===
Hmmm. Interesting. I honestly don’t see either as “senatorial-looking”, but that might be more of an R thing on my part. Gov maybe someday (for Alexi); Mayor (for Hoffman), but not senatorial for either.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:53 pm:
The body language. Additionally, I had problems with your argument as there are no “copy cats” at this time. It’s almost like saying that there’s sure to be a copy cat serial killer just because there’s a serial killer on the loose. Not always true.
- AlexiAlbatross - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 12:57 pm:
If you want to really know what Alexi is about, check out the Mick Dumke story in the Reader this week:
http://www.chicagoreader.co
m/chicago/can-alexi-giannoulias-
family-bank-obamas-senate-seat/
Content?oid=1245291
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:01 pm:
Hold on now folks (sour grapes brigade?), jobs (creation/preservation) are no longer just a local or state issue. Nationally unemployment is significant and by all indication will remain so next year.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:05 pm:
We’re rating an AD, WCW. Have a vested interest in this one, m/b?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:12 pm:
Couldn’t possibly be, I’m sure. After all, you’ve been positioning yourself as a Kirk supporter most of the time.
Sorry. Bad call on my part…obviously.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:16 pm:
duly noted, rich. thank you.
anonymous, if his body language bothers you that much that you give the ad a low B (at an
, okay. I think this ad will influence others, rightly or wrongly, to follow suit. Unfortunately I think there are some people in the 2010 election cycle who aren’t very creative, fresh and forward in their thinking. I remain hopeful that most candidates will dig deep in their own right and not just copy Alexi G, though.
In terms of quality, tone, substance and appearance Alexi G’s ad is brilliant. My other favorite is the Hynes attack ad on Quinn taxing the income of people making as little as $14K/yr.
- Will County Woman - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:42 pm:
anonymous read my first post, please note the first several words (hint: before the comma).
- anon - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 1:58 pm:
Great ad by Alexi. Stark contrast from Hoffman’s ad. His was a bit too run-of-the-mill. It’s the type of ad I would ignore because there are thousands out there exactly like it. Alexi’s ad did a great job of catching my attention aesthetically, and backed everything up with some good content…I give it an A
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 2:04 pm:
Anonymous, you left out part of my sentence. He looks more “Senatorial” than Hoffman when comparing the two ads.
- Big Policy Nerd - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 2:08 pm:
8/10. Good ad and well produced. Adelstein Liston always puts out good stuff. Better ad than Hoffman’s because it shows Alexi with regular people, rather than just talking to a camera. I understand why he focused on HartMarx in the ad, because the people in the ad appeal to the core democratic constituency adn the #1 issue in the election is by far jobs jobs jobs. But I would have liked to see him with other people too…Farmers,Veterans, Small Business people…
- Two Words: Blair Hull - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 2:36 pm:
Not a bad ad. But Giannoulias speaks in the middle twice with out being identified. It’s like who the Hell is that? Is it an announcer? the candidate? A worker? Why don’t they have him face the camera for those lines?
Good ad notwithstanding, all this collapses like a house of cards when you pop the Rezko/Russian mobster/$75 mil payday family banking scandal.
Collapse. Hull-style.
- Leroy - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 3:49 pm:
These commercials make me feel good about the future of Illinois.
Just like the commercials ten years ago did.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 4:09 pm:
OK! Here is a song…
Rich Kid - Hall/Oates, enhanced by VanillaMan
You’re a rich kid, and you’ve in too far
‘Cause Treasurer isn’t where you want to stay
You can rely on the old man’s money
You can rely on the old man’s money
It’s a political itch kid, close but no cigar
‘Cause Treasurer isn’t in the screenplay
They say money won’t get you too far,
Nuthin’ but an Obama Czar.
And don’t you know, don’t you know
That it’s wrong to take what is given you
So far gone, on your own
You can get along if you try to be strong
But you’ll never be strong
‘Cause
You’re a rich kid, once Obama’s star
The One turned to Madigan anyway
You can rely on the old man’s money
You can rely on the old man’s money
You’re unhitched kid, you’re on your own
‘Cause Barack thinks that you are passe
Hoffman claims you’re easily outsmart,
After Bright Start
Your ads claim, bankers are insane
They cause job loss, and inflict needless pain
Your polls show, that with all your dough,
That they don’t trust, kids born upper crust
So you claim you’re one of us, oh!
You’re a rich kid, you don’t know who you are
‘Cause you’re a banker, no matter what you say
You rely on the old man’s money
You rely on the old man’s money
Economy’s in a ditch kid, voters got feathers and tar
‘Cause they want to make the incumbants pay
Broadway’s money won’t get you too far,
This campaign is gonna leave you a big scar,
Family money won’t be your savior,
You won’t get very far
Hardy - har - har!
- wordslinger - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 4:38 pm:
Very strong message, great concept, well-executed with superior production values. Best of the season to date.
The point-and-click digital crowd should take notice.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 4:48 pm:
Same answer, Rich. Like I said, it’s probably an R thing.
- Anon - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 5:38 pm:
2 things…first, this is very similiar to the blagojevich ad in 2002 with the seiu people…the janitors. anybody else notice that? second, who is cheryle jackson?
- Responsa - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 8:01 pm:
No denyin’. It is a very good ad. My quibble is that the HartMarx story was already all over the news quite a while ago. The issue of what he proposes to do next to help create jobs may be considerably more important to the voting public RIGHT NOW than what he did before. If he tag teams this ad with another good one with specifics about the future then he’ll really have something. 8-10
- alexandrascott - Thursday, Dec 3, 09 @ 8:55 pm:
Good, but could be any political ad, a bit generic.
- Conservative Republican - Friday, Dec 4, 09 @ 9:22 am:
Riffing off Responsa and Heartless Libertarian — seeing them and raising them one, HartMarx has been a business on life support for decades. How hard is it for a statewide politician to “save” jobs by bullying the business owners/lenders? Which is all Alexi did here. Threats to businesses (”You won’t do business in Illinois if you don’t keep these people employed” - sounds much to close to the language used by his own family bank’s mobster customers) is a business killer, not a job enhancer. This ad praises Alexi for the wrong thing. Responsa is right - what strategery does Alexi have to promote business and job growth and development?
- Niles Township - Friday, Dec 4, 09 @ 10:30 am:
In the end, Hartmax did lay off lots of workers, including in downstate IL and out of state. So while a win, they didn’t save the downstate jobs, an opening for Hoffman/Jackson downstate.
- Claire - Friday, Dec 4, 09 @ 11:03 am:
Just read a NY Times article where Axelrod comments on how worried he is about the seat. The White House didn’t want Alexi to run because they know he can’t win a statewide with Kirk who can bring in the independents. I am extremely doubtful about Alexi’s chances…
- Rich Miller - Friday, Dec 4, 09 @ 11:07 am:
Claire, that story is two weeks old.