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SALT LAKE CITY -- Most political ads are very serious in nature, highlighting the successes of a candidates career or comparing records against an opponent. However, for one California mayor looking for re- election, an ad from supporters is becoming very memorable.
A study of political ads is bound to highlight the good, the bad and the controversial. In some instances, a political ad has been the deciding factor for a candidate, whether good or bad. Think back to the famous "Daisy Girl” ad of 1964 or the "Willie Horton” ad of 1988, which ultimately decided the fate of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George H.W. Bush, respectively.
Or there is the spoof ad promoted by Snickers during the 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, where a cartoon donkey and elephant tout their individual "successes." It is here where Gore's "creation" of the Internet is perpetuated and Bush’s “legacy” is declared in a humorous tone.
But for supporters of interim San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, who believe in "jobs and good government," a new ad recently released shows Lee is just "too legit to quit."
With names like MC Hammer, Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am and San Francisco Giants pitcher (fear the beard) Brian Wilson making an appearance, you'd think it was a highly touted hip-hop music video. Instead, it's an unusual, but highly entertaining, campaign ad for Mayor Ed Lee.
Add to the list of stars Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, San Francisco 49ers great Ronnie Lott, 49ers owner Jed York and former mayor Willie Brown and you've got yourself quite the political ad -- not to mention the '80s parachute pants and the dancing girls. The ad begs the response: "Look at how much fun you'd have with Ed Lee as your mayor."
The ad, which only can be described as unconventional, asks voters to "fear the moustache" of Ed Lee, saying he's the right candidate for re-election. Pitcher Brian Wilson reminds voters that all things with the name Lee are great: “Bruce Lee, Tommy Lee, Sara Lee, Motley … Crue, Ed Lee - - do it now.”
Although unconventional, the ad in no less memorable. Play it at work and chances are everyone will be singing, “Too legit to quit,” which is exactly what Lee supporters are hoping for, even if you’re not one of Lee’s constituents.
The ad was paid for by supporters of Ed Lee, with “major funding by Ron Conway and Sean Parker.”
Email: jfurlong@ksl.com
