Escape from the Campaign

Already tired of this year's election and the incessant negative campaigning? Well, as noted before, you're in for a long seven and a half months.

But if you're looking to escape this year's melee you can surf on over to The American Museum of the Moving Image. There you can take you're mind off George and John by watching Lyndon and Barry. Or Ron and Fritz. Or Ike and Adlai. That's right, they've got over 50 years worth of presidential political ads.

It's interesting to me how well some ads hold up. Reagan's 1984 "Morning in America" really was good. Clinton's 1992 ads, perhaps not surprisingly, still retain a certain "slick" quality.

It is also, I think, fascinating to contrast the evolution of advertising production techniques with the statis of the actual messages. Through all the flags, firemen, parades, construction workers, children and emotive music, the positive message is essentially unchanged from candidate to candidate. Likewise, each candidate tries in his own way to unleash a flood of FUD regarding his opponent.

Also noteworthy is the increasing quantity of ads in each election cycle. In 1956 the candidates had 5 ads. In 1996, there were at least 20.

Dozens of ads for both political persuasions. A pleasant political walk down memory lane. Enjoy.