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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2008 > June > 28 > Entry
Eye on Ohio: “Purpose” ad for John McCain
McCain ad talks about energy security.
THE AD: “Purpose,” 30 seconds.
WHERE TO SEE IT: It began airing on Ohio television stations on Friday, June 27.
SCRIPT: (Announcer): “American technology protected the world.
We went to the moon, not because it was easy, but because it was hard.
“John McCain will call America to our next national purpose: Energy security.
“A comprehensive bipartisan plan to:
“Lower prices at the pump.
“Reduce dependence on foreign oil through domestic drilling.
“And champion energy alternatives for better choices and lower costs.
“Putting country first.
“McCain.”
I’m John McCain, and I approve this message.”
VIDEO: The commercial begins with a collection of familiar photos highlighting this country’s dominance in space exploration. It fades to an animated McCain giving a speech with three American flags in the background. Next up are shots of gas pumps, oil wells, solar panels and wind farms. The spot ends with a flattering portrait of the 71-year-old McCain framed in bronze tones.
ANALYSIS: McCain deftly throws everything but the kitchen sink in this snappy 30-second clip. He invokes American innovation and technological prowess, appealing to Americans’ pride and patriotism. He highlights a problem that’s on everyone’s minds — gas prices — and promises that a McCain administration — in concert with Democrats — will bring prices down.
The commercial splashes “Energy Security” on the screen, but, of course, energy independence is inextricably tied to economic security and even national security.
The tone is hopeful and futuristic, aiming to reassure uneasy Americans.
McCain, who supports a mandatory limit on greenhouse gas emissions for the country, has proposed establishing a $300 million prize for the innovator who invents a long-lasting car battery.
Sen. Barack Obama belittled the idea, saying, “When John F. Kennedy decided that we were going to put a man on the moon, he didn’t put a bounty out for some rocket scientist to win. He put the full resources of the United States government behind the project.”
Obama, who has called for a $150 billion investment in alternative energy, attacked McCain this week for advocating to lift the ban on offshore drilling. McCain, who opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, admitted that capturing offshore oil is years away, but said the decision would have a “psychological benefit.”
A reference to nuclear power is absent from the commercial, though McCain supports expanding that industry; Obama is not opposed to it, though he’s less enthusiastic than McCain, raising concerns about cost and safety.
The commercial wraps up with “Country First,” a theme that the McCain campaign thinks it can’t overdo in light of their candidate’s heroic military service in Vietnam as a naval aviator and then as a prisoner of war for five years.
Ellen Belcher is the editorial page editor of the Dayton Daily News. E-mail: ebelcher@daytondailynews.com.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: Eye on Ohio
Comments
By Savanation
July 1, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Ethel, you are truly full of it. You are exactly the kind of empty headed sheep the Republicans thrive on. “We are facing hard times again”.(Ethel) Don’t you understand we are facing “hard times” because you voted for an idiot like Bush and McCain voted with Bush 95% of the time. They are the same. Therefore if McBush happened to get in the White House, the hard times would get even harder. Try thinking for a chance. You might like it.By Ohio Vet
June 30, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Gas is so high because of the “ENRON LOOPHOLE”. Created by McCain’s campaign manager Phil Gramm and his wife Wendy, who lobbyed it to become a bill in 2000 with Enron. McCain’s whole campaign consists of crooked lobbyists and special interests groups that are not for the American people. I suggest you do your research before you believe this commercial. He is an American Hero, but he has gotten himself mixed with the same people that got him in trouble before. Special interst groups spent over 2 billion dollars last year trying to influence the White House. That why we need “CHANGE” in the White House.By Ethel S.
June 30, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I agree with Niranha that Sen. McCain is part of the greatest generation and a true American hero. Sen. McCain has served this country with honor both in the military and the US Senate. He has worked cooperatively with both parties to have pass landmark legislation. Sen. McCain has excellent energy security plans and has been on the forefront on the environment and global warming long before any other GOP. Sen. McCain has the experience and maturity to lead this country through the many challenges he face. As a POW, he never gave up or give in. We are facing hard times again and Sen. McCain has proven he has the courage and wisdom to lead us.By niranha
June 30, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Excellent commercial; McCain should be applauded for supporting offshore drilling given current prices and the risk of foreign dependence. Ad shows great reminders of what the “Greatest Generation” did for this country- we need more heroes like them, not more/ bigger government to help us.