As with most heavily funded political campaigns, at this point in the Democratic Primary race the political TV ads are just a waste of money. First, the great majority of people have already decided on which candidate they are going to back. And, most of the undecided voters are just lying, because they do not have the brass kahonas to take a stand in front of their family or friends. Second, the mere appearance of political TV ads, regardless of their content, can have what I call the Annoyance Effect and actually encourage people to support the other candidate. It is called the Who Do I Hate the Least vote. Third, nobody is listening to them. They all sound like the teacher in an old Charlie Brown show, wa-wa-wah-wah. We tune those ads out so naturally that if you strung 20 minutes of them together, you would have the ultimate meditation tape.



What would happen if a candidate decided to scrap political TV ads? I am not saying do not participate in the process, the mistake that Rudy Giuliani made. In my humble opinion, more personal appearances will have a greater impact on the voters. The free media coverage from the local press can have more influence on voters than some political ad will. And, the national media is always hanging around so the candidate will still get the national coverage. Even the national audience has a better chance of getting to know the person instead of just hearing some more rhetoric. That can be a double edged sword if the candidate is a real schmuck, but that just means the person needs a new occupation. Or conversely, the only thing that that person is qualified to do is be a politician. Perhaps then take the money saved on not production and TV time and donate it to charity. Heavens, the voters will not know what to think.

What is a candidate to do? Well, I have the answer. Below is my script for the ultimate political ad. It is totally out of character for any candidate, because it is simple and honest. If they have to run ads to make their campaign advisors happy, then the person that runs this ad will get my vote.

- (30 second TV spot)

- (The Candidate comes on the screen)

- I'm (candidate says name) and I approve this message...

- (for 23 seconds we see a Still Shot of the candidate accompanied by total silence)

- (Candidate comes back on the screen.)

- I'm (candidate says name) and I stand by this message.

Oh, to dream that that even one candidate could be that self-confident and eloquent?!?!