There is an adage which warns against kicking a man when he’s down, but what is one to do when that man paints a target on himself and begs for it?
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee today gave what can only be termed as the most bizarre press conference of 2007. Given that today is New Year’s Eve, that’s quite an accomplishment.
To believe Huck, you have to believe that he spent a chunk of cash (which is no doubt in short supply) creating a “negative ad” with which he was planning on pummeling Mitt today starting at noon. Then – and one can only venture a guess as to why – Huck had an epiphany this morning and decided to keep his campaign on a “positive” track rather than stooping to mudslinging.
This would all be fine and good with the glaring exception of his Bizarro Press Conference where he showed his negative ad to a room packed with reporters. The ad basically accuses Mitt of being a bold faced liar. If ever there was a case of the pot calling the kettle black, this is it. The New York Times link has video I’m sure will be plastered across the net. You’ll note the raucous laughter of the reporters as Huck tells the story of his epiphany.
No, Huck, they aren’t laughing with you. Neither am I. I’m laughing at you.
You see, I don’t buy Huck’s story. Not in the least. I think he’s being disingenuous. In short, I think he’s lying.
Political ads don’t just grow on trees. They take time to make and cost a wad of cash to generate. I don’t know the full extent of Huck’s finances, but I think it’s a safe bet he doesn’t have cash to throw down the rat hole by creating hit ads he’s never going to use. In my not so humble opinion, Huck’s Bizzaro Press Conference was part of a seriously flawed strategy that has now blown up in his face.
Huck wanted to throw down a hit ad on Mitt and still come away smelling like a rose. He wanted the people of Iowa specifically, and Americans in general, to believe he had Mitt lined up in his sights and his finger on the proverbial trigger and then at the last moment decided to be merciful and positive. The only problem with his plan is the number of people who believe his epiphany story can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Iowans know hypocrisy when they see it, and right now they see it personified by Mike Huckabee.
Huck has spent the better part of the past two days whining about comparison ads run by Mitt in Iowa and New Hampshire. Methinks the Gov doth protest far too much. Mitt’s ad barrage is devastatingly accurate and Huck knows this. He also knows he doesn’t have the resources (or the record) to go toe to toe with Mitt in the last few days leading up to the Hawkeye Cauci. Huck knows if he loses Iowa people will be chasing him down trying to jab him in the hindquarters with a huge fork because he’ll be way past done.
While Huck’s Bizarro Press Conference won’t eclipse Howard Dean’s spectacular Iowa implosion, I’m beginning to think it might come in as a close second.
I still wonder if the weight loss surgery story/rumor scared off Huck. Did Joe Carter's decision to leave have anything to do with the surgery story, or was he just fed up with Huck's lunacy?
We've spoken on numerous occasions about the unique innovations that Romney has used to drive his campaign forward. Tonight, I spoke at the Leadership Institute's Internet Fundraising Forum... when I get back to my email I see that the Romney campaign has redefined fundraising once again.
One of the fundamental principles of fundraising is trust. How do I know (as a contributor) that you're going to use the money I give you in the right way. Well... now you know.
Introducing the Victory Fund. The Romney camp gives you the ability to buy an actual ad in a local early state market. (see graphic below)
Just like you buy a brick to build your local library. Now you can buy a brick in the Romney media machine as he drives toward victory!
There is a little syntax error in your links. the '&' symbol just before 'fid' should be a comma. Otherwise it will not serve the purpose of auto-filling the fid number.
I caught one of Mitt's new ads this weekend. We're going to need someone to utilize our system of checks and balances to keep the Democrat Congress in line especially when it comes to the budget and the military. I think this is a smart move. President Bush has used his veto power far too little and here's an area where Mitt can stand out.
Mitt sends in the first volley with the first ads of the election and we take you on a quick tour of the blogoshere... what are people saying about Mitt anyway?
Republican Mitt Romney, flush with cash from early fundraising, this week will air his first presidential campaign ad to introduce himself to voters in several early voting states. The 60-second spot describes the former Massachusetts governor as a "business legend" who "rescued the Olympics" and "turned around a Democratic state."
Romney himself adds: "This is not a time for more talk and dithering in Washington. It's a time for action."
MORE:
The ad is set to air starting Wednesday in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Michigan and Florida.
It is the first ad by a top-tier contender in a campaign experts believe will cost more than $1 billion by the time it ends in November 2008.
AND:
Madden refused to reveal the cost or scope of the ad buy, except to say both the full ad and an abridged, 30-second version will air in "select markets" in the five states.
The Hotline has learned that Ex-MA Gov. Mitt Romney will air his first campaign advertisement in Iowa. Beginning tomorrow, the 30-second spot will air on network television affiliates in Des Moines, and possibly on stations in other markets. The buy will last through 2/25.
This move, if confirmed, will do several things:
It will continue the media buzz following last week's roll-out of his campaign
It will increase his name ID in Iowa where it is lower than in NH
It will bring new life to an already alive fundraising arm of his campaign
It may make Rudy and McCain have to think about making similiar moves though they don't have the name ID working against them at this juncture
This move, if confirmed, will do several things:
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