Friday, October 31, 2008

Can TV Ads Solve Our Economic Woes?

Have we dug our pit of financial problems too deep to get out? That is what the New York Times was asking America on Tuesday. According to the times, it seems we are in a lose-lose situation for economic growth in America. Their article says neither candidate has provided enough evidence they will solve the nation’s financial problems. As the article suggests, both candidates have not given enough detail on spending programs and tax cuts funding. I agree. As this has been a time of campaigning, many economic plans have been blanket statements that are very vague, but just informative enough to get votes. The article concluded Obama’s economic policies will have less of a negative impact than McCain’s and that McCain will just “dig a deeper hole” for the nation’s economy.

But, as Obama unveiled his 30 minute infomercial on Wednesday night, his economic plans became more clear. In fact, it could not be more clear. He even said, “As president, here’s what I will do.” He then summed up his intentions after explaining his plans saying, “none of that grows government, it grows the economy and keeps people on the job, this is what we can do right now.”

However, McCain has fought back, with the Republican strategies team announcing their campaign funds will now be spent on television advertising. The ads will run over the next four days. An article in the Washington Post quotes the Republican team as doing this last minute to get “soft Obama supporters” over their way, especially in the swing vote states. I look forward to seeing McCain’s ads and see how they compare to Obama’s final address to voters. Will he opt for an infomercial as long as Obama’s? Is a 30 minute advertisement really necessary or effective? Will anyone actually watch the entire infomercial and digest all the information?

Besides, is it worth spending the remainder of campaign funds attracting so-called soft Obama supporters? After all, absentee votes are drawing to a close and the election is only four days away. If people have not decided now, they never will and will never bother to vote in this election. This has been called a historic election and has evoked passion into the nation to exercise their democratic rights and vote. A donkey vote does not show passion. People will vote if they believe in their chosen candidate. What I’m getting at is the effectiveness of television ads so close to the election. Give it up boys. The election is upon us. Let the voting begin.