Walker won a second term as Governor of Wisconsin in 2014. I decided to look back at his advertisements to analyze the different approaches he took through these advertisements. I found a couple of different ads in which I believe were relevant in his re-election.
The first advertisement is a television ad in which Walker states his opinion on abortion.
I have mixed emotions about this ad due solely to the fact that there is not much creativity behind it. However, I like that Walker is very honest and open throughout the ad saying exactly what he believes needs to be done and why. He does so in a very respectful way and the ad itself is not attacking or demeaning to anybody. Overall, I think that this ad created a candidate-positive image.
I can’t say the same about a national women's group based in Washington, D.C. called EMILY’s List who ended up attacking this ad. (link posted below)
http://www.channel3000.com/news/reality-check-dueling-ads-detail-abortion-bill/29017880
I then found multiple attack ads between Walker and former Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce, Mary Burke who unlike Walker is a Democrat. In the link attached below, there are four different ads, two done by Burke’s campaign and two by Walker’s.
The first ad was done by Scott Walkers Campaign. The very first thing said is that Mary Burke lied about her jobs plan and it was also plagiarized. Walker is directly attacking Burke here and even calls her out for attacking his campaign.
Mary Burke responds to Walkers ad by attacking right back. Her ad begins in a very similar fashion where she is stating that he said he was going to create more jobs as well as that he was going to be responsible and hold that promise. She ends by saying “Scott Walker’s not working for you”.
Scott Walker then responds with yet another attack ad.
I think that these ads actually make both Walker and Burke look bad. All they are doing is attacking each other instead of shining light on their own campaign and focusing on what they have to bring to the table. I think that these hate ads were being done simply because each Walker and Burke used their weaknesses and slip ups as a way to show why one another were not qualified to be governor of Wisconsin. I think that a better approach for Walker, instead of replying to Burkes attack ad with another attack ad I think he should have transformed his weaknesses into a positive.
I thought the first example shown earlier was a much better and classier approach for Walker. He was honest and straight forward creating a positive image for himself.
Another example where Walker was creating a good image would be this ad which he also used in 2014:
This ad is very positive, creative and portrays a good message without attacking anybody.
I think the last image used was very mixed. I understand what he is saying with it, but mainly because of who was sponsoring the advertisement. Personally I read it as Governor Scott Walker needs to stop deficit spending in the manner he was then. What do you think he could have done to avoid any confusion of people simply scanning the image?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the 1st advertisement was well constructed and showed over Governor walker's positive side yet with only one notable positive ad with a great majority being attacks towards his opposition, how do you feel he can turn this around and then garner support from his audience?
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteGood post. I agree that the first advertisement was well constructed and showed the positives within Walkers message. You stated that he should have capitalized on his attack ads by "...turning his weakness into a positive." Do you think this would be more appealing to the audience?
Best,
Shane Jennison
I agree that many of Walkers ads so far have been creative and effective, but do you think his ad strategies need to be expanded for him to have more success in the future?
ReplyDelete