Thanks to the miracle of the internet, young people today can watch the awful television commercials of the 50's, 60's, and 70's--including the campaign commercials. Lucky you! Please take a look at a one or two of the 1968 presidential campaign commercials I link here:What was the main theme of the commercial/commercials you watched? What issues were the candidates using to try to sway voters? Did the commercial/commercials seem to you at all likely to be effective?
I watched a 1968 campaign commercial for Richard Nixon. The main theme of the commercial was restoring law and order and bringing stability back to the United States. The ad focused on the violence, riots, and unrest that were happening during the 1960s and suggested that Nixon was the candidate who could unite the country and return it to a sense of peace and security.
ReplyDeleteThe issues Nixon used to sway voters included crime, civil unrest, and concerns about the ongoing Vietnam War. The commercial appealed to Americans who felt worried about the direction of the country and wanted stronger leadership. Rather than presenting many specific policies, the ad emphasized the idea that Nixon could provide experienced and steady leadership during a difficult time.
I think the commercial was likely effective for many voters in 1968. At the time, many Americans were concerned about protests, riots, and political divisions, so Nixon's message of law and order probably resonated with people looking for stability. The commercial was simple, emotional, and focused on issues that were important to voters, which helped make it persuasive.
I watched the Robert Kennedy commercial. He was targeting Nebraska voters by speaking to young children and driving home how the pollution from automobiles and refuse needed to be addressed now so that they (children) wouldn't have to live under ground or run around wearing gas masks because of the polluted air.
ReplyDeletePersonally, this probably wasn't the best strategy. He most likely would have scored more points by reading them a book or talking about what interested them. More than likely they did tell their parents that they would need to purchase gas masks because the air wasn't safe and that they couldn't drink the water because it wasn't clean. Or that they needed to start digging a bunker because it wouldn't be safe to live above ground due to pollution.
After watching the campaign commercials, Nixon's main theme was restoring law and order, bringing stability, and ending the unrest that many Americans felt because of crime, protests, and the Vietnam War. Humphrey's commercial focused more on hope, unity, and continuing progress through his experience and leadership. Both candidates were trying to convince voters they could lead the country through a difficult time, but they emphasized different approaches. I think Nixon's commercial was probably more effective because it directly addressed the fears and frustrations many Americans were experiencing in 1968, making his message feel more urgent and relatable.
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