Breaking: Watch Governor Corzine's first ads

my take (for what it's worth) (3.75 / 4)

I like the positive angle, because the polls show that the public is down on Corzine.  On the other hand, they don't really want a Republican as governor, as Christie (and Lonegan) stay well below 50%.  So reminding them what Corzine has done and how he values the middle class seems necessary.  


Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

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by: Hopeful @ Thu May 14, 2009 at 15:39:23 PM UTC

Skill set (3.60 / 5)

I like the message of the first one. Totally agree on the strength of positive angle.

Creating an economic recovery plan before most of the nation knew we needed one was one of the best things this governor did, and his skill set was a lucky thing for New Jersey to have.

I don't like the visual pace of the ad at all. I imagine they were trying to convey action, but it's just way too jumpy and hard to watch for me.

Second one is okay, a much more standard message.  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Thu May 14, 2009 at 16:03:14 PM UTC

A Good Start... (3.33 / 3)

Corzine needs to claim the positive constructive high ground and to tout what he has done well while reinforcing the fact that he's pushing a strong healthy agenda for the children.  (Lonegan and Christie both want to cut pre k!!!)

Rosie is right to note that the cuts in the first ad were way to choppy.   Quick cuts can convey energy and a sense of action; but these were not tuned in to the text...and the imagery was repetitive in an almost annoying way.    Maybe some background music and a more coherent melding of the elements would help.

Unfortunately, a purely positive campaign won't win this one.   The right wing hate radio/cable media machine is going to only ramp up its efforts to totally destroy Jon Corzine on a personal/human level.   They will be cutting him to pieces 24/7.....and they're good at that kind of shit.   Ask Jim Florio.

Being positive and always on defense loses this election for Corzine, he's going to have to go on the attack.   There is no need for any low blows or personal attacks on Christie.....his history and his record provide more than enough ammunition.....but it needs to be skillfully and forcefully used.

And yes, the LT pick will have to be willing/able to be the attack dog in chief.......imho.

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by: Nick Lento @ Thu May 14, 2009 at 16:35:31 PM UTC

Preaching to the choir (3.67 / 6)

The positive angle is a perfect counterbalance to the increasingly divisive Republican primary.  Rather than coming out of the gate swinging, Governor Corzine is reminding voters of his responsible leadership while letting the GOP tear one another to shreds over who is more conservative.

I hope that the next set continue to focus on the economic angle in order to raise awareness about his historic budget cuts that shrunk the size of the state government (nearly 7,000 jobs) while also investing in middle class priorities.

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by: vincent solomeno @ Thu May 14, 2009 at 19:05:47 PM UTC

Good. (0.00 / 0)

They seem like strong, effective ads, especially the first one.  Whether they will change opinion enough is hard to say, tho I do suspect that Corzine's poll numbers today are low mainly because of a) spite from those who are upset with his cutting services but who in the end are going to vote for him anyway because they know a Repub will cut even more services and b) undecideds.

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by: zangband @ Fri May 15, 2009 at 16:31:42 PM UTC