Starting today, the Corzine campaign has a new 30-second ad going up on broadcast tv. Called If, the ad spotlights the questionable ethical behavior which has contributed to Chris Christie's rising unfavorables, as more information about him reaches more voters. The ad focuses on his eyebrow-raising history of committing serious driving offenses and getting off without a ticket or penalty, failing to disclose a sizeable loan or even pay taxes on the interest. The kind of thing you or I would get nailed on in a New Jersey minute.
There's been some grumbling that attention to Christie's driving record is a distraction. But I think it's key. I lived through Richard Nixon. I'm not down for politicians in an executive capacity deciding they're above the law. So on substance, I like this ad. I also appreciate that it's sourced and referenced - which I hope you'll take a look at - it's all after the jump.
Real Clear Politics picked up on the only quibble I have with the ad: playing the weight card on Christie. I think the coy reference in the script - "throwing his weight around" - cheapens the impact and brings it down to a more schoolyard, too-personal, ridicule of the style Ann Coulter made famous and I can do without. We get it. He's a fat, fat man. Move on to why the fat man would make a lousy governor. There's plenty to work with.
Documentation and sourcing for this ad - well worth reading - is after the jump.
