Analysis of Election Ads

The Obama ad seems very hopeful, and inspirational. He shows that he has made history in more ways than one by registering several people to vote, insipiring young peolpe to take part in the political process, and ofcourse by being the first potential black president of the United States. He portrays this in his ad by showing several people who support him and have been inspired by him who are carrying "hope" and "change" signs. Also, we get the feeling that he has made history through the use of the black outline around the screen as well as the fuzzy, poor quality of the ad. He shows a lot of average, mainstream Americans in the ad to show that he has always made this election about the people and not about him. He tried to refute the argument that he is an elietest by showing farms, and walking in average clothes along side construction workers and average people. The American flag is also represented numerous times throughout the ad to suggest that he is patriotic and cares about America. Additionally, the upbeat music in the ad gives the viewer a feeling of hope and inspires us to have an optimistic, proud, and positive outook to the future. Also, his eloquence gives him the upper hand in this ad because it shows his confidence and sincerity. He sounds genuine when he doesn't have to look at his notes or when he pauses after certain phrases to emphasize his message. The McCain ad portrays him as a strong fighter. He uses the phrase " we wont surrender, they will". To show he is courageous and patriotic, he shows clips of himself as a P.O.W. Although the music is supposed to be inspirational, positive, strong, and looking to the future, it seems a little scary to me. It's too fast paced and so low that it gives off this ery, anxious feeling of anticipation. Although the clouds seem to represent hopefulness and a bright future, I think he should have used brighter colors in the non-black and white clips. Also, he uses historical figures like Roosevelt and Churchill to suggest that he will be tough, and an excellent leader through difficult times. He shows images of children towards the end of the ad to suggest that he is focused on making a better, safer nation for the children and future of America.