Thursday, October 08, 2015

The "Draft Biden" SuperPAC releases its first advertisement. I don't know how I feel about it.

Courtesy of HuffPo: 

Draft Biden, a super PAC encouraging Vice President Joe Biden to run for president, released its first advertisement on Wednesday. 

The 90-second ad, “My Redemption,” first released on the Internet, uses Biden’s own words from his commencement address at Yale this year to describe how the tragic loss of his wife and infant daughter in a 1972 car accident made him a better parent and a stronger person. Biden’s sons, Beau and Hunter, survived the fatal accident, which occurred just a few weeks after Biden’s election to his first term in the Senate. 

“The incredible bond I have with my children is the gift I’m not sure I would have had, had I not been through what I went through,” Biden intones, as we see images of his Senate swearing-in by his sons’ side in the hospital. “But by focusing on my sons I found my redemption.” 

The ad then shows images of Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in late May at age 46.

Okay let me just admit up front that his ad bothers me.

Now it took me a bit to really understand what about it was bothering me, but now I think I know.

It's the fact that the ad seems to use the numerous tragedies in Joe Biden's life to sell him as a potential Commander-in-Chief.

That, to me, is not something which convinces me of a person's leadership abilities.

What's more it seems like an attempt to tap into the viewers emotions and elicit sympathy for Biden, which I assume is supposed to then translate into warm feelings about him as a person.

Well I have warm feelings about Joe Biden as a person, but this ad actually makes me suspicious that those feelings, which have a lot to do with Biden's authenticity and the recent passing of his son, are being manipulated for potential political gain.

And I can tell you that if true, my feelings will go from warm and fuzzy to extreme dislike in a matter of seconds.

I recognize that this is a SuperPAC, and not affiliated directly with Biden, but it might serve him well to make sure that point is understood by the public at large if he is actually considering throwing his hat into the ring. 

41 comments:

  1. Boscoe6:21 AM

    Agreed. The ad is tacky as hell.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:43 AM

      I totally agree with Gryphen and don't want to see a "sympathy" vote for Biden because that is not why I will be voting for him if he chooses to run. Biden, as President, is the closes thing we have to Obama being elected a 3rd time.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7:09 AM

      I agree! This ad leaves me feeling pissed off!
      I've had numerous tragedies in my life, but I am far from qualified to be president. If tragedies' are what Biden wants to build a presidential campaign on, he will discover that there are an overwhelming amount people that will also walk away from this ad feeling disguised too.
      Why not focus on all the great things Biden has done as VP?
      Otherwise between Hillarys' cold demeanor and Biden's poor, poor me campaigns, Bernie looks like a superstar....wait, FEEL THE BERN!
      It's as if both Biden and Hillary WANT Bernie to win....but then again, it don't have a problem with that!!!
      Bernie for President!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7:32 AM

      Anonymous7:09 AM

      Stop blaming Biden for this ad. Biden is not even gotten in the race.
      He has not thrown his hat in the ring.
      You people are to quick to malign a Democrat over something this is not of their making.
      Biden had nothing to do with is ad.

      This is why we have so many Repubs in office. Democrats are too wishy-washy.

      BUT if Biden decides to get in the race. I will support him 100%.

      Delete
    4. @ 7:09 --- Bernie "shut down" or ? the one SuperPac in his name. I can certainly see why.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous9:48 AM

      @7:09, OMG, what is with the nasty negative comments from Bernie supporters?!

      I like Bernie and I like Hillary and I like Joe Biden, but I would NEVER, as a Democrat, use my support for Bernie to bash Hillary! I am so sick of this!

      I don't think even Bernie behaves like this, so why are you creating so much negativity in the Democratic race? Ughhh!

      Delete
    6. Anonymous9:52 AM

      I heard this ad yesterday on NPR, and not only was it a turn-off, but I felt bad that the people who created it didn't consult Joe Biden.

      It felt wrong for them to have used, without his permission, words he spoke in a completely different setting, and it felt almost like being a voyeur into his personal pain.

      At the end of the NPR segment, the guy who created the ad/head of the PAC said, "I hope he likes it."

      It seems so wrong.

      And look at all the comments from people who didn't realize that Joe Biden had NOTHING to do with this ad.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous10:22 AM

      I heard this ad yesterday on NPR, and not only was it a turn-off, but I felt bad that the people who created it didn't consult Joe Biden.

      It felt wrong for them to have used, without his permission, words he spoke in a completely different setting, and it felt almost like being a voyeur into his personal pain.

      At the end of the NPR segment, the guy who created the ad/head of the PAC said, "I hope he likes it."

      It seems so wrong.

      And look at all the comments from people who didn't realize that Joe Biden had NOTHING to do with this ad.

      Delete
    8. Boscoe12:30 PM

      it's just another good reason why these pacs should be eliminated. Politicians have enough crap to deal with without some well-meaning supporters doing something dumb on their behalf at a national level, and then it gets treated like an official campaign statement.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous6:23 AM

    Who's behind the draft Biden super pac? I wonder how Joe feels about an ad he had nothing to do with?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:21 AM

      It wouldn't surprise me if some wingnut crowd was behind it. They'll stop at nothing to try to hurt Hillary Clinton. Look at all those polls that just materialized out of nowhere just at the mention of Joe Biden's name.

      Who else would want to mount a proxy campaign like this?

      Delete
  3. Anonymous6:34 AM

    Although I would support Biden if he is the nominee, I think I will send Bernie another donation, just to reaffirm my commitment to his campaign.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Olivia6:40 AM

    Thank you for your take on the ad. I have had that feeling all the way along but your words put a clarity on the issue for me. It really does seem that they want us to feel sorry for him and elect him because of our sympathy. His campaign will crash and burn if he continues this kind of outreach.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:09 AM

      To:Olivia6:40 AM

      He had nothing to do with this ad. he would never make an ad like this. In fact he has not even gotten in the race.
      So why would you say 'if HE continues this kind of outreach'?
      You have NO clue what you are talking about.

      Delete
    2. Olivia7:37 AM

      Sorry I offended you by the imprecision of my words.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Anonymous7:11 AM

      angela6:55 AM

      Eeeeeewwwwwww.
      ********************************
      Are you 12?

      Delete
    2. Actually Anon 7:11 I am fourteen.
      Problem?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7:38 PM

      That's awesome! Welcome, Angela!

      Delete
  6. GOP candidates say the most vile things and you hear hardly a peep from republicans. Liberals on the other hand have grave misgivings about the tone and content of Biden's ad, as if somehow that is cause for pause in considering him as a presidential candidate. If that final conversation between he and his son took place only between them, then yes of course he is the source of that info, as is his voice in the ad itself. Seems a little exploitive and self-serving, but that's the nature of politics.
    It takes a special kind of ego to believe you can be president.

    Liberals need concern themselves with one thing only--who has the best chance of beating back the republican onslaught?
    We've already witnessed what staying home during mid-terms wrought. Let's stop shooting ourselves in the foot. No matter how maudlin the ad, if Biden is the best choice then support him. We're not voting for or against campaign ads.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous7:24 AM

    Using personal tragedy as an emotional appeal (actually any emotional appeal) for political support is disgusting. The ad is a huge turn-off.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous7:25 AM

    That was from a speech Joe gave, quite recently I think.

    Any one of us could have made that video on a laptop. Someone is not spending money on this enterprise.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous7:36 AM

    Now, you guys see why Repubs are always in power? It's because Democrats are too quick to attack a Democrat before even knowing the facts.
    This is an ad made by a pact that Biden has nothing to do with, yet you people throwing Biden under the bus for it.. And he had nothing to do with it. I hate it that Democrats are so immature and flaky.

    PLEASE PEOPLE GROW-UP!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous7:44 AM

    The entire prospect of a Biden campaign just smacks of "Any one but Hillary...". Who is clamoring for Biden? Does he excite anyone or is he just the next handy person nearby?

    I don't care much for Hillary and I think Sanders is a mixed bag (he has good intentions, but are they practical?)

    Biden has already tried a couple of times to be president and he's never been able to light the fire of passion.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous7:44 AM

    To TC7:02 AM

    What you said is why Democrats are always losing elections. The Democratic electorate will throw a Democratic politician under the bus for the most elementary infraction.
    Whereas the Repub electorate are more mature than that, when dealing with Repub politicians.
    This ad is not of Biden's making, yet some people are ready to throw him under the bus.
    Democrats do not stand strong for each other like Repubs do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:57 AM

      Oh my goodness, where do I begin. let me just repeat your words. Republicans are more MATURE, and stand STRONG for each other? lol LAUGHING OUT LOUD ..ooooo so funny...a funny clown is here to visit. yeaaaaaaa (:@thx.com

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:40 AM

      What you said is why Democrats are always losing elections.
      -------------------
      Uh, except for the last two Presidential races. And the Rs are more mature?? Oh come on, so not true.
      Even just today McCarthy, who was supposed to be a shoe-in for Speaker was run out of town because it was plastered all over the media that subtitles were needed to understand him.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous7:51 AM

    Not that he wouldn't make a perfectly viable candidate--experience, years on the job, etc. But a year-long smarmfest is just too much to think about. Joe, chill.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous8:08 AM

    Agree with you, G.

    Exploitative and sensational. It would be fine if it was a biography or a documentary. But, as a SuperPac to raise money for Biden to run, makes it appear that they are using his tragedy to create the illusion that he'd be ready because of personal tragedy?

    How many people have had heartbreaking tragedies in their lives? That still doesn't equip them to handle their jobs. Biden has the qualifications, experience to run a campaign for President and that should be all he needs to convince voters. The ad is tasteless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:21 AM

      OT...Sorry to change topic but check this out!
      http://www.ktvu.com/news/31180746-story

      Delete
  14. Frosty8:21 AM

    If a potential candidate cannot commit to a run for the top position in the country by this time, he is not a viable candidate. If he still has doubts, it is time to JUST SAY NO, and give a truly viable D candidate his support. Or hand it to the repubs.

    The whole thing reminds me of a $P prick tease. I am sure "can I call you Joe?" isn't doing it for the reasons she did, but it still reminds me...

    As my father used to say, "shit or get off the pot".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:41 AM

      Lol.... Just be honest frosty.

      You know Hillary is toast if Biden enters the race. You really really want Hillary.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:16 AM

      I really hope that we will all vote for the Democratic nominee, no matter who we "really want".

      Delete
    3. Frosty9:21 AM

      You are ever so WRONG - in both your ASSumptions..

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:57 PM

      Whatever frosty. There is no reason Biden has to say yes or no right now just to satisfy you. Everyone always complains how the election season starts earlier and earlier every cycle, I think it is great he is 'biden' his time.

      And yes, you are a Hillary lover, and you can stick a fork in her campaign if Biden enters. You could anyways though, as she would eventually drop out due to scandal.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous8:22 AM

    I really really respect Biden and I am really hoping he runs for president.

    He is one of the few people in Washington that has done things that really matter...Remember the violence against women act.

    And I love the fact that he came out in favor of gay marriage even before Obama. That meant a lot to me personally

    And yes, he has dealt with unimaginable tragedy. But he has done it with remarkable strength. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's not embarrassed to choke up if something good or bad touches him.

    For me, he seems like one of the very few politicians who seem genuine

    Don't get me wrong. If Hillary or Bernie are the nominee, I will certainly vote for them. But my first choice will always be Joe Biden

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous8:51 AM

    Vp biden should take a break from service and enjoy his family. Same thing with Hilary. Both are lifetime achievers. There are things to do besides occupy the wh. Bernie and Al gore? Bern and eliz? Jon and steve? no evil clowns please. thanks. vote. vote for your future.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous9:56 AM

    Here's the PAC website:

    https://draftbiden2016.com/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous4:07 PM

    I think it's tasteless and exploits and cheapens this honorable, humble and capable man. There is no stopwatch to people's grief and emotions, let the man make up his own mind

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous11:58 PM

    Vice President Biden has told this group who made this ad, to stop running it.

    I told all of you Biden had nothing to do with this ad. But some of you were so quick to condemn him for it, and say you would not support him because of it, something he had no part of.
    One thing I can say about Democrats they are too quick to turn on their own, without finding out the facts.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Didn't bother to watch the ad.

    It's between Hillary and Bernie.

    Sorry, but Biden waited too long. Even if he declares now, he'll never catch up. And that will be more embarrassing than that ad.

    ReplyDelete

Don't feed the trolls!
It just goes directly to their thighs.