Campaign Ad Techniques

1) Fear: The ad tries to frighten you into voting for the candidate (or at least not voting for his/her opponent)- http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1964
Unless the opposing candidate did something very serious or potentially dangerous to his election, then this kind of ads are not effective.

2) Cartoons and Animals: The ad makes its point with cartoon characters or (usually symbolic) animals.- http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1952
This technique is only effective for children, and they can't vote.

3) Overhype:: The ad includes promises that sound good but lack details. - http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/2008
This is effective is the wrong way. Fake promises will want me to vote for the candidate less.

4) Family: The ad uses images of ideal families to give you a positive image of the candidate. - http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/curator
Not effective. Oftentimes they appear fake.

5) Put Downs: The ad insults the candidate’s opponent. - http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/curator
Not effective. Makes the candidate look pathetic and not confident.

6)Facts and Figures: The ad uses facts and statistics to support the candidate’s policies. - http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/issue/taxes
Not effective, I don't trust most of the statistics because they could be made up.

3 Assertions:

1. Overall, advertising does little to inform, mobilize, or persuade the voters who watch them. 
2. Advertising has the potential to distort the democratic process.
3. Advertising may in fact worsen a candidates chances of winning.