Old-fashioned Ads on the Economy: Obama and McCain, Talking Directly to the Camera

Both candidates released ads today addressing the economy, and both use an old-fashioned style; they address the camera directly. This is meant to reflect the urgency of the economic crisis, but also to serve as a dress rehearsal. Both ads give us a sense of what the candidate would look and sound like as president. The Jimmy Carter ad "Reality," below, is an early example of this style.

Obama ad "Plan for Change:"

McCain ad "Foundation:"

Jimmy Carter ad "Reality:"