What exactly is going on here? Mitt and Ann, after a dinner party, telling the guests to huddle up so they can share a bit of impromptu parenting advice?

That is a bit odd, especially when Ann pipes in. It works better when Mitt is talking in generalities about how important it is to teach values to our kids.

Of course I tend to focus on things like how ugly the drapes are, and how it can’t possibly be their house, so what do I know?

What exactly is going on here?

I suspect this is an Iowa / New Hamshire aimed ad. I hear politics is so retail there, you frequently do end up meeting with handfuls of people in homes in businesses. I heard it jokingly stated once that no-one in New Hampshire would even consider voting for someone they hadn’t personally talked to.

What exactly is going on here? Mitt and Ann, after a dinner party, telling the guests to huddle up so they can share a bit of an impromptu parenting advice?

I think your first instincts are accurate. Mitt is everything Rudy is not and eventually he will have to attack Rudy on that level.

BUT, this is also a shot across the bow of the other candidates that have received some pretty well known endorsements. Regardless of who endorses a candidate, that candidate still has to BE that which he is endorsed for.

Mitt has the family values high road locked up and he’s making that point very forcefully. Because in the end, family transcends ALL political parties and people know that no matter who gets into office, they still have the responsibility of their family to take care of. Mitt speaks to that like no other candidate can on either side.

The first candidate to enlist “Sands of Passion” Zucker to their side will not regret it.

It’s like sympathy from older and single woman for Hillary when she’s made fun of for her looks/body.

Mitt should tone down the smile, the shade of his laminates, the crispness of his suits. Let his hair get a little out-of-place. Maybe he can concoct a situation where he takes his shoes off and he has a hole in his socks. Sure fire winner.

I dont know why this site has it for Mitt.

Labamigo on November 19, 2007 at 11:04 AM

“This site” doesn’t have it in for Mitt. Allah just has strong opinions on ads. He’s trashed just about all of the Republican ads, not just Mitt’s, and in some degree, I agree with him.

Just like in the last ad, they’ve got him lit like Nosferatu. And just like in the last ad, he goes out of his way to remind social cons he’s not perfect.

ermm….i think that’s because the scenes of him talking are all taken from the first ad.

Though Huckabee could probably get away with this kind of ad. Wonder why he doesn’t.

Mitt’s shoring up his “social conservatism” leg of his conservative three legged stool. So nice ad.

jjjen, What part of add don’t you agree with? It may show more about you than Romney

KBird on November 19, 2007 at 10:22 AM

Actually I agree with everything. Maybe I need more nuts and bolts in an political ad.

Always Right on November 19, 2007 at 10:34 AM

If you’re going to get into “subliminal” analysis, I have a different take.

Notice how they light the right side of Rudy’s face, leaving the left side in shadow.

And, I think its well done.

“after dinner” conversation? Really . . . quit stretching to find something to complain about.

If I were him, I’d be working to show I’m not a one-trick pony by putting out substantive ads on health-care and immigration.

I agree, man. Most people already have a great image of Rudy regarding 9/11, his mayoral stint, etc. Reinforcing that may help a little bit, but in the primaries I don’t get it. Primaries are normally more issues-focused, and the voters are more intelligent and discriminating than your typical general election voter. Especially in places like Iowa. This ad makes more sense if he is running against Edwards or Obama later or something.

I care about your family only if they’re going to pitch in to help build the border fence.

saint kansas on November 19, 2007 at 9:47 AM

lol my thoughts exactly. I’m not entirely sure why Mitt is running on the ‘perfect family’ platform. Like Clark said, is someone running against families?
I’ve said it before but Mitt’s polished, perfectionism makes me vaguely uncomfortable.
I have a cousin who has a ‘perfect’ family like that and to tell you the truth I can’t stand them lol. They’re like the pod people. Probably just jealousy on my part…sigh.

Trust me, your message is soft enough already.

Vote for me or the Hillary vampire will take office

and suck all the cash from your wallets.