Two ads hit the airwaves today in Chattanooga and other parts of the state stumping for Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Neither really targets Tennessee voters directly, but do encourage voters to vote on February 5th.
The first one is called "Voices." Clinton says "in this troubled economy, how can so many millions of people simply not be heard? Well, I hear you. You're asking for healthcare that covers everyone. Protection from losing your home. You would like to fill your tank without draining your wallet and give your kids the future they deserve? If I am your president, I will bring more than 35 years of experience to the White House. I will bring your voice."
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The second one is called "Falling Through." In the ad, Clinton says "the Bush economy is like a trapdoor. Too many families are one pink slip, one missed mortgage payment, one medical diagnosis away from falling through and losing everything. The oil companies, the predatory student loan companies, the insurance companies and the drug companies, have had seven years of a President who stands up for them. I intend to be a president who stands up for all of you."
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Obama's camp reportedly cancelled their ad buy in Tennessee, saying they only intended to run a blitz during the first part of early voting to support those going to the polls early. The ad shown in Tennessee was called "Take It Back." It's sort of an introduction to the candidate piece, that ran early last summer in Iowa. Obama says "I know I haven't spent a lot of time in Washington, but I've been in Washington long enough to know it must change." The ad then trumpets Obama work on ethics reform and how he's refusing money from PACs and lobbiest.
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Neither campaign will say how much they spent on their ad buys in Tennessee, but John Bailes, Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair says "the Democrats realize this is a state they can win in 2008 and so running ads this early is not just about targeting for the primary vote but also setting up for the general election, this is a competitive state." Bailes says Tennessee is a Purple state, neither Blue or Red, and its 85 Democratic delegates are attractive to the candidates.
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