Wyden ad is a "big deal", "well-timed", and "exceptionally damaging to Smith"
Reviews are rolling in for Ron Wyden's ad in support of Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate
At Talking Points Memo, Eric Kleefeld notes the symbolic importance of the Wyden ad:
Wyden's involvement in an ad for Merkley is a big deal for two reasons: One, he is quite popular and could possibly be a Senator-For-Life barring some unforeseen scandal. And second, Wyden and Smith were very friendly in years past, and had a sort of non-aggression pact with each other -- so Wyden's move to campaign against Smith is a sign that the gloves have really come off in this race.
DailyKos front-pager Brownsox notes that Wyden's endorsement undermines a key argument for Gordon Smith:
It's hardly unheard of for a state's most prominent and popular politician to endorse a Senate candidate from his own party in his own state, or to cut an ad for that candidate. ...Such an act is rather notable, however, when the prominent politician in question is known for his close relationship to his favored candidate's opponent. And so it is with Oregon's senior Senator Ron Wyden; he has just done an ad for Democratic Senate candidate Jeff Merkley, who opposes Wyden's friend Gordon Smith in the November election. ...
The ad is a pretty nice one, and should help Merkley a bit. But the ad is exceptionally damaging to the Republican Smith, who has been touting his bipartisan credentials - and particularly his relationship with Wyden - as he seeks reelection in his Democratic-leaning state.
Roll Call (sub req'd) notes that Wyden has a "legendary" and "close working relationship" with Smith, which makes the ad all that much more surprising.
And the O's Jeff Mapes notes that Senator Wyden's ability to cut through the attack-ad clutter is critical:
This is ironic. Just as Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., was talking at The Oregonian's editorial board about his partnership with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the campaign of Democratic challenger Jeff Merkley was getting ready to run an ad featuring none other than Wyden.The ad is well-timed. Just as voters are expressing no end of irritation about all the negative ads in the Senate race, here comes one politician with a high approval rating saying only positive things - about Merkley.
Discuss.
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Oct. 10, 2008
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9:28 a.m.
Oct 10, '08
I like it.
The writing grabs you from the opening hook to the closing.
Wyden, to be honest, though, displays the same cold-oatmeal charisma that has softened the hearts of men and women throughout Multnomah County nursing homes for more than a generation. We can't really ask for more than that from him.
But more laudable to me than how good the ad copy is or Wyden's delivery is, is the fact that he cut the ad and it's going up.
To the Senator and his staff for having the judgment to back Merkley so visibly, I tip the hat most favorably to you.
Oct 10, '08
okay Kari, now Merkley needs an ad with every single Democrat that Smith mentioned in the debate last night.
Put every one of the dozen or so that he mentioned on camera to repeat the same thing verbatim: "Gordon Smith voted with George Bush 90% of the time. He mentioned my name in a recent debate. Well, I'm John Kerry and I endorse Jeff Merkley, not the guy who votes with bush."
Oct 10, '08
Mike, I think you will find that the ad hits home with the people Merkley has to yank away from Smith in order to win. Merkley is already doing well with Pop Tart eaters, but Smith does well with conservative Democrats and centrist independents (and they eat sensible breakfasts, unlike me). Those people are probably hating the ad wars even more than the average Oregonian, and in comes the very popular Wyden with a remote control saying "turn off your tv." Kind of like the movie "Network" and he's saying -- in an oatmeal, Wyden kind of way -- "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." If Merkley wins those groups with numbers approaching Wyden's, he is our next senator.
Merkley and his media consultant have hit the target with this one.
Oct 10, '08
Why in the WORLD is is supposed to be a brave act for Wyden to openly support a Democrat for Senate? I mean seriously, I'm getting sick and damned tired of this crap. OF COURSE Wyden should be cutting this ad and he should have done it long ago. Why is this brave? Gimme a break.
Oct 10, '08
I have to agree with backbeat. I don't think it is brave for Wyden to do what he has always said he would do - campaign for our Democratic nominee, just not against Smith. Now, I suppose, we know what he meant by that. But I still thank Wyden for doing it. It is lucky for Merkley that he has a Democrat as popular as Wyden to make an ad.
Here's a question: What Republican can Smith get to do an ad who won't hurt him more than help him?
11:19 a.m.
Oct 10, '08
I'm grateful to Senator Wyden for cutting this ad, and I'm glad that Speaker Merkley is airing it – it's beautiful, it communicates clearly, it's positive, and it's perfectly timed. Thanks, Ron. Thanks, Jeff. I'm excited to see what you'll do in the Senate together.
Oct 10, '08
A class ad. I've admired the Wyden-Smith partnership, I think they've served the state well. But I'm hoping Wyden is getting paid off by the DSCC with a big chairmanship for doing the ad. Quite simply, Wyden and Merkley will have much more power in Washington than Wyden-Smith. And Smith's been harmed by not having any other big name Republicans from the Northwest to help him out. Anyone think the state GOP won't be sad to see Smith go since many thought he wasn't conservative enough?
Oct 10, '08
A class ad. I've admired the Wyden-Smith partnership, I think they've served the state well. But I'm hoping Wyden is getting paid off by the DSCC with a big chairmanship for doing the ad. Quite simply, Wyden and Merkley will have much more power in Washington than Wyden-Smith. And Smith's been harmed by not having any other big name Republicans from the Northwest to help him out. Anyone think the state GOP won't be sad to see Smith go since many thought he wasn't conservative enough?
Oct 10, '08
Great spot. Merkley should run it and run it again.
Oct 10, '08
Nice bounce to the jive -- you must mean run it again and again?
What's the life span on one of these? Sadly, Smith's furniture bit was believed by the young voters in my life who are aware of poverty and instability issues. NOBODY "fought back" outside of discussions on this blog -not in a way the kids could see. It seems the kids are focused on the National picture and bored to death by the local.
Oct 10, '08
sorry, dammity - spazzed out and accidentally hit enter.
Fergit it - time to sit back and watch others exhibit their wayward brainsparks and boredom (as mentioned in the 59/61 thread).
7:04 p.m.
Oct 10, '08