The worst political commercial ever?
Yesterday, I posted examples of commercials Japan’s two major political parties are airing on TV to convince voters to head to the ballot boxes for this weekend’s general election. As an example of an ad from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), I included their longer CM that includes a mini speech from Prime Minister Taro Aso.
At the time I could not find a copy of the 15-second version of the Taro Aso commercial. Now that I’ve found it, I’d like to share it with you all, since it is one of the worst political commercials I have seen in my life:
Most of the commercial consists of Taro Aso silently standing and staring at viewers. It seems like he can’t keep still – it’s almost like he’s wobbling his head around a bit. He isn’t smiling. Those unfamiliar with his natural facial expression might think that he’s scowling.
A narrator asks who they think can protect their lifestyle and this country. Aso keeps standing there, saying nothing. The commercial ends with the LDP logo and slogan (“Protect Japan /a strong sense of responsibility”) appearing in front of Aso.
Even though I don’t particularly like Aso, it’s a painful to watch this commercial. The LDP’s web attack ads are truly skillful examples of political commercials, but this is a train wreck. Aso is not a popular prime minister. A lot of LDP politicans who are trying to hold on to their diet seats have deliberately avoided placing Aso on their campaign posters. Why would they want their national TV ad campaign to put the focus on an uncharismatic and unpopular leader? It’s almost as if they are trying to increase the scale of the defeat they will likely suffer on the 30th.
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It looks like the LDP finally learned.
“OK, just stand there. DON’T SAY ANYTHING! Every time you open your mouth, stupidity flies out, so just STAND there!
KEEP…
YOUR MOUTH…
SHUT!!”
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The LDP manifesto also doesn’t show a pic of Aso on the cover, unlike every other party’s. It’s got a complicated series of plus and minus signs instead.
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I think he invests his money in Kimu Taku’s movie. Change and Karei ni ichizoku
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Next time he should shoulder a baseball bat and threating to beat up everybody who’s not gonna vote for him.
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He looks really uncomfortable, like he doesn’t know where he is and just wants to go home.
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All the better. The sooner and the harder that defeat comes, the faster Japan (might) be able to better adapt itself for future challenges.
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You also have to wonder “who DIRECTED this”????
Somebody has to come up with the concept, put make up on the man, frame him up, light him up, put in with that BG, and actually film it –
so who produced/directed this segment? It’s not Aso’s fault that he had to stand there looking glum – but then again he can’t very well be all smiles and grinning like some freakish clown, either!
I think it’s an OK commercial. Better than the ones you see in the States where they slam each other with nasty bits, or the positive ones where the candidates are shown going around waving or shaking hands people they’ll never ever talk to again.
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I too love looking at horrible ideas and imagining how they got approved by so many people. Not sure on Aso’s performance not being his fault as some people just cannot act no matter how hard you coach them.
What’s also fun is realizing that if this is the idea that got approved, what on earth ended up being rejected?
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