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Political Campaign Ad “Verdict” Might Be This Generation’s “Daisy”

October 26, 2016

  • Source: www.youtube.com / Via: www.youtube.com

  •  You may remember a few weeks ago when Joss Whedon started a PAC called Save the Day, launching it with this star-studded pro-voting PSA. “Verdict” is the latest ad from that PAC, and it’s all about why Americans — especially Latin Americans — need to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. It speaks volumes about the direction the United States could be going after the election.  Save the Day is a group encouraging people to vote. Many of their videos include celebrities. “Verdict” is special because of its lack of celebrities. It’s real people waiting to hear about an election that significantly impacts their lives. It’s a reminder that voting is a right, a privilege, and something that, if you’re able to, you need to do.  It’s an emotional ad, one that critics are sure to call emotionally manipulative. In that sense, it’s reminiscent of the legendary 1964 “Daisy” ad. In case you’re unfamiliar with that ad, here it is:

  • Source: www.youtube.com / Via: www.youtube.com

  •  Similar to “Daisy,” “Verdict” is all about establishing the high stakes of the Presidential election through the eyes of a child. The stakes are different — the threat of nuclear annihilation in “Daisy” is replaced with the threat of deportation — but the message is the same: electing a loose cannon for President (whether it’s 1964’s Barry Goldwater or 2016’s Donald Trump) may lead to catastrophic consequences.  “Daisy” was a major turning point in the 1964 election. Despite all the controversy it generated for what critics called fear-mongering, it probably aided with Lyndon Johnson’s landslide victory, as it reminded voters of the great risk of giving an unbalanced person the nuclear codes. “Verdict” almost certainly won’t be as big as “Daisy” was — “Daisy” being inarguably the most famous American campaign ad ever — but it’s sure to generate both buzz and criticism.  What did you think? Did “Verdict” inspire you to vote, or fill you with rage? Let us know in the comments below or @WhatsTrending on Twitter. Also follow us on Medium.