2012 marks the year of another presidential election and with the current economic and social status of the United States, it's an important one. Almost four years ago marked the inauguration in the first African-American president and now, many of his policies are under attack. A particular "anti-Obama" campaign video caught my eye:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDGORiD82rQ
Earlier on this semester, we discussed various persuasive techniques in psychology 1001 and many can be applied to this video. Although persuasion is commonly used in political ads, it's up to you, me,and other voters out there to determine just how persuasive they really are. A few examples I noticed include:
1. Slogan: "Welcome to Obamaville: more than a town, a cautionary tale coming soon..."
2. Appeal to emotions: The visual and verbal descriptions of Obamaville appeal to the fears of many Americans
- small businesses are struggling
- the wait to see a doctor is ever increasing
- the freedom of religion under attack
- gas prices are through the roof
- and maybe the worst one of all- the harsh reality that a national enemy has become a nuclear threat
3. Logical fallacy (over-generalization): When the ad claims that Obamaville represents "a presidents' failed policies hit home", the political campaigners are implying that one failed policy, which some feel is healthcare, means that all policies failed, which is not necessarily true.
Although this ad was entertaining to watch, I was not persuaded to vote for Rick Santorum. I find it difficult to give credibility to political figures who simply attack the other side instead of proposing solutions to the numerous problems currently facing the United States. However, I do think that the ad effectively appeals to emotion with it's vivid descriptions of the physical conditions of Obamaville. It made me feel like Obamaville is definitely a place I want to avoid.
I also agree with your statement " ad effectively appeals to emotion" because it really does due to the vivid and juicy statements/ descriptions.
But overall, i wasnt influenced on voting for Rick and still favored Obama.
I don't feel like I am ever persuaded by political adds because they are so biased that its seems impossible to trust anything they say. When someone is presenting such radical facts and opinions from only one side it doesn't make a convincing argument. I much rather base my opinions off of debates because both parties are able to go back and forth and the viewer can see both views and choose which one they believe.
I agree that it's important to be aware of these persuasive techniques! It will help us be better, more informed voters. Being able to see past these simple psychological fallacies is a critical skill with today's overwhelming & impressive technology.
I think that this ad was irrelevant. Yes, it appealed to emotions and aversion to the presented "Obamaville," but it didn't actually say what Santorum would do if elected president to fix or avoid such calamity. I wasn't convinced to vote for him.