Barack Obama "Fan Club" Ad Released by John McCain Campaign

"Fan Club" Takes Up Where "The One" Left Off

On Monday, Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain, announced via email the release of another ad centered on Barack Obama's popularity. The new ad has been dubbed "Fan Club" and can be viewed at the John McCain website. The announcement of this latest Barack Obama ad spoof was made just days after the controversial release of "The One" that was distributed on August 1.

Comparison of "Fan Club" and "The One"

In an obvious attempt by the John McCain campaign to connect the two videos, the opening narrative of the Fan Club begins, "...and now, you too can join The One's Fan Club right here in America." Immediately after this, the ad focuses in on a clip of a local newscaster comparing Barack Obama to Elvis and The Beatles. Other segments in the video refer to Obama as "dreamy" and a "rock star."

While the tone of the two videos is very similar, "Fan Club" does seem to be a little bit tamer. At least it does make some reference to Obama's political stances, albeit minor ones. However, the general message in the content of the two ads is still the same. Both "The One" and "Fan Club" seem to be trying to make the statement that Obama's popularity is not enough to make him a good leader.

Membership in the Obama Fan Club

Just as in "The One" video spoof, the "Fan Club" quickly takes on a mocking tone and begins to list the benefits of so-called membership in this club. According to the ad, these benefits would include major tax increases, support of an inexperienced leader, and "a leader with dreamy eyes."

To be honest, I hadn't really noticed Barack Obama's eyes that closely before. After watching the video, though, I will admit they are kind of pretty. This doesn't influence my vote in any way, but it does make me wonder why the McCain campaign seems so fixated on them.

Was "The One" Just the First Step?