Bush minus 30 seconds

The finalists for the Bush in 30 Seconds ad contest are up. Some of these are just not very good, while several are quite affecting (not the same as effective, mind you). I am partial to the message in the In My Country ad, not surprisingly given a similar post I made a while back. And I found Imagine to be one of the most engaging entries. But I have to agree with Michael Froomkin, who notes that these tend to engage those who already disapprove of Bush, rather than the crucial “undecideds.” I agree with his opinion that What are we teaching our children? may be the most effective of these for that reason. I think, though, that he overestimates Bush’s vulnerability in terms of infantilism. Call it the Arny Effect: while I doubt those who are undecided would ever admit this, I have a feeling they are protective of the innocent lad they have elected to the post. Attacking him on these grounds may trigger that protectiveness.

What, then, is the weak point? I hear again and again from those who support Bush, but find the policies troubling “he is getting bad advice.” We need to rid ourselves of someone who cannot choose good advisors.