The 30-second ad was run by a Florida trial lawyer named Dan Newlin to help former President Donald J. Starring NFL quarterback Brett Favre. It has also started to appear in Pennsylvania in recent days. Newlin said he expects to spend $2.5 million to $3 million on the ad as part of a $10 million TV advertising acquisition in the state. Favre’s ads will frequently air on weekend sports and news programs, he said.
Here we will introduce you to this ad, its accuracy and important points.
on the screen
This ad is pretty much what you would expect if a friend of mine who doesn’t work on Madison Avenue decided to star in a presidential ad. The difference, however, is that it features one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
With a serious expression, a shaved head, and a sky blue polo shirt, Favre spoke directly to the camera in what appeared to be his living room. On his right shoulder is a shelf containing family photos and pottery. To his left there is a glimpse of trees and perhaps a patio. The only graphic shown is that he is a “Pro Football Hall of Fame QB.”
The most interesting part of this spot is at the end. Viewers are shown a giant blue image that reads “Trump 2024” and are informed that “Dan Newlin is responsible for the content of this ad.” Dan who? Viewers are given no information about Mr. Newlin except for the toll-free number of his law firm.
script
Brett Favre
“My name is Brett Favre, and I support Donald Trump in this election. Look at the situation today. The bloodshed in the Middle East is unrelenting. Conflicts are escalating around the world. And President Putin… threatening nuclear development.
“Pennsylvania, we cannot take any chances. We need strong leaders. We believe Donald Trump is the right choice to protect our families and restore world peace. So please join me in voting for Trump.”
accuracy
Blood is certainly being shed in the Middle East, and conflicts are escalating. Putin has indeed made threatening statements about nuclear war.
takeout
Favre is not an inexperienced pitcher. He has been active in Republican politics for many years, most memorably appearing in ads for the 2014 Republican Senate primary in his home state of Mississippi. Since retiring from football, he has frequently expressed support for Trump.
The ad is primarily targeted at male voters, creating an intimate atmosphere with Favre speaking directly to viewers rather than throwing passes or sunbathing in a crowd. Despite his celebrity and wealth, the scene is domestic, much like the familiar kitchen table ad in which ordinary people discuss pocket money issues.
Mr. Favre has no particular expertise in national security. His notable experience with government was most recently his involvement in an explosive scandal in which the state of Mississippi sued him and others for improper spending of public welfare funds.
He’s been an outspoken advocate of Trump’s hands-off philosophy. He never mentions Vice President Kamala Harris’ name. Trump also never revealed how he would address the problems he identified.
But what really matters is not clear. The ad is about Mr. Favre and his celebrity. Still, when choosing his pitchman, Newlin took into account that more than 13 years later, the Packers continue to be hated by some Pennsylvanians for defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl 45. It might be.
