Basically an introduction to voters around the state, the ad doesn’t leave a bad impression. But The Caravan to Raleigh continues to grow to almost mythic proportions in the official story of Pat McCrory.
As we noted back in January 2007 before the caravan happened, the local wish list that McCrory wants to emphasize today — gangs, crime, and illegal immigration — was in fact cluttered with junk issues like car window tinting, regulating smoking, public employee pension benefits, and economic development. That was a failure to set the proper priorities.
But McCrory finishes strong with a line about going back to Raleigh and bringing the people of North Carolina with him. This strikes a desperately needed reform tone that one hopes will be followed with a sustained focus on the culture of corruption, graft, greed, and pure evil that has marked state government in recent years. The public is clearly fed up with business as usual.
I also like the production choices in the ad — the white background and floating images are very clean and sharp. Also think it is interesting Pat is rockin’ the no jacket look, another subtle — or maybe not so subtle — outsider message. Give it a B, maybe a B- when I think about how the Caravan should’ve taken hostages along Jones Street to effect actual effective and honest governance, but that is probably just me.
Like I said, fine for an introduction. The follow-up will be vital.
Update: For your viewing pleasure below.