If the presence of attack ads is a leading indicator, then the Web can now be considered a full-fledged member of a candidate’s media machine.

February witnessed an attack ad launched by the Bush-Cheney campaign against Democrate nominee John Kerry. Entitled “Unprincipled, Chapter 1,” the name suggests future installments are in the works.

The ad might be visually attractive on TV, but on this 1024×768 monitor it was fuzzy and illegible. The key messages, however, were hammered home in a simulated web search.

The Kerry campaign responded with a factual rendering of “special interest” financing of the current administration. Considerably more legible and less emotional.

Round one to Kerry.

Links:
Wise County, VA, portal (23 Feb); Kerry Response Ad; Bush-Cheney Ad