With all the pizzazz of a life-insurance info-mercial host on cable TV, Clinton touts his “comprehensive plan” for economic revival, national health insurance and tax reform. But Clinton fuzzes over the fact that he really has no “plan” for health care other than to convene experts to think about it. The best touch: asking viewers to ,‘visit your local library" to see a copy. Clinton’s handlers don’t think many people will actually go; they hope voters will want a candidate serious enough to have a plan worth putting in the library.
His Speedo bathing-suit spot opened the TV ad season last fall; now he has a second spot stressing his record in the Senate on job creation and environmental protection. Not exactly riveting, but does show substance.
Plays up the war-hero theme and seeks to steal Tom Harkin’s union support by cleverly bashing the Japanese and mocking President Bush for going to Japan to “beg for a few concessions.” Plus, there’s the debut of Kerrey’s vaguely xenophobic campaign slogan: “Fight Back America.” A second, simpler ad on health care smartly contrasts Kerrey’s comprehensive plan against Clinton’s vague rhetoric.
