GOP ad casting call: 'hicky' W.Va. look

[hazlnut]

GOP ad casting call: 'hicky' W.Va. look

A Republican ad that shows a couple of regular-looking guys commiserating in a diner about West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) turns out to have been shot with actors, from a script, in Philadelphia.

But not just any actors: “We are going for a ‘Hicky’ Blue Collar look,” read the casting call for the ad, being aired by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “These characters are from West Virginia so think coal miner/trucker looks.”

“Clothing Suggestions” included jeans, work boots, flannel shirt, denim shirt, “Dickie’s type jacket with t-shirt underneath,” down-filled vest, “John Deer [sic] hats (not brand new, preferably beat up),” “trucker hats (not brand new, preferably beat up).”

IMO -- this is not that big of a deal. It's how advertising is done. What makes it a big deal is the 'casting call' got leaked and the internet and MSM are running with it as a story.

The notion that the leaked document reveals how Republicans see their base is not a fair criticism at all. This is how many politicians on both sides see part of their base.

 

[Deuce]

It's pretty funny but not really something evil or whatever.

 

[Moot]

This reminds me of when Howard Dean made reference to Southern whites with their pick up trucks and confederate flags and as a consequence he lost the nomination.

The "hicks" typified in the ad look just like people in rural areas all across the entire country and in almost every state. So I don't think the stereo typing will matter much, but calling them "hicks" might.

 

[Whovian]

Looks like the NRSC did the proper thing here.

LINK
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has fired the firm responsible for the "hicky blue collar" casting call that caused some controversy last week. The committee said it learned today that the company was directly responsible for offensive language in the casting call, despite its past claims.

"The NRSC unequivocally denounces the offensive language that Jamestown Associates used in producing this ad. We apologize to any West Virginia voter who may have been offended by this firm's actions, and we extend our apologies to Kathy Wickline and all those who were misled as a result of Jamestown Associates' actions. The NRSC will have no further dealings, now or ever, with Jamestown Associates, but they were our vendor and we take responsibility for this unfortunate matter."

The NRSC has already pulled the ad from the air in West Virginia.

 

[Patria Antiqua]

People love to be pandered to until they realize they're being manipulated.