New Gary Johnson ad on youtube:
at 1:45, I don’t think it’s the right length for TV broadcast, but it’s possible it could be repackaged for TV.
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August 5, 2026
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New Gary Johnson ad on youtube:
at 1:45, I don’t think it’s the right length for TV broadcast, but it’s possible it could be repackaged for TV.
Comments are closed.
Comments removed from this thread; see archive.org to find them.
13 z: It’s too slow moving. The same ad could be cut back to 60 sec. Needs some rewrite.
me: I agree that shorter versions could be done. But, actually, the “slow moving” part works for me.
There’s a reason why GJ is using psychological messaging in this and his entire campaign. “That’s just loopy.”
Colbert show: “Initially? Kooks. Today? Not so kooky.”
GQ: “Is This the Sanest Man Running for President?”
GJ may recognize that America is a vast insane asylum. Waking up the insane is tricky business. While most recognize something is rotten in Denmark, they’ve gotten used to the fetid stench, so the cage can be rattled gently or rattled hard. (Pardon the mixed metaphors.)
It appears that he’s taking the gentle-rattle positioning, and I believe it to be the more effective approach, ATC.
more…
The Gray talking head spot illustrates why it’s important to have strong creative direction. The GJ ad has it; the Gray ad doesn’t.
The lighting, makeup and wardrobe are poor in the Gray ad. Gray is a credible, articulate guy, and his words are fine, but that one’s a C+, IMO.
3 sl: This was done very inexpensively. Possibly with no expense at all.
me: Possibly, but unlikely. Just because someone can run a program doesn’t mean they can produce a product that sells like this youtube. It takes talent, which is generally not free. There may have been zero variable costs to the campaign, but someone who is talented and knows what he or she is doing put this together.
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4 es, my point about revisionist Ls is that Lincoln is on Rushmore. I would think that the Auburn crowd would have bulging neck veins when the words “It worked out okay for America,” appeared. I mean, had Rockwell been the producer of this spot, for ex., would he have used those words to describe Lincoln.
I don’t think so…
About the Gary Johnson ad in the OP:
Several non-LPers who’ve commented on this ad (not on IPR) don’t like it.
It’s too slow moving. The same ad could be cut back to 60 sec. Needs some rewrite.
We need some well made commercials (we have some good TV ad designers and producers in the LP) and we need to get them on major network TV.
The Johnson campaign needs to check out pricing vs. length and consider longer ads: 5 min, 30 min. whatever vs. the standard 1 min and 30 sec. Make a plan and a budget and rasie money earmarked for major network TV only so donors can direct their contributions to this essential party building tool.
@10 I liked it.
Jim Gray needs to wear a tie. His photo at the end looks grumpy – needs better photo. The two candidates should be turned inward toward each other, not stacked one behind the other.
Appearance counts:
We need to look good so that appearance doesn’t detract from our message. When the appearance of the messenger is off, people don’t listen to the message.
The message:
Sounds like his only reason for not continuing as a Republican was the Patriot act. It doesn’t mean that is the only reason, but it sounds that way.
Please pull this spot and try again.
This one is posted at LP.org:
I agree with Robert’s comment above. This ad is good, but Johnson needs to tighten up his message.
Very good attack on our #1 problem, Wasted Vote.
I don’t think I’ve seen either of these two gems before:
“You ARE Libertarian.”
“We’re not a party. We’re the people.”
Both are going straight onto my list at http://libertarianmajority.net/slogans
It’s not mind-blowing, but it’s pretty good.
I definitely like it.
Are you a revisionist if you note;
1. That it’s not a two party system so much as a system that promotes the domination of two parties.
2. Washington didn’t really have much opposition
3. Jefferson was the opposite of the Federalists at the time
4. TR took office after the assassination of McKinley who was part of the dominate two parties of the time. The Bull Moose is historically thought of as a spoiler
5. Yes, Lincoln might have taken the Whigs out, but most jumped ship to the new party anyway.
So maybe the hope is the Repubs ‘whig’ out.
Good to see that they are immediately trying however.
“Other than studio labor and the music?”
The music is stock music available on iMovie, free on every Mac sold for years. I’m sure the “studio” was a copy of iMovie, that could be used by volunteers or existing campaign staff.
This was done very inexpensively. Possibly with no expense at all.
The only reason this doesn’t get a A+ but an A is that the messaging meanders just a bit. It is quite professionally done, is warm and fuzzy, non-threatening, yet thought provoking.
As an opening salvo of why vote for GJ, it’s first hitting the “wasted vote” issue head on. I loved the Rushmore point, although I can imagine that some revisionist Ls might be offended. (TR lost his third party bid, as I recall, but it doesn’t hurt the point. I can’t say what TJ did outside the two parties, but I’m sure there’s some justification that’s escaping me at the moment.)
I’d like to see future ads that address Why GJ?
My guess is other than studio labor and perhaps the music, the production costs were low, and yet it’s prime-time crisp.
Keep it up, Team GJ!
Nice spot.
Professional.
Good introductory ad.