What does everyone think of AARP's "Don't Vote" ads?

[Hippo_Tron]

Does anybody know if they have some sort of agenda besides what they say it is. Personally I think it's the wrong way to go about voter education, but that's just me.

[quinnox]

1. I thought the same

It's strange that this is their new commercial theme when finally the Democrats have the advantage. But most likely it is just a dumb advertising campaign and there is nothing sinister behind it.

[SharonAnn]

2. I agree. They say "Don't Vote" over and over and over. Most

people don't pay attention until the end. And even then, it's not strong enough.

If I were using that frame, I'd do the Don't Vote a couple of times but spend the bulk of it on "WHY" you should vote.

[quinnox]

5. Yea

That would make more sense.

[hlthe2b]

3. I think it is abyssmal... For their AARP targets, it might be ok...

but it sends a message to younger folks that it is a hassle to vote, that you have to know EVERYTHING and DO YOUR HOMEWORK before voting or you shouldn't vote at all...

How many will take tha message to heart and NOT VOTE?

It pisses me off...

[silverweb]

4. What?

I haven't seen this, but it's freaking me out. What reason are they giving for telling people to not vote?

[Hippo_Tron]

6. Their website is dontvote.com

The motive from the commercial seems like they want everyone to get educated (presumably by going to their website dontvote.com) before they vote. However, by saying don't vote about 6 times before they talk about getting educated, I think it sends the wrong message. They could simply encourage people to take a few minutes to go to their website and get educated on their issues.

Frankly I think it's a terrible message to send. What I think they are trying to do is make sure that people know about how a candidate stands on social security and other AARP issues before they vote. Well if I don't give a shit about social security and want to vote on other issues, frankly I think that I have every right to do so and shouldn't be patronized for it. In reality I do care about social security and that's one of the reasons I want Democrats to take back congress, but it's like AARP is saying that everybody who doesn't agree with their issues shouldn't vote.

My grandmother got rid of her AARP membership when they endorsed the Republican Medicare "reform". I've been cynical about them ever since.

[silverweb]

13. I'm with your grandmother.

I tore my card in half and mailed it to them, telling them exactly why I was canceling.

I'll go check out the website. Thanks for the info.

[silverweb]

18. Okay, I watched the ads.

I really like the "Song & Dance" commercial. The one that says "don't vote" 500 times was a bit much and the real message could get lost.

I understand what they're saying and agree with them -- people should educate themselves and either vote intelligently, knowing who and what they're voting for, or abstain.

[Pirate Smile]

7. .

:thumbsdown:

[npincus]

8. they suck

if they're trying to get our attention, why don't they have an old guy pull down his pants and show us his wrinkled butt?

STUPID message.

[MADem]

9. It's fucking AARP...the same baaastids that endorsed Medicare Part D

The D standing for DOUGHNUT HOLE that is screwing seniors around the country.

Fuck AARP. They're a tool of BushCo.

[Cleita]

21. I've been getting stuff from them recently trying to get me to

sign up for part "D", which I won't until a Democratic Congress fixes it and makes it a benefit for seniors, not big PHARMA. I wonder what kind of a cut AARP is getting from big PHARMA for pushing this?

[no_hypocrisy]

10. Irony and sarcasm often go over the heads of an audience.

Plain talk. That's what's needed to get a simple message across and to be remembered and repeated.

[onenote]

11. I think they're terrible

[datadiva]

12. I stopped listening to AARP

when they got into the business of selling insurance. When I get their literature I rip it up first then put it in the recycle bin. Throw them out with the rest of the trash.

[Vidar]

16. Couldn't agree more.

[many a good man]

19. That's funny

AARP was originally foundeded with the purpose of pooling together resources so the elderly could afford to buy insurance.

http://www.virtualology.com/hallofwomen/EthelPercyAndrus/

They were also instrumental in starting MediCare and are among its biggest defenders. If Americans would start electing Democrats they wouldn't have to suck up to Republican pigs.

[Rockholm]

14. Stooopid Ad.

[Raffi Ella]

15. yeah,I saw that and thought wtf!??

I agree with SharonAnn;It got my attention because it said Don't Vote and I watched the whole thing BECAUSE I am involved and know the score and wanted to know what it was about but others?Who aren't involved? aren't going to watch to see what they mean?,all they're going to hear is Don't Vote...NOT good.

[librechik]

17. doesn't ring true--there is some weird agenda they are muddying

who even knows what? Such cynicism can be so easily misinterpreted.

[many a good man]

20. By who? Morans?

They vote for Republicans any way.