Unbound Edition - Repositioning Brand America

Repositioning Brand America

Michele L. Parrish

Tuesday, 04 March 2008

America's brand is in the crapper. We need a president that can, well, freshen things up.

At least, that's the takeaway from a recent Salon.com article that compares this year's presidential election to an ad agency review - "a chance to put a set of potential stewards for 'Brand America' through their paces, to see the creative and strategic directions in which they'd take our product."

As the U.S. has failed to live up to its brand promise - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - an anti-American sentiment has gained strength across the globe.

So which candidate's personal brand has the best chance at repositioning our country in the eyes of its global audience? Brand Clinton, with her promise of experience and professionalism? Brand Huckabee, whose charisma and promise of faith and family resonates with many Americans? Brand McCain, with his promise of strength and leadership? Or Brand Obama, whose promise of change is inspiring millions of Americans as he sweeps the primaries?

Click here to vote, and leave your thoughts below.

**to read more articles by this author, click on the name under the headline**

Comments (8) Add Comment

objective, eh?
written by jerry, March 04, 2008 04:42 PM

nice choices on the survey. make Obama's descriptors lifted versions of Apple's and Nike's historic ad campaigns, and who wouldn't choose them?

facts are facts
written by reader, March 04, 2008 05:35 PM

The descriptors are from the Salon article, Jer. (I take it you didn't read it.)

And facts are facts, the same reason you're hating on Obama is the reason people hate Apple. It's frustrating when someone is just that good. And much like Apple, he may be more sizzle than substance, but oh doesn't that sizzle sell.

And if he can do to the government what Apple has done to the music industry, we'll all be much better off.

Experience?
written by bp, March 04, 2008 05:51 PM

Why does Hillary get to continue to beat the drum that she has "experience?"

She's done a good job of branding herself that way, but what experience does she really have?

First off, being first lady does not equal experience. Does anyone think Laura is more prepared to be president than say, Debbie Stabenow, because she's been first lady? That's bogus rationale for experience. Sure, Hillary tried to initiate some policies, but all of them ultimately failed. And now she's sold out on all of them anyway. She wouldn't even support her former positions. And the Clinton White House was sure known for its professionalism. Whitewater anyone?

She's held one public office. She's been Senator of New York since 2001. And what major achievements has she accomplished in that time? That vote for the Iraq war sure was a winner.

Obama was in the Illinois Senate from 1996 to 2004, and has been in the US Senate since 2004. Prior to that, he was president of Harvard Law. He also had the foresight to be against the Iraq War in 2002. And yet, he's the inexperienced one?

It just doesn't make any sense to me. Sure, she's older, but she has less actual political experience. But I guess it's her brand. Good for her...I'd rather go for Obama anyway.

obama's descriptions
written by jadedvoter, March 05, 2008 10:14 AM

I thought the other descriptions sounded just as appealing - even Huckabee's, and I wouldn't vote for him if my life depended on it.

OH YEAH!
written by Kool Aid, March 05, 2008 12:08 PM

But would you consider voting for... FRUITY and DELICIOUS?

Hey, Kool-Aid Man!
written by Mr. Cellophane, March 05, 2008 12:14 PM

No, I did not vote for Danny Noriega on American Idol last night.

...
written by quagmire, March 05, 2008 02:17 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=N1mkAhzsNtw

oh...Oh...OH!
written by large. tuna., March 05, 2008 03:02 PM

...brrrrraaaaap!.... political hot air farts.
lt out.

Write comment