“Stand”
Pennsylvania has been a major discussion in this year’s 2016 election, because Pennsylvania could ultimately decide who becomes president. In April, Hillary Clinton launched an ad called “Stand,” to promote herself in Philadelphia. She continues her narrative against racial injustice through this ad.
In the ad, Hillary Clinton is shown stating several names of African Americans that have been killed by police. Then she is shown talking to African Americans and being with them, depicting herself like a common person amongst her voters. The ad also states,
“She fought in the senate to end racial profiling and discriminatory sentencing.”
This highlights the fact that she has fought for racial justice. Lastly, the ad talks about how she stands with the president. Obama has constantly spoke about the racial injustice in America, and that quote appeals to the people who liked Obama’s stance on racial issues. By stating that she stands with him (Obama), the voters of Pennsylvania can think that she has the same stances as Barrack Obama.
Overall, I thought this was a good ad ran by Hillary Clinton and it helped continue Hillary’s narrative for racial justice. Clinton did a great job at reaching out to her target audience, which are members of the African American community in Philadelphia. Then the ad appeals to the audience’s value of family by stating, “Makes their mother’s fight for justice her own.” This was one of the best parts in the ad, because it made Hillary look like she truly cares about the injustice these families faced. The ad finishes by saying Hillary Clinton has “always stood with us.” That phrase is powerful in the eyes of the audience, because it makes the audience feel that she has always fought against racial injustice.
Plus, using Morgan Freeman to narrate the ad also helps.
This is such an interesting ad. I agree with you that in this situation she is trying to seem like she is literally a part of the group. I spoke about a similar idea in my own blog, about her use of imagery to associate herself with the fight against racial injustice. This of course as you stated could be a make it or break it tactic in Pennsylvania. I really wonder how much this will pay off for her during the election and if it could swing the end results heavily in her favor. I guess we’ll see!