This is how you do Democratic centrism in a red state.
Alison Lundergan Grimes’ (D-KY) campaign released a new 30-second television ad entitled “President Clinton” in which the Big Dog wastes no time letting the people know that being a Senator is about “getting new jobs, getting good jobs, giving middle class people a chance to give their kids a decent life.”
Clinton took a well deserved dig at Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for saying that it’s not his job to get new jobs for Kentuckians.
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Watch here:
AD SCRIPT:
ALISON: I’m Alison Lundergan Grimes, and I’m honored to approve this message.
PRESIDENT CLINTON: What’s being a senator about, anyway?
One candidate believes it’s about getting new jobs, getting good jobs, giving middle class people a chance to give their kids a decent life.
Nobody can tell me it’s not a senator’s job to create jobs!
And I choose Alison, because she will work with people from both parties to do what’s right for you.
Send Alison to the Senate.
There is no denying the appeal of Clintonian centrism in a red state. It never denies where it came from, or the fact that it stands for Democratic ideals; instead it explains why Democratic ideals are everyman/woman ideals. It’s non-threatening, delivered with a folksy I-understand-you accent. And it hits the sweetspot of things that matter the most to the middle class.
Naturally Grimes is thrilled to have her mentor in an ad for her campaign, and what a day to celebrate with a new poll giving her a slight lead over McConnell at 42%-40%. “I am honored to have President Clinton’s continued support in this race,” Alison Lundergan Grimes said. “This campaign is about the possibilities of tomorrow and building Kentucky not just for our generation, but for future generations.”
“Nobody can tell me it’s not a senator’s job to create jobs!”
It’s really that simple. This is Democratic populism at play. This is what Grimes needed to be doing, instead of mud slinging with McConnell- a place he is all too comfortable. The truth is, McConnell has no answer for his stance on jobs for Kentuckians. He can’t afford to discuss the issues, so whenever the issues can be the focus, he loses.
The highly popular former President Bill Clinton can charm anyone, even red staters dead set against typical Democrats. It may be that they trust him, hailing from Arkansas, or it may be that they remember good days under his Presidency. Either way, it’s good news for Democrats when Bill comes stumping for them.
Watch out Mitch, the Big Dog is in the house.
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