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Author: Tiffany Patterson: Educator, Writer, Podcaster Twitter: @Tistiff1

Which Brand Advertisement Won the 2016 Election?

Posted November 10, 2016

We are at close of what can best be described as the most unprecedented and unconventional political season in American History. We now leave in a world some of us never imagined we would. It has been a long journey to this point. We have endured a year of scandal and controversy. For the past year, we have been inundated with political ads, but not surprisingly these ads did not only come from the candidates. Everyone from Doritos to Celebrity Cruises got in on the antics.

If there is a small silver lining, it is that these ads were creative and well targeted. Here’s a look a some of the best politically themed ads of the year:

Duel by Audi

This ad is something more of James Bond meets the Matrix. The eye catching special effects are so cinematic one can easily forget that it is a commercial and miss its political undertones. The two valet  “candidates” duel for the opportunity to drive an Audi  

Doritos’ No Choice

This is ad is by far the most socially responsible of the season.  The ad opens with honest portrayal of actual young people explaining why they are not register to vote. Aimed at millennials this ad cleverly addressing the ramifications of not voting. Doritos has long had their red and blue packaging. In this ad the famously colored bags become stand in for political parties. This visual is simple yet the message is strong. When don’t vote you don’t get a choice or in this case no chip.

Sail Beyond Borders Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises takes a clear stance against building walls and closing borders talk. Featuring the a beautiful array of landmarks from around the world this ad encourages inclusion and travel. We are eloquently reminded “Our lives aren’t made better when we close ourselves off to the world, but when we open ourselves up to it.”  

Hotels.com

Hotels.com’s Captain Obvious character also joined in on the political folly by literally running for president. The character joking states he will run against “I’ll run against anybody: donkeys, elephants, orangutans, you name it.”

Mr. President- Chrysler

This ad gets bonus points for a heavy dose of nostalgia. Martin Sheen reprised  his role as Commander in Chief from the West Wing.  Bill Pullman appeared in character as Independence Day President Thomas Whitmore. Interestingly, they joke about having to “swerve right back to the middle” ahead of the general election, using the car’s handy blind-spot monitoring and collision warning systems to “keep you from crashing your campaign.” Unfortunately this sage advice to prove true for this election.

And the winner of the ads: The Bud Light Party Commercial Series

With star power from Amy Schumer and Seth Rogan, their series of advertisements are memorable and hilarious. Additionally, they address issues such as equal pay, LGBT weddings, and most importantly, the need for change.

Which one is your favorite ad?