FixCam: A Devastating Ad in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) is in a world of trouble as election day nears. Polling shows his opponent -- former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear (D) -- with a consistent double-digit lead and none of Fletcher's attacks on Beshear seem to move the needle.

And now, thanks to the Bluegrass Freedom Fund -- a third party group with Democratic ties -- Fletcher's ethical problems over his first term are being laid out for all to see. (If you can't watch the ad in the clip above, click here to view it.)

The ad, which was produced by Envision Communications, is so effective because it uses Fletcher's own words against him. Taken from footage of his inaugural address in 2003, Fletcher promises to bring change and real reform to state government even as his own indictment and those of aides around him are flashed on the screen.

Any ad that is able to use a candidate's own words against him (or her) is devastatingly effective in the context of a political campaign. (Remember the ad by Sen. John Thune that features then Sen. Tom Daschle proclaiming "I'm a D.C. resident"? Ouch.) Even Fletcher spokesman Jason Keller acknowledged in a recent article that the ads were plaguing the incumbent's campaign.

By Chris Cillizza  |  October 26, 2007; 3:28 PM ET
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