Kleeb TV: still horsing around

Scott Kleeb up on TV finally. First, take a look:

Kleeb, sporting the ever-present tan sport coat, begins agaaaain, explaining how all his relatives are from Nebraska.

We then get lots of cowboy hats and ranching images, because if you hadn't heard, Scott Kleeb worked on a ranch. Yes we know, it's a shock, but apparently it's true. Sure he went to Yale, has been running for Congress for the past three years, apparently teaches in Hastings and up until recently even had a driver's license. But when he's not doing those other things, he's remembering how he used to punch cattle (or something). But we digress...

Then the laundry list of "problems in Washington". Ever wonder if there was a time when candidates for Congress said, "Boy, those guys in Washington have it all figured out. They're on the ball and know just what you want and how to do it. But elect me anyway."

OK, so Kleeb then says that the pioneers couldn't get things done unless they had someone else to lean on.

Now feel free to argue, but the fact that they were pioneers meant they went out on their own! They were the rugged individualists who got away from government and figured stuff out for themselves.

So Scott goes on to say that Nebraskans "pitched in and together got things done." Or something.

He ends on the note where he tries to work the political disclaimer into his message. This almost never works and Kleeb makes it an awkward ending leaving you scratching your head:

"I'm Scott Kleeb and I approve this message because THAT's how we're going to change this country."

Wait, we're going to change the country by approving messages? Or, because you're Scott Kleeb the country will change?

OK, we'll assume that he's probably talking about that "pitching in" and "getting things done" theme, but again, what does us pitching in have to do with him in Washington?

And just so you know, when politicians suggest that you "pitch in" guess how they suggest you do that? (Hang on to your wallet!)

The words superimposed on the screen throughout the ad are:

Scott Kleeb (got it)
A fourth generation Nebraskan (we swear! NOT a carpetbagger!)
Husband and parent (as opposed to the bachelor playboy back in 2006)
Standing up for the middle class (because you can see him standing)
A return to Nebraska values (apparently building sod-houses and such)

So in conclusion, visually the ad's not horrible, if only incredibly busy. The average voter is probably hungry for more issue ads at this point, so it will be interesting to see how long before he drops the vapid bio stuff.

Comparing to the Tony Raimondo intro ad, we'll call it a wash. Kleeb's was technically better, as in you could read the words on the screen, there was one narrator throughout and you could see his face easily.

But Raimondo's message of successful business-guy was clearer and more specific than Kleeb's generalities. You learned something about Raimondo, but Kleeb could be absolutely anyone (with gel in his hair).

We're looking forward to the next one.

What say you?