A group of marketing and communications students at American University are taking on the 2016 election ad cycle, week-by-week. A month into the semester and politics aside, here's how the ads rank so far, from best to worst.
1. "TOGETHER" — Bernie Sanders for President
Look, love him or hate him, you can't deny this ad is incredible. Sanders has an iconic voice. His speech voiceover, coupled with the images, serve to create a powerful message, one his many supporters stand closely by. It only helped that he released it all of two seconds after he won the New Hampshire caucus over Hillary Clinton.
2. "AMERICA" — Bernie Sanders for President
I know, I know. Another Sanders ad at the top of the list. What a surprise, coming from one of the most liberal college campuses in America. But these scenic shots! This song! Yeah, we're all coming to look for America, Bernie. Will we "find America" with Bernie? Only time will tell.
3. "A SIMPLE QUESTION" — Chris Christie for President
Okay, this ad is pretty funny. I love that the entire ad is just this whole Morning Joe interview with Rick Santorum where he is unable to list any of Rubio's accomplishments—as Santorum is in the process of endorsing Rubio—and then it ends with, "I'm Chris Christie and I approve this message." Christie suspended his campaign earlier this month, but this ad is one I'll probably remember for a while.
4. "FIGHTING FOR YOU" — Hillary Clinton for President
Hillary Clinton isn't liked by a lot of people. That's a pretty well-known fact. But you can't deny that this is a good ad. Hillary is going to fight for all Americans. You, me, everyone! In the ongoing and hard-fought battle to humanize Hillary, this is a great spot.
5. "MORNING AGAIN" — Rubio for President
This ad was a play on Ronald Reagan's 1984 "Morning Again in America" and we have to give Rubio's camp credit; it was a pretty good reboot. One (pretty big) issue? The first shot of the ad is of the Vancouver skyline. Vancouver. In Canada. Which—excuse the irony—happens to be across the border. So, anyway... "Morning Again in Canada?"
6. "EVERY LIFE" — Chris Christie for President
Admit it, when the screen opened on Christie saying "I'm pro-life," you rolled your eyes. I did, too. This ad certainly took an unexpected turn, and whether or not you agree with his stances, it was an interesting attempt to appeal to both sides.
7. "GREEN EGGS AND HAM" — Rick Santorum for President
This ad is a tad overdramatic for one that starts with Ted Cruz reading Green Eggs and Ham, but it does a good job making Santorum out to be the more serious and qualified candidate. Unfortunately for Santorum, that wasn't enough to keep him in the race.
8. "A MESSAGE FROM BARBARA BUSH" — Jeb Bush for President
Oh, Jeb... Nothing like an endorsement from your mother when you're running for president. Listen, I'd be a pretty terrible president, but if I asked my mother to say nice things about me in front of a camera, she'd do it, too. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bush's words mean next to nothing here. Especially when she's been caught saying several times that he shouldn't run. Awkward.
9. "MIDLANDS" — Cruz for President
Cruz' camp went hard appealing to voters ahead of the South Carolina caucus. They did a great job identifying their target audience (South Carolina is home to a number of military bases) but they went a little overboard with their messaging strategy.
10. "BOOTS" — Right to Rise America
Confession: this ad did not actually get the smallest number of votes. But I had to label it the worst. I mean, did you watch it? Do I need to explain? Between the music, lyrics, and graphics, I can't stand watching it. All because Marco Rubio wore some heeled boots once? We all like to feel a little taller every now and then, let him live. I appreciate the idea behind it—Rubio sure does like to flip flop on big issues—but, boy, do I have nightmares about this spot.
