Political Nanny : campaign ads

It's 3 a.m. But the Kids are Up Laughing at Hillary

Madeline Holler — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:57:00 GMT

There's good news and bad news for Hillary Clinton regarding her now infamous 3 a.m. campaign ad, which some credit for her big wins in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island on Super Tuesday-Lite last week.

Let's start with the bad news:

One of the nation's precious angels, whose slumbering face represented all that is vulnerable and at stake for the future leader of the U.S. in the ad, actually likes Barack Obama. She's 17-year-old Casey Knowles of Washington state. Instead of losing sleep over who will protect her night and day from terrorists, she's working the media. She has offered to do an ad for Obama's campaign that would call attention to this crazy twist in Hillary's narrative.

From ABCNews.com

"What I don't like about the ad is it's fear-mongering. I think it's a cheap hit to take. I really prefer Obama's message of looking forward to a bright future," Knowles said. "I think that's a much stronger message."

Awwww. Knowles was watching a spoof of the Hillary ad on John Stewart when her brother recognized her sister's pre-tween face. They laughed. Her image was originally used for a railroad company advertisement (they advertise?), but the Clinton camp bought it fair and square from the owners, Getty Images.

Now, the good news for Hillary:

The look of this 3 a.m. appears incredibly outdated -- all those floral sheets and ruffled nighties -- it just calls attention to the feeling that Hillary is old school, and not in the best way. However, it turns out this stock footage was shot almost 10 years ago (which is how the snoozing darling could now be a nearly legal Obama voter). So, whew! That floral crap is all in the past. Because if we go back to ugly kids' bedrooms and Laura Ingalls Wilder nightdresses, the terrorists win. No matter who picks up the phone.

Photo: ABCNews.com

Nanny Cam: Hillary's Playdate With Jack Nicholson

Madeline Holler — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:45:00 GMT

All right, all right, all right. Hillary and Political Nanny have just returned from a very fun playdate with a very special friend of Hillary's. Yes, yes, yes, Political Nanny was just saying Barack has the coolest friends, and it's true: he does. But Hillary has the weirdest ... and we like weird. Weird is good.

Her buddy Jack Nicholson put together a little video montage featuring himself, which supposedly presents arguments for why she should be in the White House. The nice thing is, Hillary's campaign is trying to leverage some of its support from professional entertainers. Not amature ones whose homages to the New York Senator kind of added to her dork factor.

No, you won't get goosebumps like you do watching videos starring Obama. But you get some laughs, and not the kind of laughs that might wind up looping on a ballpoint pen.

Dress Your Family in Campaign Swag and Marc Jacobs

Madeline Holler — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:36:00 GMT

Political statement or fashion statement? Who cares! Just order your high-end campaign T-shirts for one or both of the Democrats now (especially the Marc Jacobs Hillary tee, because, well, not being insensitive or anything, buuuut, will they be available much longer?).

Each T-shirt features the candidate, big-faced and beautiful, on the front. Obama's -- designed by grafitti artist Obey -- has street cred, style, and even screams "Hope" or "Progress," your choice. Hillary's, offered by Marc Jacobs, is more classic and features the New York senator with an American Flag lapel pin. You have to buy Hillary's in a Marc Jacobs store. Obama's you can order online. Hers is $35, his is $25. Hillary!

These T-shirts are hardly standard-issue Nannywear, but Political Nanny wants one of each anyway. She'd even take one with John McCain's face, especially if his daughter designed it and military-esque epaulettes weren't involved.

A confession: Political Nanny has already started half-packing her dear little Hillary's bag -- ready and willing to unpack it quickly if Texas and Ohio turn out for her. But Hillary's depature would leave yet another empty whole in Political Nanny's heart (she's still mourning Dennis, Fred and Mitt). Which is why she thinks she'll cherish her Hillary T-shirt for years to come. That is, if Political Nanny can ever get her hands on one. Not unlike the campaign, Obama's tee is easy to find, easy to buy, instantly rewarding. Hillary's is more of a challenge, requiring near manic dedication to see the process through to the end.

Hillary Clinton Hates Babies?

Madeline Holler — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:18:00 GMT

The frustrated D.C. father of a baby girl is convinced: Hillary Clinton hates his baby. But she loves babies! She's fought on behalf of babies and children for 35 years -- or so goes that talking point. So what's D.C. father's evidence?

Incessant pre-recorded phone calls. Suspiciously timed.

Late morning first call, just after baby doses off. It's Hillary's voice. She wants his vote.

He settles the baby back down. Ring! Now it's the dulcet tones of Bill Clinton's digitized voice. Baby's sobbing. Eventually, the eyelids droop and there's sleep.

Yet another call, back to Hillary (you were hoping for Chelsea, too?). The D.C. father makes a diagnosis:

Not long after, the phone rings. It’s Hillary again. Baby appears to be suffering from Infant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Evidently the Clinton campaign is not so short of cash as to have sacrificed a robust calling operation. Clinton told the press yesterday that she loaned her campaign $5 million of her personal funds.

The recorded messages are certainly annoying. But Political Nanny thinks there's a solution. Turning off the ringer, perhaps? Whose calls are wrecking your happy home?

will.i.am. & o.ba.ma: Yes We Can

Madeline Holler — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:14:00 GMT

Political Nanny wasn't into Obama's Superbowl ad. She likes this election music video a little better. But here's the problem.

First, it's fun listening to Obama give his big speeches, so having will.i.am talk over him -- with the same words -- feels like the Black-Eyed Peas guy is trying to take credit. But then it's kind of beat poet artsy, so we'll grant a pass on that one. But then it starts feeling like a "We Are the World" but in separate studio sessions because nobody can take the time to get together and sing in a star-studded ensemble anymore. Where's the love in that?

Fine, standing alone is a symbol, one person makes a difference, let's go with that. So we get a montage of other famous (and some not so much) people also talking over Obama. (Have we mentioned the tune is quite catchy?) Sometimes we understand what they're saying. Once in awhile, Political Nanny gets the goosebumps -- kind of her applause meter, if you will.

But then ... then this. What Political Nanny found most annoying -- and she's blaming herself for this -- once Scarlett Johanssen shows up, we stop listening to the message and start leaning in to hear what SJ's singing voice sounds like. (Still not sure.) Wait, where are we? Yes can what? Oh, damn, missed her again.

Mental exercise: After you watch this, watch it again, only try to imagine it's a Mitt Romney or Hillary Clinton speech. Huh, doesn't work so well.

So, sure, it's the Political Video of the Year.

Or you can watch a music video lovenote to Mike Huckabee, with lyrics like " it don't bother me that you went to fake college, cuz the Bible is the once source of true knowledge," and "you were a dream in 2007, gonna be the president of heaven," and "lost that weight, look great, gonna marry church and state."

Thanks for the tip DailyScanner

Did Superbowl XLII Pick the President?

Madeline Holler — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:02:00 GMT

What does Superbowl XLII tell us about Election 2008?

Can we read anything into a New England loss and a New York win? Yeah, Political Nanny didn't think so. But if New York Senator Hillary Clinton and former Massachussetts Governor Mitt Romney were doing better in the race these days, we're pretty sure newscasters would be all over the tenuous connection. Poor Romney had the misfortune of watching the game with reporters, including those from the New York Times. (They're the ones cheering in the picture above.)

But no matter how absorbed by the exciting football match-up we were (and by "absorbed," Political Nanny means "in the other room snacking") the campaign was always near. Fox wouldn't sell national ad time to any of the candidates (were the campaign money managers relieved to hear that?) but Political Nanny's local market was hit with some like this one for Obama. Great song (anybody know who/what it is?). Song aside, the ad was kind of a so-so -- we expect goosebumps and tearing up ... or belly laughs -- from 30-second ads and this didn't deliver.

Admittedly, Political Nanny started getting a little excited when she saw an ad featuring James Carville and Bill Frist, riding around New York City together. But it wound up being an ad for Coke, which is just such blah product. It didn't feel fun anymore.

Photo: NY Times

Who Loves You, Campaign Baby? (Rambo, Porn Stars and Writers, That's Who)

Madeline Holler — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:23:00 GMT

Running for president is not a popularity contest. Oh, wait, it is! And just like high school this competition hinges on the backing of other popular kids. This year's election has been a veritable Endorsement Bonanza. Everybody is getting in on it, no matter what their relevance levels, which for most, in Political Nanny's estimation, peaked somewhere between 1983-1989.

So for every Maya Angelou that steps up to stump for Hillary Clinton, there's a Toni Morrison who thinks you should vote for Barack Obama. Mike Huckabee's campaign took off after Chuck Norris promised to kick campaign butt. Now Hulk Hogan is throwing his weight around to encourage support for Obama. Rounding out the Aging Muscle-Man endorsements is Ric Flair, also for Huckabee, and Sylvester Stallone, a McCain man, naturally (this endorsement suspiciously coincided with the release of Stallone's latest Rambo movie).

This year's backers come in all shapes, sizes and professions. Here are a few more:

Vampirist Anne Rice and barrister-cum-crime-novelist John Grisham heart Clinton.

Porn star and writer of "How to Make Love Like a Porn Star" Jenna Jameson would like to tell you how to vote like a porn star -- casting a ballot for Hillary Clinton. She has her reasons. Of course, Porn Stars are not a monolith. Savanna Samson wanted to toss her lot to Rudy Giuliani, but his campaign climaxed prematurely and made a huge mess. Equally deflated is King of Porn, Hustler's Larry Flynt, who made his sweet love for Dennis Kucinich well known. Now, all Flynt has left are a few good memories of what might have been.

There was, of course, the Grande Dame of endorsers -- Oprah for Obama. Here are some other celebrity endorsements (a couple of which are even 21st-Century relevant)

Kevin Bacon - John Edwards
Donnie and Marie Osmond - Mitt Romney (Political Nanny KNEW he'd have someone!)
Lance Armstrong - John Edwards
John Mayer - Ron Paul (that body of thought is a wonderland)
Jeff Gordon - Rudy Giuliani
Bo Derek - Rudy Giuliani (eh. 7.5)
50 Cent - Hillary Clinton (word?)
Adam Sandler - Rudy Giuliani
Martha Stewart - Hillary Clinton (you OK with that, Hillary?)
George Clooney - Barack Obama (double swoon)
Harry Belafonte - John Edwards (daylight come and he went home ...)
Wilford Brimley - John McCain (dinosaurs, unite!)
Scarlett Johansson - Barack Obama

You're relevant to Political Nanny no matter when you peaked. Whose endorsement are you endorsing? Whose endorsement do you find stunning?

Thanks to BuzzFeed

Big Daddy Clinton Heckles 9/11 Heckler

Madeline Holler — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:48:00 GMT

Well, he said what most of us have thought for a verrrrry long time. Now, it's not clear what the heckler said, but before Clinton lays into the heckler, he clarifies that the interruption had something to do with being "one of those 9/11 inside job guys."

Man, he's testy. It's a short video and continued fun in watching Bill Clinton, who Political Nanny loves, come thiiiiis close to unhinged. Political Nanny thinks things are getting pretty tense in the Clinton (whichever one) campaign. We'll see how things are AFTER what will surely be a contentious debate tonight!

Clinton has called someone out on whacky 9/11 ideas before, even telling the heckler to "shut up." Political Nanny prefers "please be quiet."

Break Out the Diapers: Candidates Demand a Change!

Madeline Holler — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:35:00 GMT

Candidates from both parties are beginning to sound like a room full of neglected toddlers wearing sagging, saturated diapers. "Change, change, change," they all yelled, screamed, demanded, whimpered during a weekend of debates in New Hampshire. "I'm here for change!"

Well, hold on a second, Mitt and Hillary and John McCain. Just last week you were bragging about your experience and training and ability to, if elected, go on the potty starting from Day 1!

But Political Nanny understands. You're all wetting your pants after the Iowa Caucus when the new kids Barack and Mike got most of the attention and a whole lot of love -- love and support you had hoped (expected?) would mostly be yours. Since everyone is reading these not-totally-surprising-but-still-very-notable wins as Americans wanting change, well, that's what you'll all give them: change!

In Saturday's Facebook/ABC News back-to-back Republican and Democratic debates and again on Fox for Republicans on Sunday, the talk was about change. Change in immigration. Change in healthcare. Change in Iraq. Change in foreign relations. Change in the status quo. Change in monetary systems. Change in leadership style. Change in change.

The Republicans:

On Saturday, Fred Thompson sounded like he was BSing, a lot, let Political Nanny just get that out there. He seemed caught off-guard. John McCain was ready with a zinger for Romney at nearly every turn. Giuliani got in a couple as well. It was kind of a Mitt Romney pile on. Interestingly, Mike Huckabee sat back a bit. Answered his questions. Stayed out of the fray. Safe.

Side note: perhaps Political Nanny is starting to identify with her captors, and some kind of mainstream media Stockholm Syndrome is clouding her judgment, but Saturday's debates were the best so far for both parties. There was no schtick to upstage the candidates (like videos or planned questions from the audience), and Charlie Gibson allowed the candidates to talk and ignore the clock a bunch.

Even better, Gibson followed up on a couple of points Political Nanny has been curious about: He pressed Republican candidates, who say tax credits are the way to get more Americans insured, by crunching the numbers -- basically laying out how $15,000 in annual premiums (which is essentially what employers are paying for a family) can't possibly be written off the taxes of families with incomes of $60,000. They would only be able to write off something like $3,000. (This is the same problem I see with health savings accounts (Guiliani's healthcare strategy). How do you build up enough to cover ongoing health checkups -- particularly for families who have young kids (well baby checkups must add up to a fortune) and need those expensive immunizations and still have something left over for a catastrophe or, say, minor surgery?)

So Charlie crunched the numbers for them, which no one responded directly to, but that's about when John McCain jumped in and said the trick is to control inflation, so that healthcare won't cost $15,000. Riiiiiight. Huckabee said we have a "disease care system," and not a health care system and wanted to shift to prevention and, of course, control costs (yet have it remain a free-market enterprise. Hmmm.). Romney wants the states to handle it how their governors see fit. But he wants to give support (and money?) at the federal level.

The Democrats:

There was some fun sparring to watch, especially as Barack Obama and John Edwards hooked harms and took on Hillary Clinton, later pointed about by moderator Gibson and getting a laugh from Clinton, "you noticed?" Overall, Clinton wanted voters to believe that she doesn't have to convince them that she's a candidate for change (see? "change!"), since she's been about change her whole life. Then she cited a few things that she's changed, particularly getting healthcare for children in Arkansas. And said, as the first woman president, she would quite distinctly embody change.

Edwards wanted us to know that he has lived through the struggles facing American families and that his desire for change is personal. And possible: he claims he has never taken money from lobbyists or PACs and that he wouldn't allow lobbyists in the White House and, therefore, would be beholden to no one but Americans.

Obama defended his ability to inspire as an important catalyst for change, that inspiring Americans builds momentum and support for change.

Bill Richardson said, "I love change," after also defending experience, a notion that has taken a beating as of late. "What's wrong with experience? We want to change this country, but we have to know how to do it." (Political Nanny detected a defense on behalf of Hillary. So kind.)

Speaking of Richardson, Political Nanny would like to hug him. He provided just the right kind of levity the debate needed to ease the tension and pull the rhetoric back a little to remind everyone they were talking about real issues, actual events, and American lives.

Next up ... the New Hampshire Primaries tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 8).

Candidates, Political Nanny Loves You. Now Change!

Madeline Holler — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Over the past three months, Political Nanny has grown to love her lot of disagreeable, argumentative, name-calling, cackling, power-praying little presidential candidates. They're approaching the first of many back-to-back primary election milestones -- only three days until Iowa! -- but have already blossomed into tough and sturdy and, how shall we put this, flexible campaigners.

But could they be better? Oh, couldn't we all. In the spirit of starting anew, Political Nanny has made some resolutions for the campaigning men and woman of 2008.

Over at the Democrats' favorite playground ...

Barack Obama: resolve to inspire (again … and, alone!). What happened to the guy who swept us all off of our feet nearly four years ago? This sparkling source of hope has gotten dull from so much positioning and polling and over-wrought handling. Get back to the basics -- make change feel possible! Make it feel inevitable! If the old caucusing biddies in Iowa (or New Hampshire or South Carolina) weren’t going to vote for you months ago, they’re not going to vote for you now. Indeed, one person can change the world. We just don't want Oprah to think it's her!

Hillary Clinton: tear down that wall! This distance you keep from the voting public reminds us of a certain guy president and no, we’re especially not talking about your husband! So let us in. Let us ask questions – any question! Not pre-approved ones! Trust us! We’ll do the right thing! Trust yourself! You've got the answers!

Joe Biden: Keep on keeping on. You know everything, you really do. You probably even know you don’t have a chance to win. But the candidates need you – America needs you. In government and in this campaign. You turn meta-answers into concrete plans, Joe. You say what we need to hear, not what we want to hear.

Chris Dodd: Be (even more) like Joe. With two of you, oh, how the front-runners won’t get away with pandering to the polls!

John Edwards: John, sweetheart, listen. You have got to expand your message to the middle and upper middle class (who look more like the lower- and middle-class you're talking about, everyday). Here's the deal: the mortgage industry is handing you talking points for these people who, to be honest, you might sorta be alienanting with your anti-corporate talk (you see, that’s where they work!). But with housing, ohhhhh, housing. Just bring up housing, foreclosures, bubbles, all of it -- and they’re listening. They're listening to you.

Bill Richardson: Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the vice presidential stars.

Dennis Kucinich: Don’t go changing to try to please Political Nanny. She loves you just the way you are.

Mike Gravel: Come here and give Political Nanny a hug, you silly guy.

Now back at Camp GOP ...

Rudy Giuliani: Rudy, Rudy, Rudy. So much to love. So much to loathe. Political Nanny would like you to be your own guy. She knows that Republicans often get bullied by big scary Christians who claim to be friends. But would real friends ask you to be someone you’re not?

John McCain: Resolve to stay tough. And be strong. You keep hope alive for conservatives who don't necessarily think the church and state are one and the same. Oh, and next time a supporter mentions The Bitch, show some sac, dear John, and don't be so quick to laugh.

Mike Huckabee: Michael! That's enough! You, my boy, are a man of faith. But you must also resolve to be a man of respect. If all you have to offer Americans are platitudes and religious references, please reconsider your leadership goals and run for president of the Southern Baptists. Because Political Nanny likes her America inclusive, cohesive and as plural as it can get.

Fred Thompson: Sit down, honey, let’s talk. Political Nanny thinks you don’t actually want to run for president. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine. No shame in “spending time with the family.” So, whenever you’re ready to call it quits, know that millions of others are ready for it too.

Duncan Hunter: Still more are ready to see you go, Duncan. So, Political Nanny would like to see even less of you in the new year, young man. You can use the extra down time for painting murals on your very special wall.

Mitt Romney: Political Nanny thinks you’re a good boy, Mitt, she really does. But you want your buddies to like you so much that you’ve changed your mind, mainly by closing it. You say such damaging things to millions of families in the U.S. and completely dismiss millions of others. Political Nanny wants to see you be the truest, most honest version of yourself in 2008.

Ron Paul: You're doing something right, Ron Paul. Look at all those people giving you money! But that doesn't make you perfect, not by any means. In the new year, Political Nanny would like you to work on (1) living in reality, (2) increasing your dosage of paranoia-tempering thorazine and (3) smiling.

And last but not least, a New Year's resolution for her GOP debate interloper and possible candidate (please, please, please) Alan Keyes: Just. Do. It.

Happy New Year, kids! And Happy New Year, voters! Let's resolve to get together everyday for a little election downtime with Political Nanny!

Political Nanny Drops Her Cynicism for One Candidate's Christmas Message

Madeline Holler — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:24:00 GMT

Political Nanny has spent a bit of time watching all her candidates' Christmas ads, the craven, the wee bit cringe-y, the creepy. She's got a cynical eye, your Political Nanny, always noting signs of pandering, never allowing her heartstrings to be tugged, knowing experts have manipulated every nano-second of the campaign ad "viewing experience" to maximize her affection for each.

So imagine Political Nanny's surprise when she found herself tearing up and sinking into an emotionally charged holiday message from one of her more low-key guys. Little Freddy -- lazy, laid-back, low-energy Fred Thompson -- brought her this little craft project, a snowflake that drips with glitter glue and glass beads and what she hopes is genuine deference to real people acting on the orders of a failed leader and his advisors.

Political Nanny's opinions of the military and the war in Iraq are complicated. And using armed forces and separated families and young people dying to make her like a candidate a little bit more should raise the hair on her neck and get her wagging a finger and setting up the Naughty Chair. But this doesn't. Political Nanny's fine with it. Maybe it's the noticeable lack of Jesus talk (which she prefers). Or the clever way he avoids campaign issues (which is so Fred). Or the general feelings of melancholy and a weakened resolve to push away sentimentality that she gets this time of year. Who knows. But Political Nanny can appreciate Fred Thompson's Christmas Card more than most.

Speaking of Sunday School Teachers ...

Madeline Holler — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:40:00 GMT

In case the U.S. has strayed too far from the meaning of Christmas, what with all of our respect and honoring of all the citizens, regardless of religion, Mike Huckabee, God's favorite candidate, has spent some of his precious (but increasing) piles of campaign money on this season's greeting for Iowans (well, certain Iowans.)

Supporting Fave Candidate is as Easy as Onsie, Two, Three!

Madeline Holler — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:07:00 GMT

An HRC pantsuit won’t show up on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for many reasons. And Mike Huckabee would have a hard time selling any family holiday outfit sets for obvious reasons (g'head and click. Totally worth it!). So for politicians who want to turn a profit in clothing sales, Political Nanny’s advice is to start small. Real small. Baby-sized small.

Like this:

The political onsie. The GOP bib. Campaign slogans in sizes 6M to 2T.

Some entrepeneurs and political supporters have already begun offering -- or are gearing up -- to cover babies in their parents' political opinions and Political Nanny says: awwww. How cute!

Want to support your man, Obama? BabiesforObama.com promises to start stocking political garb for Obama babies and donate a portion of the proceeds to his campaign. You can get a “Mitt Happens” bib here, though Poiltical Nanny is not quite sure whether that’s a vote in favor or against the GOP candidate (The fact that it's considered "Left Wing Wear" while also calling him the most electable candidate is further confusing. Oh, that and the description referring to Obama as a Moslem [sic]).

BabyPolitico.com has Hillary, Obama and Howard Dean (?!) kidwear, as well as general agenda items, like expressions of love for universal healthcare and affordable housing and exercising one's right to vote. (Today’s babies are so sophisticated!)

The debatable ramifications of dressing one’s child in political statements are hashed out here, though Political Nanny thinks it's a tired discussion. Is she the only one who thinks the hip, urban parent society and its critics discuss the kids in political and/or concert T’s with too much gravity? It’s a shirt! It’s a onesie! Do it now before they develop their own tastes, opinions and political talking points.

To prove her point AND to support all her candidates, Political Nanny will take one of each in every size, color and political statement. (They're machine washable, right? We wouldn't want questionable stains making statements of their own!)

Nanny Cam: Squeezing in Some Quality Time with Joe

Madeline Holler — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:34:00 GMT

Keeping track of 16 candidates isn’t easy and giving each of them the same amount of alone time with Political Nanny is pretty impossible. One of those frequently neglected is Joe Biden (though Mike Gravel is certainly overlooked the most). Biden is never the first to come to mind when thinking of the Democratic contenders.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t worth listening to. After the NPR Iowa debates last week, Political Nanny declared him, at least in her mind, the winner. His positions were clear, his understanding of the world's problems were obvious, his impatience and anger with the slow and confused leaders -- and wannabe leaders -- was blatant.

Does he have a chance at getting in the White House? Mmmmm, probably not. But Political Nanny wants to give him a hug for his efforts. Here’s his first and maybe only ad in this election, to begin airing soon in Iowa. It’s likely taking a huge chunk from his campaign budget, so let’s help him stretch those dollars by watching it here. Fight the good fight, Joe!

Nanny Cam: Like a Skilled Martial Arts Kick, We Didn’t See This Endorsement Coming

Madeline Holler — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:04:00 GMT

Political Nanny has zero confidence that Mike Huckabee will receive the Republican nomination, much less win the general election. Still, she’s fascinated by the guy.

He’s a former fatty trying to win THE popularity contest, where looks play a huge part in voter appeal (there, Giuliani, Kucinich and Richardson, are screwed too). Huckabee also has a surprisingly entertaining sense of humor for a man whose stance on important issues is quite the opposite of Political Nanny’s. And then this new “God is green” bandwagon lots of Christian conservatives are hopping on, including ecclesiastical Huckabee himself. You've gotta love science deniers counting on science (no, wait, you don't gotta love that).

As an experienced campaign watcher, Political Nanny knows candidate Huckabee won't amount to anything and that deep down he’s a brat. So long as he's harmless now, she finds him adorable.

And somehow this recent public endorsement by an irrelevant former badass just ads to the candidate’s charm. Chuck Norris (if you’re not sure who he is, ask your dad) has come out in favor of Huckabee and even put together a little ad telling you why. And it's funny!

Oh, Political Nanny is no fan of “Delta Force” and the rest of the Chuck Norris oeuvre. But linking the aging martial artist with the other Man From Hope (cue the angels) just gives Political Nanny the warm fuzzies for her country and its weird bedfellows all over again. (Of course, if Huckabee starts pulling ahead, Political Nanny will whip out her nunchucks and go mid-80s Norris all over this sentiment.)

Have a look:

Nanny Cam: Take That, Healthcare Hoarders

Madeline Holler — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:12:00 GMT

Today, John Edwards will start airing an ad in Iowa where he threatens to take away healthcare benefits from lawmakers if they fail to pass a universal health care plan in his first six months in office (if elected president and all that).

Political Nanny promises to post the ad, after she (1) finds it and (2) cleans up the mess her exploding head made after reading about this ad.

It better be good, Edwards, it better be good.

Update: Eh. It's okay (enough of the violins!). Political Nanny was kind of hoping for more bravado, tying off a Senator's chemo-drip or something. But seeing whether he'd actually follow through on this promise is reason enough to vote for him, right?

Nanny Cam: The Edwards Iowa/New Hampshire Ad

Madeline Holler — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:24:00 GMT

The one bad thing about not living in Iowa or New Hampshire (and truly, it’s a gift when you don’t) is that you miss all the early campaign ads. I love getting to know a candidate through carefully selected video clips of “average” and “hard-working” Americans – always driving tractors or welding steel -- played in short bursts between my favorite TV shows.

Political Nanny will bring as many as she can through the Political Nanny Cam. Prepare your heartstrings for a year of vigorous tugging.

Edwards’ Iowa/New Hampshire ad has all the required elements and had me tingling the second he mentioned Elizabeth in the hospital. In these 60 seconds, he lays out why he’s not a hero but the lady in the sleeveless top is. Why it's not about him, it's about those two old geezers taking apart an old tractor engine. A piano slowly builds to a crescendo in the background, pulling it all together.

He’s right, you know, I’m the true American hero.

Is there an ad running in your area that you'd like to share with the class? Nanny wants to know!