Sean Bielat, a Congressional candidate this November, released an ad against Barney Frank known as "The Barney Shuffle". In the video, Frank uses 70s disco moves to dance around the issues he has faced during his political campaign. Bielat is conveying the message that the long-time Congressman has not clearly addressed the issues during his campaign for re-election. He dances to a tune with a fun-filled beat and lyrics that consist of his quotes.
The first hit against Frank is the fact that he was a part of the housing market downfall. Then as he dances with disco balls, the tune has him discussing how he voted to raise the taxes. Next, it shows him dancing on a beach and the words "Free Trip to the Virgin Islands Courtesy of the Paloma Partners", critiquing his misuse of money and time.
As Barney Frank has previously been easily reelected, he has served in Congress for a long time, including at the time of the Wall Street crash. Bielat demonstrates his role by having him continue to dance as the background flashes to the graph of investments at the time of the crash and the logos of companies such as AIG, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae all float by. By doing this, Bielat is blaming him for the collapse of the companies and the loss of millions of American's money. The voice over of his quotes in the lyrics goes to his famous quote "What planet do you spend most of your time on?" as an image of the moon floats in behind him. Frank used this as a response to a woman's question and it was seen as rude and unacceptable. In addition, the phrase did not address the question she had asked.
The music comes to an abrupt end and Barney freezes. Sean Bielat comes in, chuckling about his opponent's current stance, and introduces himself. After his introduction, he clearly says that he doesn't need to "dance around the issues".He wants to be seen as a candidate who will directly state his opinion when asked and clearly answer the nation's questions. He also highlights all of the mistakes made during Frank's time in Congress, as he wants people to see that it is time for a new representation in Congress.
Boy, Abigail, you’ve found an odd advertisement. I like your analysis. But, like many of your peers’ posts, this needs a bit of context. I did not include this in the assignment, so I cannot hold you guys responsible, but what do you know about this election? Is Bielat a viable candidate? Could he actually unseat the long-term congressman? Also, do you remember the question that Frank was responding to when he asked “what planet do you spend most of your time on”? I seem to remember the woman holding a sign of President Obama with a Hitler mustache.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, Bielat uses a unique technique when he attacks Franks’s “arrogance.” Frank certainly comes across as arrogant sometimes. I wonder if his strategy will work.
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