12 of the Weirdest Campaign Ads of the YouTube Era

Is free media worth the mockery that comes with these bizarre pitches? Many candidates think so.

May 8, 2012

The bizarre campaign ad, posted online, usually represents a hail-Mary pass from an underfunded underdog. The idea is to make an ad so strange that the media covers it, advancing a candidate's message (and increasing his or her name recognition) for free.

Does it work? On one level it does -- the political press loves to cover weird campaign spots. One example, Herman Cain's infamous "Smoking" ad (it was actually called "Now Is The Time For Action!") got millions of hits on YouTube. But, of course, that coverage is usually focused on what a total freak the candidate is, so campaigns resorting to the bizarre ad strategy are, with very few exceptions, losers in the end. As such, they're probably a net benefit to the campaign consultants who make them -- they can say their candidate was hopeless, but they got him or her a ton of free media.

And they benefit us by providing hours of wholesome entertainment for the whole family. Here are 12 of our favorites. (Share yours in the comments.)

1. Disgraced Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Running For Texas Railroad Commissioner?

2. Getting Shit Done

3. Speaking of Which...

4. Dale Peterson Really Doesn't Like Folks Stealing His Yard Signs

5. Won't Somebody Please Think of the Children?

6. The Award for Best Fake Liver in a Political Ad Goes To...

7. Fellini Ain't Got Nothing on Gravel

8. Nobody's Stealing Pamela Gorman's Lawn Signs

9. Herman Cain's Crush Videos

10. If You're a Politician, Never Photograph Yourself Shirtless

11. Attention Kansans: Pat Roberts Will Piss on Your Head

12. This Makes Us Want to Commit a Crime in Nevada