Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Ad Nauseam

The Hypocrisy of Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” Campaign

By Angie Schmitt | Nov 8, 2011 | 14 Comments

I’ll admit it: I love the Chrysler ad campaign “Imported from Detroit,” which debuted in February’s Super Bowl spot starring Eminem. What can I say? I’m a sucker for hometown pride. I was born about 60 miles downriver from the Motor City in Toledo, Ohio, a town sometimes known affectionately as “Little Detroit.” I remember […]

Nice Try, GM

By Tanya Snyder | Oct 12, 2011 | 9 Comments

GM pulled its offensive ad that tried to depict biking as uncool in response to complaints from bicycling advocates, but they’re still running this ad, showing what a drag it can be as a pedestrian because cars will ruin your day. (Best just to get your own car and ruin someone else’s day.) A GM […]

GM to College Students: Stop Pedaling, Start Driving

By Tanya Snyder | Oct 12, 2011 | 11 Comments

Car ads that try to appeal to the desire for social status are nothing new, but here’s one that just gets it wrong: GM is trying to convince college students that driving a Buick is hipper than riding a fixie. Nice try, GM. Unfortunately for you, college kids aren’t falling for it. People between the […]

Ped-Bike Mockery Flops for 7-Term House Incumbent

By Ben Fried | Nov 5, 2008 | 10 Comments

The National Republican Congressional Committee ran this ad against Democratic challenger Kathy Dahlkemper in the race for Pennsylvania’s third congressional district. It hits a few Gingrichian notes on how to address the country’s energy problems before the announcer tells us incredulously: Dahlkemper’s wacky solution? She said we should make personal sacrifices, such as walking places […]

McCain: Drilling Is the Cure for What Ails U.S.

By Ben Fried | Jul 22, 2008 | 3 Comments

The Gas Tax Holiday may have petered out, but John McCain still has a lot of petroleum-based populism left in the tank. His latest campaign ad, "Pump," primes the audience with a little wishful thinking. "Gas prices — $4, $5, no end in sight," a voice intones, "because some in Washington are still saying no […]

Nets Look to Lure Fans With Free Gas

By Brad Aaron | Jun 13, 2008 | 9 Comments

Given the New Jersey Nets’ lackluster season (34-48 record, no playoff berth), the franchise is taking a page from another under-performer to unload tickets for next year. That’s right: buy 2008-2009 season tickets and the Nets will return 10 percent of the cost in the form of "free" gas, which fans will presumably burn up […]

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