A fellow by the name of Brian Ellner is running for Manhattan Borough president. He is airing a somewhat controversial campaign ad that depicts George Bush's head on a middle-aged body naked from the waist up and declares, "The emperor has no clothes."

Apparently, WNEW, the New York City Fox affiliate refused to run the ad deeming it "offensive." Base10 saw it this ad this morning on NBC and can state that it is indeed offensive. But it's so much more than that. It's trully lame as well.

The ad is simply an exercise in Bush-bashing. Bush sending our troops to die overseas. Bush harming children's education. (Ellner is yet another politician in UFT's pocket). Dude, you are not running for President of the United States--the most powerful job in the world--you are running for Manhattan Borough President--the least powerful job in the world. (What do borough presidents do again?) Instead of trashing your duly elected president, how about some fresh ideas about what YOU would do improve life in the city.

The spot ends with Ellner introducing his domestic partner. According to Ellner's web site this is a first in city politics. More power to Ellner for that, but still, the combination of Bush-bashing and blatant appeal to the gay community is somewhat Clintonian in its elevation of style over substance. After all, all this commercial says when you get right down to it is, "Vote for me because I'm gay and I hate Bush."

Read about it and check out the spot at Ellner's website:

- posted by Base10 @ 12:12 PM