Granted, I have a favorable view of the target of this site, truthaboutkasich.com. But that doesn’t mean an analysis of it cannot be done fairly.
It must also be acknowledged that political advertising from either side of the aisle is not known for its balanced treatment of issues or candidates. (True, fairness in political ads isn’t really a goal. However, they should at least be accurate, credible and offer substance.)
But for now, let’s deal with this particular effort.
While technically it’s somewhat slick, the content borders on the childish.
After a failed presidential run in 1999, John Kasich took a hiatus from political life and headed for the bright lights of New York City. Taking a position with Lehman Brothers, Kasich enjoyed the corner office, plush leather seats and friends in high places.
A “failed presidential run” means what? Kasich needed to succeed at that in order to run for Ohio governor? Does everyone succeed at running for president? It’s completely irrelevant.
Taking a “hiatus from political life” is not a bad thing, though it seems to imply that it is. Saying he “headed for the bright lights of New York City” sounds like a promo from a movie from the ’40s or ’50s. It’s amazing “there’s a broken heart for every light on Broadway” wasn’t mentioned.
That “OMG” didn’t precede or follow “Taking a position with Lehman Brothers, Kasich enjoyed the corner office, plush leather seats and friends in high places” is surprising because it would have fit in with the feigned incredulity. One wonders if any of Kasich’s opponents have ever enjoyed a corner office, plush leather seats and friends in high places. Oh, the horror.
Guilt by association is a prevalent feature of the site since Kasich worked for Lehman and he once said he admired Dick Fuld, Lehman’s CEO. This opinion of Fuld, who, along with Lehman, joined the list of poster children blamed for the financial crisis, was not unique. It’s true that Fuld had his enemies but many colleagues of his were supporters, too, even after Lehman’s collapse. Besides, most people would be complimentary to those who hire them. To the site’s credit, it notes that Kasich’s quote about Fuld is from a 2001 story, to which, also to the site’s credit, it gives a link. Of course, this was about seven years before this latest turmoil.
But the site does not mention other parts of the story. Like the fact that Kasich apparently wasn’t just hanging out in his “corner office,” getting fat sitting in one of those “plush leather seats.” After Kasich described his work involving bonds, the New York Observer article noted:
So don’t mistake Mr. Kasich for a rain-making Vernon Jordan type-happy to swoop into the city for a few power lunches and the discreet phone call or two. He has already passed his Series 7 (the multi-hour test that all in the securities industry must pass), and now, his sleeves rolled up, Mr. Kasich is ready to do some deals.
Scrolling headlines proclaim such “shocking” statements as “Kasich Worked at Lehman Brothers for Several Years Leading Up to Its Collapse” and “While Working for Lehman, Kasich Commuted From Columbus to New York City Regularly” (emphases added). The first statement reminds me of the comedy skit where one pro wrestler goes up to his opponent after their match and, holding his hands up a couple feet apart, scolds him: “You came this close to hitting me.” Regarding the second headline, did they want Kasich to leave his Ohio home permanently?
The most credible concern raised on the site is Kasich’s refusal to release his tax returns before he announced for governor and lack of commitment to do so after, according to a Jan. 12, 2009, story linked to by the Web site. This is a legitimate concern for anyone who will serve in the public interest. However, is it surprising that a candidate would be reluctant to do so when faced with the posturing taken in most political ad productions?
In the next installment, a look at the video presented on the site.
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