Republican candidate David Young has launched the second radio spot promoting his Congressional campaign in Iowa’s third district. I’ve posted the audio and full transcript of “Listen” after the jump. (For whatever reason, Young’s campaign never did post the first general election radio spot, featuring Senator Chuck Grassley, on their official YouTube channel.)
The new commercial features Young speaking calmly and deliberately about how Iowans expect their elected officials to listen more than talk. It’s the most slow-paced political ad I’ve heard in a long time. I wonder if it’s too slow to keep some listeners’ attention. On the other hand, I generally like candidates to speak in their own voice, rather than let professional voice-overs do the talking.
In contrast to his television commercials appealing to Republican primary voters, Young doesn’t bash President Barack Obama’s health care reform or other policies. He briefly alludes to a balanced budget amendment and helping businesses thrive, but he seems to be promoting a style of work and a way of relating to people, rather than a set of issues. Grassley focused on similar points in the ad he recorded for Young.
Young’s Democratic opponent, Staci Appel, is emphasizing her bipartisan work in the television commercial now running throughout IA-03. Although Young doesn’t use the words “bipartisan” or “across the aisle,” his promise to “be at the table” working on solutions to benefit Iowans draws an unspoken contrast with strident Republicans in the Steve King mold. Pledging to ensure “government is working for Iowa families” separates Young from conservatives who would prefer to shrink government enough to drown it in a bathtub.
Young did vow to “keep our promises to Iowa seniors,” pre-empting likely Democratic attacks on his views about Social Security reforms that include private savings accounts.
Roll Call’s Alexis Levinson observed Young’s listening ears in action during a recent campaign swing. She recounts the way Young listened patiently to an angry man wanting more details on spending cuts:
As the man berates him, Young calmly answers, “I’m listening to you. … I appreciate these conversations.”
Talk about the anti-Steve King. This campaign strategy will serve Young well and will make it difficult to caricature him as a “way out there” tea party Republican.
David Young radio ad “Listen,” launched August 27:
Young’s voice, with soft, soothing music playing in background: As Iowans, we expect our elected officials to listen more than they talk.
This is David Young, and I’m running for Congress. Traveling throughout central and southwest Iowa, I’ve visited with Iowans in their homes, on their farms, and at their businesses.
They’ve expressed concern about the direction of our country and state of our economy, and discussed solutions like passing a balanced budget amendment, and bringing Iowa sensibility to Washington.
As your Congressman, I’ll be at the table making sure government is working for Iowa families, so we have economic security. Small businesses have the freedoms to grow and hire more workers. And we keep our promises to Iowa seniors.
I’m David Young, Iowa candidate for Congress, and I approved this message. Paid for by Young for Iowa, Inc.