Those Graphics People
“I can’t tell you why graphics people do things.”
—Mike DeWine, Republican/OHIO
Oh, those silly graphics people—I had to use “choice words with them “that you can’t print in a family magazine.” That’s what Mike DeWine (OH—R) said when a journalist called him on the doctored images used in his political ad. Mr. DeWine used an image of the World Trade Center under attack to discredit his opponent’s weak stand on National Security and it was reported in this U.S. News & World Report article. He was so shocked, naturally it was all without his knowledge or approval. Hmmm . . . no foolin’
As graphics people, you and I both know nothing is done without client approval. In the case of a political campaign, not only with proofs signed by the client, but also the required prepayment. So how many of these stacked cow chips (TX talk for BS) should be scraped off the “graphics people” and smeared on Mr. DeWine’s finest suit? Let’s not forget the bane of every political ad voiceover: “Hi, I’m Mike DeWine and I approved this ad.” Hmmm . . . no foolin’
WHO would use an existing photograph of the Trade Towers and create their own “smoke-belching” effects? That’s an awful lot of trouble to go to when the real thing exists. Everybody in this room is familiar with budget restraints. I imagine the folks who own the real footage of the horrible events of Nine Eleven are demanding a pretty high price having risked life and limb. A small agency innovator solved the cost issue by creating a substitute for the real thing, something that never would have aired without the expressed approval of the candidate. Standard operating procedure in an agency world that uses cottage cheese for ice cream in photo shoots.
Advertising agencies get cash up front from all political candidates because, like defense attorneys, they’ve learned the loser, a convicted client or losing candidate, won’t pay for services rendered. Maybe they blame losing on the agency and not on their weak platforms. In this instance, it's clear the water falling off the duck's back should be sticking. Your graphics people did just what you told them to do. Mr. DeWine has shown us that when something goes wrong, he chooses to blame instead of finding a solution—a behavior he's bound to repeat in office. 
Over and out from the planet GRAPHOS.
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Nice one, Susan. Apparently a DeWine spokesperson has since dubbed this a "graphic representation" -- doesn't make you optimistic about the future of truth in advertising, does it?
Oh dear, a politician caught blame-shifting. How unusual. Of course, I think I'd advise Mike DeWine's "graphics people" to shift it right back...not like a great offense as a strong defense.
You've made the point for them...but I say let's call him out on it; beat him over the head with it. "Throw the rascal out!"
So perhaps (instead of doing paying work today), I'll dig into this a little bit and see just who the accused are. Thanks for blogging about this. RLB.
Oh - never mind. It's Alexandria-based Stevens, Reed, Curcio & Potholm. They take the blame and get to keep the account, which is business-as-usual for this political consultancy. See the Newsweek article, http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/060721/21dewinead.htm
Shocking. Politicians shucking blame? Next thing you know we'll find out advertisers lie to us!
Hi. I want to be a graphic artist and a lot of other things when I grow up. You are awesome and funny. Here's what I want to be
1 veterinarian
2 pro cheerleader and coach
3 artist
4 graphic artist
5 pro dancer and teacher
6 computer expert, something to do with cumputer art
:) Thanks for listening.