Clinton ad tests well for Dems but hints at divide

Clinton ad tests well for Dems but hints at divide

By Sam Youngman
June 28, 2007
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) recent Internet spot that played off the “Sopranos” finale tested well with Democrats in terms of memorability and appeal, but Republicans and independents were not huge fans, according to a survey.

The survey, conducted by Wilson Research Strategies, tested both the Clinton ad and spots by Democratic candidates Sen. Chris Dodd (Conn.), Rep. Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. It found Clinton’s ad may not help her reach beyond the core Democratic constituency.

“The ad successfully appeals to Democrats and does well in several key ‘buzz’ measurements and may help bridge the gap between Sen. Clinton and some new-media-oriented Democrats,” CEO Chris Wilson said. “Across the board, even with those skeptical of its content, the ad rates well on memorability and generating discussion.”

But lower-than-average results from independents and Republicans suggest Clinton will continue to face an uphill battle with voters outside of the Democratic Party, Wilson added.

“President Clinton’s role in the ad clearly helps Sen. Clinton among the Democratic base, as it scores well on measures of effectiveness, appeal and memorability,” Wilson said. “(But) the immense partisan divide over the content of this ad reflects the difficulties Sen. Clinton may have with the general electorate.

“On content measures of effectiveness and appeal, this ad rates very poorly among Republicans and below average among independents,” he added.

more