[Brookhaven]

What could have been a powerful message is destroyed by going one step too far. Imagine this photo without the words "you jerk" and without the girl shooting a bird (just frowning). It would have been more powerful and resonated with every parent (regardless of their political affiliation).

Instead, what this does is just speak to the choir.

When you start throwing insults like "you jerk" it causes people to simply harden their position. Even if your listener deep down things your argument is 100% right, the listener is not going to agree with you because you have injured their pride by calling them a jerk.

That's human nature on both sides of the political fence.

[HereInTheHeartland]

You are correct. People forget we (and they on the other side) are really spending all of the resources in a campaign to get the sliver of swing voters in the middle to come our way.
Some people here don't believe there is such a thing; but that is the reality.
Crude or profane ads turn those people off in my opinion. Your take on it is right on; the message could have been very powerful without the crudeness.

[Balding_Eagle]

Wars are won using hundreds of different strategies, and thousands, or tens of thousands of tactics.

This man decided this tactic was the best tactic his money could buy, and he may be right. He has been willing to put his money, his reputation, and perhaps even his business on the line to enact what he believes. I like it when a few people do this kind of stuff.

It got played around the world, something I would guess your tactic would not.

[dfwgator]

Whatever....you have to have some people that are willing to get into the mud with these guys.