Behind the Ad: Rep. Ed Markey invented the internet (not really)

By Richard K. Barry

(Another installment in our extensive "Behind the Ad" series.) 

Who: The Ed Markey Senate campaign. 

Where: Massachusetts, on broadcast and cable television.

What's going on: In his first post-primary ad, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) talks about his record supporting the telecom industry.

The backstory is that Republicans have been critical of Markey for failing to address jobs and the economy in his campaign.

As The Hill notes:

The ad features Diane Hessan, CEO of a Boston-based communications firm, vouching for Markey's efforts.

"Then Ed Markey fought to break up monopolies and transform the telecom industry, unleashing competition and private sector investment and creating good jobs," she says.

His Republican opponent Gabriel Gomez and his campaign are also trying to make Markey's age and long tenure in Congress into a bad thing, which they are contrasting with Gomez's youth and business background:

Markey's assertion that he's in part responsible for the development of innovative technologies used by young people, including Facebook and smartphones, could counter the perception that he's out of touch.

It's all in the game -- trying to blunt criticism that you know will keep on coming.


(Cross-posted at Phantom Public.)