First TV Ads Focus on Clinton as a Fighter for Families
~Pair of 60-second Spots to Air in Iowa and NH~
Hillary for America will begin airing the first two ads of the campaign on Tuesday in the early primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Both 60-second ads – “Dorothy” and “Family Strong”– combine to tell the story of Hillary Clinton as a tenacious fighter for families. In keeping with a theme from Clinton's launch speech in June, the ads ground Clinton's commitment to public service in the story of how her mother overcome her abandonment as a child due, in part, to the kindness of others.
“We’re going to make sure everyone knows who Hillary Clinton really is – who she fights for and what has motivated her lifelong commitment to children and families,” said Campaign Manager Robby Mook. “Since Day One, we’ve planned for a competitive primary with Hillary herself working to earn every vote and, ultimately, the nomination. This is the natural next step.”
The first ad, “Dorothy,” tells the story of Clinton’s mother whose tough childhood showed Clinton that every child – and every family – needs a champion. The second, “Family Strong,” documents her career fighting to make families stronger, from going door-to-door at the Children’s Defense Fund, to school reform in Arkansas, to health care for kids as First Lady, to support for 9/11 heroes as Senator and to her service as Secretary of State.
These ads are part of an initial five-week, approximately $1 million ad buy in each state plus additional digital advertising. In New Hampshire, the ads will run statewide - in the Boston/Manchester market and in the Burlington market. In Iowa, the ads will air in the state’s two largest media markets – Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. As of today, Republican candidates and their SuperPACS have spent or reserved $34 million in air time in the four early primary states.
Below is a script of the first ad – “Dorothy.”
Hillary Clinton: When I think about why I’m doing this I think about my mother Dorothy. She was abandoned by her parents at the age of eight, sent from Chicago to LA to live with grandparents who didn’t want her.
But people showed her kindness, gave her a chance. Like the teacher who saw my mother had no money for food and started bringing her extra from home whispering, ‘You know Dorothy, I just brought too much food today.’
She went to work in somebody else’s home at age 14 and it opened her eyes. For the first time she saw parents who loved and cared for their children. And that’s the kind of loving family she provided for us. When she needed a champion someone was there. I think about all the Dorothy’s all over America who fight for their families, who never give up.
That’s why I’m doing this. That’s why I’ve always done this. For all the Dorothy’s.
I’m Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.
Below is a script of the second ad – “Family Strong.” The ad is available here - https://youtu.be/NdKsA4q-FFA
Hillary Clinton: Her parents abandoned her when she was just eight years old. She was mistreated. But she never gave up, and she taught me to do the same.
My mom’s life and what she went through are big reasons why standing up for kids and families became such a big part of my life.
Voiceover: After law school she could have gone to a big firm but instead went to work for the Children’s Defense Fund.
In Arkansas, she fought for school reform to change lives forever.
Then as first lady she helped get health care for eight million kids.
You probably know the rest.
The senator who made sure the heroes and families of 9/11 got the care they needed.
The Secretary of State who joined the cabinet of the man who defeated her, because when your President calls you serve.
And now a new title: grandma.
Hillary Clinton: I believe that when families are strong America is strong.
It’s your time.
I’m Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.
