So I'm working on launching what essentially amounts to a non-partisan mini-political action committee called "Restoring 'Merica" (not large enough to require FCC affiliation, not contributing directly to campaigns, etc.). The basis of the "campaign" is that the currently-announced GOP candidates have said some things that make independent voters shiver. Our goal is to educate voters on the somewhat radical beliefs of the Republican candidates that have thus far declared candidacy. Our main target so far has been Iowa front-runner and Tea Party favorite, Michele Bachmann.
There has been no shortage of material to use when it comes to Bachmann. From her remarks about carbon dioxide being a "harmless gas" (CO2, even disregarding the climate debate, kills thousands yearly; the gas is toxic under most concentrated conditions) to her radical and unnerving approval of intelligent design for instruction in science classrooms. We intend to hit her hard, allowing for minor slip-ups like "John Wayne Gacy" and others. We truly want to provide independents with a look at the radical views of some who are running for President in the GOP field.
The campaign centers around a group of three fake "Bachmann 2012" yard signs. These signs will start in Spokane, Washington, and, ideally, travel nationwide starting in September or October. They have crafty slogans that illustrate Bachmann's cluelessness. QR Codes located on the signs redirect to the campaigns Facebook and Twitter pages. This is truly meant to be a new breed of social media campaign with several aspects.
We're working on a website to be launched soon. A kickoff video there will feature interviews with early supporters of the movement and the signs being placed. Photos and videos will be posted regularly on Twitter and Facebook. A "request" form will send the signs nationally, and an online store will sell signs and t-shirts, with all money going directly back into the campaign.
So, basically, I need some suggestions. In our first few weeks of having the signs up, we've gotten several comments, but not nearly as many as we had expected. We're wondering whether the signs are being taken seriously; in which case we would need a serious new push to make it totally obvious that they are not pro-Bachmann.
These are the slogans:
ALL SIGNS SAY, "BACHMANN 2012"
...because climate change is a myth.
...because "carbon dioxide is a harmless gas."
...because the minimum wage is a job-killer."
...because "we're running out of rich people in this country."
...because "hundreds of Nobel laureates believe in intelligent design."
...because free speech isn't protected in the First Amendment."
..."HELP!! HHHEEELLLPPP!!!! I was being held my will!!!"
The last one stems from a confrontation she had in which a nun approached her in the aftermath of one of her speaking events. The nun was very passionate about a particular issue, and grasped her on the shoulder (as any nun might do) while asking, "I agree, but what about...?" Bachmann screamed for security and alleged that she was being "attacked" by "a lesbian nun."
The additional candidates that I'm considering include Mitt Romney (for his "Corporations are people, my friend" comment), Rick Perry (for his Tea Party-dom; material is hardly scarce), and Ron Paul (some of his ideas are just completely unrealistic). And why not, I might throw a Rick Parry one up there to appease Mr. Stephen Colbert and Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow.
So I'm asking you, NS, for some comments. Comment on the campaign. View the Facebook page (and like it if you so fancy). Take a look at the early Twitter page. Everything is really early. Comment on the campaign. I need to know what I can do to make the satire even more obvious. Make suggestions! Where should the signs go next? Should I make stickers? T-shirts? Should I expedite the process? Add new candidates?
WHAT SHOULD I DO, NS?!
Facebook and Twitter below.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Restoring-merica-with-Michele-Bachmann/202673909783337
http://www.twitter.com/bachmanndisplay
