I’ve seen Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s latest ad on television a number of times, often appearing almost back-to-back in or around the evening newscasts. You know, the one where Neil appears as the driver of a Yellow Cab, at one time the campaign symbol associated with this once-rebel politician.
It’s a cute ad, which shows off the way Neil’ sparkle when interacting with people. He just comes across as a really likable guy.
But I’m worried that this ad may trigger a different response than intended.
Am I the only one who, after several viewings, wondered how this same routine would play if they were driving through Kakaako instead of Kapolei? Did his advertising team consider this scenario? It almost invites critics to dub in their own dialog.
The two passengers enter the cab and are taking in the sights.
“What’s that construction over there?”
“Oh, those are the new condominiums that start at only a few million dollars. Some will go for tens of millions. I hear lot’s of foreign buyers have been lining up.”
“And what’s that?”
“Oh, that’s Kewalo Basin, the state harbor that’s going to be managed by the same private developer building luxury condos for more out-of-state buyers just across the street.”
“Who’s responsible for all that?”
“Governor Neil Abercrombie!”
The overdevelopment of Kakaako is one of those political criticisms of the governor that I’ve heard a lot. I don’t necessarily agree with all of it, and I’m still likely to cast my vote for the governor, but it’s one of those areas where Abercrombie is vulnerable to criticism from left and right.
And this ad, even as is, sends a message: Abercrombie, the development governor.
But I think there are enough voters at least a little uneasy about the pace and direction of development, and the threat of overdevelopment, especially in Kakaako, to make a difference in the election.
At least one prominent environmentalist, attorney David Kimo Frankel, has endorsed David Ige in several emails sent to friends.
The Sierra Club, which endorsed Abercrombie in 2010, appears to have refrained from any endorsement in this year’s gubernatorial primary. That’s a worrisome message in itself for the Abercrombie campaign team.
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Any plan that would lengthen drive times between West and Central Oahu and town is an even worse overdevelopment plan than what’s happening in Kakaako. It’s further injuring the already badly wounded.
One reason you don’t hear many complaints is because many if not most of the people who will be hurt have been PRP’ed into believing that rail will reduce traffic. People do not work to fix problems that have been hidden from them.
If you must have your rail, at least keep the higher density development in town east of the airport where it will do the least harm.
I agree with you. It’s a dumb ad. However, I like him and I already voted for him by absentee ballot. But not because of that ad!
Maybe it’s me but suddenly that likable smile now looks like a smirk. Is it the attitude toward the same kind of activists he once was epitomized by the “I ain’t your pal” and the “usual suspects” quip directed at anti-PLDC movement leaders?
He hasn’t even tried to apologize much less make a few calls to smooth ruffled feathers but rather he’s let it fester to the point where many of us just see a lack of sincerity behind that grin.
I like David Ige more than I like Neil Abercrombie, but I’m not voting for someone to be my friend. Ige has allowed himself to be used by the Old Guard, and that is the reason why I can’t support him. What makes anyone think that the Old Guard, whose policies created the Honolulu that we are all supposed to hate, will be any less-developer oriented than Neil? Honolulu is a high-density city with a high-rise urban core; no prelapsarian Territorial dreams will change that. The only chance for the heavy rail system to work is if Honolulu is overdeveloped; that’s why anti-development groups who supported the train are mired in a mess of their own creation.
Thank you. I agree with your assessment.
Indeed, Neil is “driving” through Kakaako in that commercial, as he shows off Halakauwila Place. Affordable units or not, Oahu residents are concerned about the over-development taking place in that area. So I wonder why Neil chose that particular project for this commercial, as it provides a fresh reminder to those folks who rallied against all these new high-rises mushrooming in Kakaako. Not smart, if you ask me.
And then too, can 30 seconds of Neil playing the part of Mr. Nice Guy with a million dollar smile woo back voters who have been alienated by 4 years of Neil, the stubborn chief executive who refuses to listen? If those people aren’t moved the first time they see that spot, then playing it ad nauseum isn’t going to wring any additional votes from that sector, no matter how cute and slickly produced that commercial is.
Here’s a concern I hear from some of my friends: If you think that Neil was stubborn and pig-headed during his first term, do you think he will get any better as a 2nd term lame duck?
This is why you’re a journalist Ian and not in advertising. I liked the ad and didn’t infer any of the worries you cite. Even my die hard Republican dad thought the was funny. Then he cursed out hippy Abercrombie. Can’t win ’em all.
The people who read this blog are the prolly the worst focus group evar for a Hawaii campaign ad — they decided who to vote for months ago.
“The people who read this blog are the prolly the worst focus group evar for a Hawaii campaign ad”
Thank you very much for the compliment! This is very true, and we appreciate your insight. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, and TV ads are as inspiring as steaks from Wal-Mart. (If The Duke of Aiona actually dethrones Abercrombie this year, the only thing worth laughing at is Hawaii’s long-time Democrat leadership.)
How about Shan and Clayton’s ads? Shan (Can’t pronounce the last name) touts his baseball skills while Clayton Hee touts his daily jogging and longtime marriage. I don’t get it , are these supposed to make one want to vote for these folks? Totally mystified ova hea!
Wow, I don’t know what ad you and your readers are talking but the vibe perceived by me and a number of like-minded friends is that Neil came off as an uji old leering creep. I guess people see what they want to see. I may yet vote for him in hopes that he really will be the Governor that his now departed staff sold us in the first campaign.
I’m an undecided voter at this point who worked for Abercrombie the first time around. I have become disappointed in his performance as guv. Kakaako is one reason why.
I realize his need to raise campaign funds; but why so much of it from mainland interests, many of whom are the ones developing Kakaako? He claims development is needed in town to stop suburban sprawl. Then why did he at the same time support Koa Ridge and Hoopili? No wonder the Sierra Club is not endorsing him this time.
I decided not to vote in the Democratic Primary because I have significant positive AND negative responses to candidates I’ve known & worked with for a quazillion years.
Come November, I’ll vote for the Democratic candidates.
Absolutely Ohia. You nailed it- an uji old leering creep
Wife likes it, it worked. Now if they can avoid showing it too often.
We liberals will never learn. Here we have a guy with a damn near perfect 40-year progressive record and the moment we think he’s done something we don’t like, we’re ready to throw him under the bus. Meanwhile, Republican voters get some empty-headed bimbo who could be a heartbeat away from being president, and they vote for her with barely a second thought. Well, keep on trashing Neil, folks, but you better get ready for Governor Aiona.