In 2010, Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson portrayed his successful Senate campaign against Democratic incumbent Russ Feingold as a battle between a business outsider and a longtime politician. Johnson’s hoping to recapture that magic in his rematch with Feingold even though, you know, Johnson’s now served almost six years in the Senate. Johnson’s first ad tries to turn back the clock and pretend that Johnson is still the political neophyte on a mission to bring a common sense business perspective.
The spot features Johnson in a warehouse and saying that while “some companies export jobs, we export our products. Been doing it for decades, helping to create more Wisconsin jobs.” Johnson goes on to say, “Career politicians manufacture hogwash. I manufacture plastic,” and concludes by telling the viewer, “If you think it’s time for Washington to start facing reality, I sure could use your support.” Johnson really seems to be gambling on people actually forgetting that he, rather than Feingold, is the incumbent this time! In fact, Johnson’s spot is almost exactly this 2010 article from The Onion come to life.