The Use of Children in Political Ads

[Josquius]

Somewhat dissaprove.
It would be kind of weird to totally blank them out and ignore they exist, especially when this man who the media spotlight is on apparently loves them so much.
But actively using them as tools....yeah. Thats bad.

[merithyn]

Disapprove.

FWIW Obama has made heavy use of his girls as props at certain times, interjecting their names into speeches that really have nothing to do with them.

And Romney has trotted his Five Boys out every chance he gets, too. It's been a common theme this election year, and I find it a bit... odd.

[PDH]

I only approve if a dozen or so children are holding up a dais which the candidate stands on, elevating them to a godlike height.  This would have totemic power.

[derspiess]

And Romney has trotted his Five Boys out every chance he gets, too. It's been a common theme this election year, and I find it a bit... odd.

His boys are grown up and voluntarily participate.

[Habbaku]

Disapprove.

FWIW Obama has made heavy use of his girls as props at certain times, interjecting their names into speeches that really have nothing to do with them.

And Romney has trotted his Five Boys out every chance he gets, too. It's been a common theme this election year, and I find it a bit... odd.

His youngest kid is in his 30s.

[merithyn]

Disapprove.

FWIW Obama has made heavy use of his girls as props at certain times, interjecting their names into speeches that really have nothing to do with them.

And Romney has trotted his Five Boys out every chance he gets, too. It's been a common theme this election year, and I find it a bit... odd.

His youngest kid is in his 30s.

Obama has mentioned his daughters. He hasn't sent them stumping for him. Romney's kids have been almost as involved in his election campaign as he has.

I just find it weird that either of them are relying so heavily on their families. I don't remember it ever being such a big thing. Bush Jr actively avoided putting his wife and daughters in the spotlight. The Clinton's paraded Chelsea and were roundly criticized for it. Bush Sr didn't rely on his sons when he ran, and his boys were all in politics! I didn't even know that Reagan had kids until he was well into his first term.

[Sheilbh]

Well this is the first time since JFK you've had a young family in the White House.

[Neil]

It seems a little unusual to have adult kids being prominent.  I don't remember Reagan or Bush's kids really being around in the campaign, although I'm too young to remember 1980.

[merithyn]

Well this is the first time since JFK you've had a young family in the White House.

Carter, Clinton, Bush Jr all had children in the White House.

[derspiess]

Obama has mentioned his daughters.

That's an understatement.  He mentions them a lot.  He mentions them even when the topic has nothing to do with them.

But it's not a huge deal to me. 

[The Brain]

It seems a little unusual to have adult kids being prominent.  I don't remember Reagan or Bush's kids really being around in the campaign, although I'm too young to remember 1980.

I accidentally saw a softcore porn movie with that Reagan chick once. I WAS NOT AROUSED.

[merithyn]

Obama has mentioned his daughters.

That's an understatement.  He mentions them a lot.  He mentions them even when the topic has nothing to do with them.

But it's not a huge deal to me.

You're so focused on bashing Obama that you're not listening to what I'm saying.

BOTH of them have been inordinately reliant on their families throughout this election. I don't even remember Obama mentioning the girls so much the first time around. I'm just trying to understand why this particular election is like this when, historically, that hasn't been the case in US politics.

[Admiral Yi]

Carter, Clinton, Bush Jr all had children in the White House.

I think Shelf meant like elementary age.

[derspiess]

You're so focused on bashing Obama

Not really.  I have more important things over which to bash him.

that you're not listening to what I'm saying.

I'm trying, but you can sometimes be vague when you make your point.

BOTH of them have been inordinately reliant on their families throughout this election. I don't even remember Obama mentioning the girls so much the first time around. I'm just trying to understand why this particular election is like this when, historically, that hasn't been the case in US politics.

I'm not sure I see that big of an up-tick for this election.  But if there is, it could simply be due to the fact that this has been a very close race (so far closer than any race I've followed) and both candidates need to play whatever cards they have.  Putting family members on display humanizes the candidate and makes him more relatable-- even I guess if it's 5 sons

Objectively speaking, there has not been a whole lot of substance in this election from either side, but a whole lot of fluff.

[Admiral Yi]

Speaking of using children, what are the odds of a Mormon having not even one attractive daughter to put on stage?