Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign is starting a television ad campaign designed to soften the New York Senator’s image. Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack previewed the ad for reporters this morning.
"This ad will allow Iowans who have not had an opportunity yet to see the senator to begin to see the person that I’ve had the pleasure of being with and seeing," Vilsack said, "a person who is warm and compassionate and has dedicated her life to those who are most in need."
The ad shows Clinton taking questions from people during the campaign. Vilsack said that’s the image they want to show.
"When she visits with folks, she really listens to them. She connects with them. And I think that’s one of the reasons why we’re seeing some forward momentum in this campaign as she comes back to Iowa and sees more Iowans," Vilsack said. "They understand that this is the Hillary Clinton, not the one that has been vilified by some, but the Hillary Clinton that cares about people most in need….This is an add that focuses on the fact that there are people out there that feel as though they are invisible to their government and I think it’s important to send that message to people, because you can’t solve people’s problems until you recognize who they are, and what their problems are. And if they are invisible, people forget about them."
According to Vilsack, there are several groups that feel like they are not being heard, such as veterans in need of assistance, people who need healthcare and who are trying to find quality childcare.
"This ad sends a message to them that she understands, she appreciates the problems that they have, she’s dedicated her life to working for them, and will continue to do so as the next president," Vilsack said.
The former Iowa governor said the ad’s theme is reminiscent of a catch phrase used by Clinton’s husband when he was president — "I feel your pain."
The ads begin airing across Iowa on Tuesday. Clinton follows rivals John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd and Barack Obama onto the Iowa airwaves. Republican Mitt Romney has been the most frequent presidential candidate to appear on Iowa television screens, however.
You can view the ad on Hillary Clinton’s website .