For once, a genuinely witty campaign initiative — and it’s from Democrats. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has put up a toll-free number for those hoping to locate Florida’s Gov. Charlie Crist. Crist is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently marginally occupied by Sen. Mel Martinez. Both are Republicans.
When you dial 1-800-403-2195 (and you should), the typical phone lady voice thanks you for calling Gov. Crist’s scheduling office and says she’ll try to locate the governor, who has been missing from his office for 62 weekdays. You’re then offered the options of pressing 1 to continue holding, 2 to schedule a private yacht cruise with Charlie (but he only likes big yachts, you’re reminded), or 3 to meet him at a Miami Heat game (but only seated courtside and with celebrities). Jaunty music plays when you’re on hold, until the mystified phone lady returns again, still unable to find Charlie.
We’ve seen unfunny web sites and loads of unfunny T.V. and radio spots, but this idea is well-executed and effectively gets the idea across that Charlie Crist is all about being loved and having fun (with Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Aniston?) rather than doing the boring, grown-up, governing thing. Good job!
