From 1999 to 2000 the “Whassup?” commercial campaign was aired to advertise Anheuser-Busch Budweiser beer during Monday Night Football. The commercial were based on a short film, entitled “true”, written and directed by Charles Stone III. The commercial featured five men seemingly enjoying their life and relaxing. The characters sat around talking on the phone saying “Whassup!” while drinking beer. The commercial elaborates the American life, stating that they have no problems to worry about. This is also called satire.

Later on, parodies of the commercial began to spread around the internet. The Simpsons, Teletubbies, and South Park all made their own version of the parody. The message of the commercial is to tell the people how the American life is so relaxed.

However, in 2008 a present version of the “wassup” commercial was clearly created to endorse Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, and the opposite message was sent to the people of America. The message conveys, that within eight years the American life has evolved and has change into something totally different from a relax life. Many issues and crisis were brought to attention in this ad they include: loss of homes, unemployment, the war in Iraq, healthcare, bankruptcy, and natural disasters. Eight years ago, the “wassup” boys did not have to worry about these issues and lived happy lives. Now, President Obama brought to attention these issues and his promises change, hence the fact that the new commercial is called “Change.”

This advertisement was genius and attractive. It was so witty. In my opinion, politicians are lacking the ability to promote themselves rather they put down other candidates. For example, in 2008 Canadian federal election a commercial criticized Stéphane Dion, attempting to convince voters that he and the Liberal shouldn’t be voted for. Campaigns should focus on the leader of the group and promote him or her rather than put down other candidates. It is a sign that you are showing respect to the other competitors.

A good president should be able to relate and humble himself down to the citizens of the country. Through this commercial, President Barack Obama was aware of the issues and crisis that is going on in America – nonetheless the world. He is conveying that he is able to make change and will make America a better place after all the changes.

The 2008 “wassup” commercial is very easy to relate, every person is experiencing these issues and crisis because we are all interconnected. I think that this message, though comedic, was able to articulate the message appropriately and effectively because everyone could relate to it. Barack Obama was able to convey his message that he will be the change for America. The fact that he knows and is aware of these issues helped increase the commercial’s meaning.