With so much chatter about putting lipstick on a pig and calling it change, it’s clear today’s tough political campaign is bringing out the animal in everyone.
Whether you prefer a candidate who purrs with political correctness or fights it out in the dog-eat-dog world of politics, voters have a real voice in this election.
In the spirit of the presidential election, Smith Brothers Agency, pioneers in consumer-generated marketing, launched their own campaign on a topic near and dear to the hearts of all Americans---which pet do we love the most----dogs or cats? Americans are urged to exercise their right to vote on two new Web sites: www.catsarebetter.com and www.dogsarebetter.com.
Each candidate has their platform and visitors may cast their vote for the candidate they truly believe in. And no need to stay up into the wee hours on election night to get the results. Voters can watch how the nationwide election unfolds in the blue (dog) and red (cat) states.
The Web sites also allow guests to upload their favorite pet videos, view the top 10 reasons to vote cat or dog, and read humorous pet stories. Visitors can also send a link to a fellow dog or cat lover and attend a “Town Meeting” to discuss the “issues”.
As with any election campaign, candidates can best be distinguished by their platform and position on issues of critical importance to the American public. The dog platform is all about hope; change; a clear new path. And squeaky toys. The dog’s platform can be identified by its key priorities: a fire hydrant on every corner; disability for working dogs; additional belly rubs; abolishing the leash laws; tax breaks for Frisbee manufacturers; equal treats for equal tricks; and expanded car rides.
The cat candidate sees things a bit differently. The cat’s platform is based on a future bright with promise; opportunities and nice big balls of yarn. Cat’s high priorities are: turning Gitmo into kitty condos; universal, affordable veterinarian care; legalizing catnip; no scratching post left behind; outlawing startlingly loud noises; funding for hairball research; changing the national anthem to `Honky Cat’ and longer naps.
And which candidate is leading? According to Michael Bollinger, A Smith Brothers partner and Director of Client Services, while it's still too early to predict an outcome, "dogs garnered a big early lead but cats are closing in rapidly. No surprise--California has gone cat."
Visitors can also keep up to date on the latest election coverage with an online Political Ticker that runs such stories as “If Candidates Were Dogs”, “Meet the Potential First Pooch,” and “All You Ever Wanted to Know About Presidential Pets.”
Visitors can also show their true canine (or cat) colors by purchasing merchandise online including t-shirts for humans and pets with appropriate slogans (“Dogs Come When You Call Them”; “Ever Hear of a Seeing-Eye Cat?”); must-have candidate buttons (“One Word. Hairball”; “Litter Boxes Stink”); mugs, mousepads, dog/cat bowls and even yard signs.
“We believe Americans should have a choice and the ability to vote cat or vote dog clearly provides that,” said Bollinger. “Dog and cat fanciers need to stand up and get the vote out in support of their favorite companion,” he added.
He added, "Visitors are enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to vote and submit videos of their pets and advertisers will be able to participate and benefit from the growing site traffic through ad networks targeting pet-related sites."
The Smith Brothers’ campaign grew out of their experience in the pet category and an understanding of pet owners’ strong association with their cats or dogs.
Bollinger explained, "Our goal was to turn the current business model on its head. We wanted to see if instead of making ads for clients and placing them on popular consumer content, we could make popular consumer content and see if it proved popular enough to attract client ads."