Topic of cancer used to sell and assail candidates in ads

“Cancer sells.” It’s not a maxim in general use among the Mad Men (and women) in advertising today. But where political TV spots are made — at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue — it’s been a regular if somewhat surprising touchstone in campaign ads this election cycle. Why? Health care is a top election issue, political ads aim to impact emotions, and — as Brian Rank, a Twin Cities oncologist, puts it — “cancer is an emotional microcosm of health care in the United States.” The ads range from hard-hitting to soft focus, some citing specific, individual cases while others take a broad-brush approach. Seven videos and more, after the jump.