health care for america now

“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.

With less than a month to go in one of the country’s hottest congressional contests, outside groups — other than the major parties’ congressional campaign committees — are rolling out ads in Minnesota’s 3rd district. One that’s new is from Health Care for America Now, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit coalition, asserting that Republican Erik Paulsen is “Not on Your Side [...]