The campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is continuing to have a lot of fun with their primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, over the infomercial he did in 2007 for a company offering questionable seminars on how to receive “free money” from government grants. Their latest: a web video showing a satirical “second J.D. Hayworth infomercial.”
A not-very-good voice impersonator, pretending to be Hayworth, comes in as the announcer. “I’m J.D. Hayworth, and I’m speaking to you at 3:47 in the morning, to tell you this important announcement,” the announcer says, with the screen then cutting to a section of footage from the king of free government money commercials, pitchman Matthew Lesko in his Riddler suit-jacket: “Free money from the government!”
Interestingly, the Web video then cuts to a still frame of a twinkling-eyed President Obama — tying further into the theme that Hayworth’s participation in the commercial wasn’t just shady, but un-conservative in that his commercial encouraged people to seek government money. This point is further underlined with some more Lesko: “You’ve been stimulated!”
The Web video then includes satirical products and services tied to Hayworth’s other gaffes: His dabbling in Birtherism, his confusion on World War II history, and his warnings that gay marriage would lead to man-and-horse marriage.
The Web ad’s payment disclaimer: “And make sure you don’t give your money to J.D. Hayworth.” It closes with Hayworth’s initial comment on the whole flap: “buyer beware.”
Late Update: When asked for comment, Hayworth spokesman Mark Sanders told us: “Senator McCain is letting his intense hatred of J.D. Hayworth overcome his better judgment. This is clearly conduct unbecoming of a U.S. Senator - even in campaign mode.”
Eric Kleefeld
Eric Kleefeld joined TPM as an intern for the final months of the 2006 midterm elections, and then kept showing up for work. His other interests include guitars, old comic books and the politics of various English-speaking countries.
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