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Notes from Notchcode

3.08.2008

Way bad branding: Another example of why you need a brand manager

I was rolling around the merchandise stores of the main presidential candidates, Republican and Democrat, and came across this t-shirt from the Hillary Clinton Campaign:


And it reminded me of another bit of political branding I saw all over the backs of large SUVs for the last 4 years or so:




Now, there are a few differences. But not a whole lot. White text on black. Initial used to brand the individual. I know that Clinton's brand managers aren't nearly as on their game as Obama's, but this is a bit beyond comprehension. Political preferences aside, when you are running on a platform that theoretically positions you 180 degrees from the incumbent, you really should have zero visual similarities in your branding with him. Or think about it this way: if Clinton was Pepsi, and Bush was Coke, this is equivalent to using red and white packaging on your cans instead od blue white and red, and deciding that the Coke swoosh would look nice under the words "Pepsi". It doesn't mean that what's inside has necessarily changed, but it sure will have people associating you more with your competition than with your own identity.

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