That's a mouthful... (and my "but" rule)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTZpvmkVRYQ] My first thought: Wow, Senator Pryor really doesn't like Tom Cotton.

My Second Thoughts: This is part of a new trend of early ads (this ad is for an election over a year away) whether to buck up your support or keep your opponent from every gaining steam, these ads are becoming increasingly common.

My Third Thought: What a mess. They start by hitting Cotton for blind ambition, but then say, "...but let's talk about Cotton's record." I have a rule of life -- everything before the but is either a lie or doesn't matter. You're a great guy... but... You're doing great work... but.... That's a terrific point... but....

So we have blind ambition and then a litany of issues Cotton is on the wrong side of.  So what's the walk away here? What's my new story about Cotton? There is none. This ad seems akin to pouring gas on a car, hoping some will get into the tank. Ads should make choices, they should weave a story, but there's no choice here except a chocie to throw the kitchen sink at the guy.

So instead of hammering a message, introducing a story about Cotton,  there's no message and nothing to hang your hat on, except this is another political ad, isn't it early for that?