Marketing Foot-In-Mouth Syndrome: Dino Rossi Swallows Entire Leg

November 6, 2008 by ian

I'm sure Dino Rossi is sitting somewhere right now, wondering why he lost this election. After all, he was up against some dang tax-and-spend liberal.

It might have something to do with his marketing strategy. He used these signs quite a bit during the campaign:

Photo from Hal Mueller

It's a clever message: Teach all those damned Seattle elitists a lesson. It might have worked in Wenatchee, or Spokane.

Problem is, he put them up in Seattle.

Yes, you read right. I'm a Seattle elitist myself. I passed one of these signs driving over the West Seattle Bridge today.

Rule number one in political marketing: Don't insult your supporters, or your competitor's. These signs were the equivalent of Rossi himself standing in downtown Seattle giving passersby the finger. They were not well-received. Cough.

So, Dino, next time around, hire a smarter campaign staff. Or a marketer or two. Or at least endeavor to not insult one of the biggest voting populations in your state.

Photo from Hal Mueller's blog. Thanks!!!!!