The video: In a rare instance of an intentionally funny political ad, David Zucker, director of the 1980 classic comedy Airplane, takes aim at Democratic California Sen. Barbara Boxer. The satirical ad — created for Right Change, a 527 organization that supports fiscally responsible candidates — pillories the now-infamous moment in June 2009 when Boxer asked an Army brigadier general to call her "Senator" and not "Ma'am" during a committee hearing; it concludes with her gleefully signing a $900 billion stimulus bill.
The reaction: Zucker, a former Democrat who once supported Boxer, has offered this video as an "apology" to her critics, says Jim Galloway at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It's not as funny as Airplane," but "it'll do." It will more than do, says Rick Moran at American Thinker. This is "easily one of the funniest ads made this campaign season." Eagle-eyed viewers will notice Clint Howard, brother of Happy Days star Ron and a "recent 'out of the closet' Hollywood conservative," portraying the senator sitting next to the Boxer character. Watch for yourself:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 22, 2025Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - silenced voices, DOGE backlash, and more
-
5 crazed cartoons about March MadnessCartoons Artists take on the education bracket, apolitical moments, and more
-
Elon Musk: has he made Tesla toxic?Talking Point Musk's political antics have given him the 'reverse Midas touch' when it comes to his EV empire
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to goThe Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala HarrisThe Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockadeSpeed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
