The video: Backlash from a commercial that Andy Griffith, 84, filmed about Medicare for the federal government back in July is apparently diminishing his political influence. In the spot, the actor and once-powerful endorser of Democratic candidates and causes promised that Obama's health care law would yield "more good things." The ad, which reportedly cost taxpayers $700,000, angered Republicans — including Sen. Richard Burr from Griffith's home state, North Carolina — and the fallout has seemingly hurt Griffith's standing with his fellow North Carolinians, with his unfavorable rating jumping from 9 percent two years ago to 22 percent, according to a new survey from Raleigh-based Public Policy Polling.
The reaction: Boy, Sheriff Andy really blew it, says Jim Treacher at The Daily Caller. The beloved star of "The Andy Griffith Show" has thrown away 50 years of good faith with a 30-second ad. Not necessarily, says Christina Wilkie at The Hill. This may be less about Griffith and more about "rising anti-Democrat sentiment in North Carolina" — and a reflection of how much "political heat" Democrats are facing this fall. Watch the ad below:
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.
-
'We need solutions that prioritize both safety and sustainability'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Book reviews: 'Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference' and 'Is a River Alive?'Feature A rallying cry for 'moral ambition' and the interwoven relationship between humans and rivers
-
'King of the Hill' actor shot dead outside homespeed read Jonathan Joss was fatally shot by a neighbor who was 'yelling violent homophobic slurs,' says his husband
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'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
