Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ad Risks Prez Wrath by Targeting Daughters

Ad girl wants same meals Obamas get

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 5, 2009 1:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – A new ad campaign's focus on Malia and Sasha Obama is expected to infuriate the White House, Politico reports. The ads, from a group pushing to have more vegetarian meal options in public schools, are running on public transit in Washington and feature a young girl asking: "President Obama’s daughters get healthy school lunches. Why don’t I?”

The group, which has links to PETA and advocates a vegan diet, is pressuring Congress to make the Child Nutrition Act more vegetarian-friendly when it comes up for renewal this year. Analysts say that while the ad is certain to get attention, riling the girls' fiercely protective father by using them to score political points is likely to backfire. "The best way to get something done is not to anger a popular president," said one media professor. "If I were that group, I would fire my advertising adviser."

In the ads, 8-year-old vegetarian Jasmine Messiah asks: President Obama's daughters get healthy school lunches. Why don't I?
In the ads, 8-year-old vegetarian Jasmine Messiah asks: "President Obama's daughters get healthy school lunches. Why don't I?"   (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)
President Obama walks down Kailua Beach with his daughters during their vacation last year.
President Obama walks down Kailua Beach with his daughters during their vacation last year.   (AP Photo/Marco Garcia, File)
This ad from nonprofit group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is running on the Washington Metro.
This ad from nonprofit group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is running on the Washington Metro.   (PCRM)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It’s dangerous to target Obama’s daughters because many people view family members as off limits for political advocacy. That’s especially relevant in this case because his daughters are so young.
- Analyst Darrell West

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
Doctor-Zaius
Aug 5, 2009 12:42 PM CDT
I joined PWEETA. People Who Enjoy Eating Tasty Animals.
Fondue
Aug 5, 2009 12:34 PM CDT
55% Job Approval Rating (Gallup)
Rob
Aug 5, 2009 12:23 PM CDT
Popular president? Under 50% now folks.

More Newser Stories

White House Wants Ad With Obama Girls Pulled

Obamas: No Facebook for Malia, Sasha

Obamas Get New Portrait

Obama No Fan of the Kardashians

Obama's 'Second Job': Coach on Sasha's Team


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne