Vintage Campaign Ads: LBJ's Daisy Spot Elevates Civil Discourse

"The lack of civility and common sense that has paralyzed our democracy," says Bill Moyers. 

Civility is an idea Moyers is passionate about in no small part because he managed the broadcast of the infamous "Daisy" ad that implied Barry Goldwater would blow up the whole world if elected president.

"We advanced the technology and the power far beyond what is desirable for political dialogue," he would late say. "We didn't foresee the implications of serious messages in such an abbreviated form. Our use of the commercial was regrettable. The Frankenstein we helped to build is loose in the world."

As the old joke goes: They told me if I voted for Goldwater, we'd have a war in Vietnam and violence in the streets. I did and they were right! 

BY THE WAY: We will be highlighting classic campaign ads every week as part of our Deadline:11/06 coverage. If you have a favorite ad or one that still makes your blood boil or even one that's just so bad it's funny, drop us a line and we'll consider posting about it.