Welcome.

Many of us don't realize that many of our choices are made for us. Experts often relate American citizens to fish in water: we breathe in the media culture and marketing strategies. PR is a booming business in America - everyone needs someone to better or maintain their image in today's society. Every organization from corporations, to universities, to fashion labels, to luxury hotel chains has people that critique and construct every little move - each word released to the press, each image seen by the American people, ANYTHING that will furthur or damage a reputation. For example.

One of the largest ways that we are influenced by marketing and branding is through campaign elections, which is convenient to examine due to the upcoming 2008 election. Each candidate has employed very different strategies to target different groups of people. Each candidate focuses on certain groups of people more than others - each candidate caters to the interests of those who will elect them. Reputation and image is EVERYTHING in an election. In my blog I will continually explore how each of the candidates uses different marketing tools to label themselves in ways that appeal to the public, and see how each candidate employs certain strategies that fit their personalities to make them the MOST appealing and eventually win the hearts of enough Americans to call them President.

So do you think it was your choice, girls out there, to feel a little tug at your heartstrings for Hillary when she started to cry at one of her public appearances? You think it's your choice, boys, to want a pair of Wrangler jeans after seeing the commerical with Brett Favre throwing his football around with his friends in a country field?

Think again. It's the work of the brand.