Acclaimed Budweiser Superbowl Commercial takes aim at Trump's Muslim Ban
Knocked him right in the mouth.
Budweiser Superbowl Commercial takes aim at Trump's
Anheuser-Busch InBev unintentionally waded into political controversy with a 60-second Super Bowl commercial that touts inclusion and the American Dream but could end up drawing the ire of half the country.
The well-crafted spot called “Born the Hard Way” tells the story of Adophus Busch’s emigration from Germany to St. Louis, where he shares a beer with businessman Eberhard Anheuser. The two launched their eponymous company in the 19th century, and it became the largest brewer in the United States.
The ad was released on Tuesday and shows Busch navigating the new world against the headwinds of prejudice and hardship.
The commercial’s themes are hope, ambition, patriotism, hard work and self-reliance. And then there’s timing, with Busch and Anheuser’s serendipitous introduction over a beer that led to their dynasty. Forbes magazine estimates the Budweiser brand is worth about $23.4 billion.
Turns out, timing is still relevant. Budweiser has released the commercial as President Donald Trump raised a national firestorm with his order last week to temporarily ban refugees and immigrants from seven mostly Muslim-dominated countries as part of his national security policy.
“They hit on a relevant theme that’s going to resonate with half the country,” said Allen Adamson, founder of BrandSimple Consulting, referring to the beer ad. “But in this polarized world, it could easily upset half the country and be seen as political and stepping into something they don’t want to get into. If you feel everyone is out to get your president, this can easily can be interpreted that way.”
“It’s a new complicated time,” said Thomas Ordahl, chief strategy officer at branding firm Landor. “It used to be people avoided politics altogether. You can’t do that any more as a brand.”
Ordahl said big companies with mass consumer appeal, such as Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and others are being forced to navigate the new environment. Companies are more and more willing to pull their endorsement deals from celebrities who embarrass them.
Budweiser Super Bowl ad may prompt next Trump Twitter firestorm – The Denver Post