The Pettiest Political Ad of All Time Just Came Out of Arizona

You probably haven't heard of Arizona Republican Paul Gosar. He's a representative from a rural district in a state where politicians are often overshadowed by the late John McCain and Jeff "Please-Believe-I-Have-A-Spine" Flake. But there are six people who have heard about Gosar, who know him more intimately than most voters, in fact, and who are staunchly opposed to him remaining in Congress.

In a new political ad for Gosar's opponent, Democrat David Brill, six people introduced only by their first name and profession (lawyer, medical interpreter, rural physician) lay out their complaints against Gosar, saying things like, "Paul Gosar the congressman isn't doing anything to help rural America." Or, "Paul's absolutely not working for his district," and, "If he actually cared about people in rural Arizona, I bet he'd be fighting for social security, for better access to health care."

Normally, it's not hard to find some disgruntled constituents willing to go on camera and talk shit about an incumbent politician. But Brill's campaign managed to step things up for this ad: these angry constituents are Gosar's brothers and sisters.

Now, political ads often backfire, but this is a beautifully executed twist. Like the best reveals, there's no evidence that it's coming and that makes the damning things said about Gosar all the more jaw-dropping. On a related note, if any networks are looking to beef up their reality TV lineup, this ad can double as a promo for Gosar Thanksgiving.