Cain’s unorthodox web ad

Chris Moody
·Political Reporter

Like his campaign strategy, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain's new Web ad is, well, different.

The 56-second ad features a series of close-up shots of Cain's chief of staff, Mark Block, explaining why he decided to work for the candidate. As the spot wraps, Block takes a long drag on a cigarette and an image of a smiling Cain appears on the screen. The Krista Branch song "I am America" plays in the background.

"I really believe that Herman Cain will put 'united' back in the United States of America," Block says. "And if I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here."

"We've run a campaign like no one's ever seen," he adds.

The Daily Caller's Alex Pappas recently profiled Block, a veteran GOP aide who was once "banned from politics in Wisconsin" for violating election law and who reportedly "talked Herman Cain into running for president" in the first place.

You can watch the full video here:

The campaign first posted the ad on Oct. 19, but it was not discovered until now because it was set as "unlisted," which only allows users with a direct link to watch it. The video, which was first thought to be a hoax, has spawned mixed reactions from people split between whether the spot is a failed attempt by a novice presidential campaign or a work of genius.

By Tuesday morning, Twitter was buzzing with cracks about the video.

"No wonder his campaign got the nod from the American Mustache Institute," said Politico's Juana Summers, referring to Block's unruly facial hair. (Cain, also mustachioed, was recently nominated for an award from the group.)

One user set up a fake account for Block, a required component of any proper online meme.

"This week only: If you donate $100 to the Cain campaign you get a free ashtray," the fake Block posted on the account's feed.

Even Buddy Roemer, a former governor of Louisiana who's running a little-known presidential campaign of his own, took a shot at it.

"My campaign manager wants to spoof the Herman Cain ad," Roemer posted on Twitter. "Yay or nay?"

Roemer said later that he'll probably decide against it.

More popular Yahoo! News stories:

• Rick Perry hires Bush's 2000 campaign manager in staff shakeup

• Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain to spar in 'Lincoln-Douglas' debate

• Bachmann's ex-staff in New Hampshire calls campaign 'dishonest' and 'cruel'

Want more of our best political stories? Visit The Ticket or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.