June 10, 2008
Posted: June 10th, 2008 11:10 AM ET
Image from a new ad featuring an Obama look-alike.
Image from a new ad featuring an Obama look-alike.

(CNN) - Last month, the Republican Party used Barack Obama in campaign ads against Democratic candidates in conservative districts - but one car dealership in solidly-red Texas decided the Illinois senator would be good for business.

“Even ordinary folks like you can buy a Kia! Yes you can!” says the Obama impersonator in a television commercial for Dallas-Ft. Worth area-based Central Kia, which uses a logo that resembles the Obama campaign’s.

“You get responses,” said John Trevino, business manager for the dealership. “Some people are appalled by it, some people like it.” He told CNN the ad had been on the air for several weeks, and that it was the first political-themed spot he recalled during his year with the company.

Missouri GM, Ford and Chrysler dealer Mark Muller recently grabbed headlines for his Obama-inspired promotion that offered customers a $250 handgun, or $250 in free gas, with the purchase of every new or used car.

Muller said the give-away was inspired by Obama’s now-famous remark at a San Francisco fundraiser that small-town Americans often “cling to guns or religion.” He has said that business has grown fourfold since the promotion launched, and that most customers have overwhelmingly opted for the free gun.

Filed under: Barack Obama


TEXAS is BETTER   June 10th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Phil philly................ And this is why Texas is a joke to the other 49 states........NO the joke is on YOU ......MOVE ON BRO

In Chicago   June 10th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Who cares...voting for Obama is the same as voting for McCain. Don't vote for the Demopublicans or the Republicrats any longer. They are strangling America. Why are you people so entralled with either candidate, they do nothing, they are puppets. Vote an independent party. Break the two party systems. This is the year!

LB   June 10th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

They don't give them the actualy gun. The people have to still apply for the handgun, have the standard search and waiting period done before they can get the gun. I don't really like the idea, but I guess it is kind of like free adversising for Obama. Yes We Can! Keep the Obama name in front of the people and since Obama doesn't have any say so about the ad he can't be blamed about it running.

TD-Texas   June 10th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

I am from the DFW metroplex and the commercial is funny. Plain and simple it was meant to be funny! lighten up SHEESH!!!

Jerry   June 10th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

You stupid cool aid drinkers. Read the article before you post and prove just how dumb you are. It was not the Texas car dealer that offered a free gun with a new car. You are just like your stupid candidate. He can’t get anything right either. 57 states What an idiot.

Rudy NYC   June 10th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

I wonder if the sponsers realize that they are planting a subliminal message into the heads of customers.

"Obama gives you what you want."

I wonder if that is the real message they intended to send. It will only make Obama the topic of more conversation, be it good or bad. But, the fact remains that "Obama" was used to gain what they wanted. The result is going to stick in people's heads.

Obama supporters should be pleased, not upset. A short term loss, will turn into a long term gain.

Brandon Hillary Democrat for Mc Cain   June 10th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Obama step up to the plate –Townhalls show us what your made of I certaintly didnt buy it in the primaries and I Will not in the general.
I want a president not an american idol.

Mc Cain/Palin 2008

John   June 10th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

This is so innocent. It's a harmless gag.

Kevin in Maryland for Obama   June 10th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Only blue collar rednecks care about stuff like this............handguns and cars.........what else can they cling too...........they're broke, no jobs and no education. It's funny, after Obama said that people in small towna cling to guns and faith and a week later a man in Penn. robbed a bank a shot and killed a police officer..........Hmmmmmmm....could that have some truth to it........

BIFF, BIFFINGTON...   June 10th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

terrorist-fist-jab

GO OBAMA   June 10th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

GO OBAMA! Anyone who questions his “vetting” for President of the United States is “tangentially inconsequential.” Furthermore, everyone understands that voting “present” 130 times in the IL Senate is “trivial” compared to his having to sit in that church for 20 years just to advance his political career. He was not born to a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas to end up earning the “infinitesimally” tiny salary of $14K a year as a community organizer. Nor did he attend Harvard so that he could steel a measly couple of thousand votes during his run for the IL Senate. NO! His vision has always been higher than that.

Shelly in IL   June 10th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Free promo's for Senator O...lol

Cynthia   June 10th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Don't like the commercial at all. If the people are smart they will take the gas because of the high gas prices. The gun thing, for a lot of people, especially those living in the inner city is troubling. They will have been the victim or heard of people being killed, beat up with a gun or robbed with one.

What if?   June 10th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I second that Farrell, Houston, Tx June 10th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

REPUBLICANS: BUSH PRONOUNCES INTERNET, SAYING INTERNETS AND HE JUST DESTROYS THE WORD NUCLEAR. JOHN MCCAIN IS GOING TO VETO EVERY SINGLE BEER. BUSH AND MCCAIN TOGETHER AIN'T NOTHING BUT A COMEDY SHOW.

OBAMA YOU GOT THEM SCARED, THEY HAVE HAD TO RESORT TO LAME TACTICS..................IF THIS IS ALL MCBUSH HAS TO USE--WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENT OBAMA.........

Deep in the HEART of TX   June 10th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Phil PHILLY....................And this is why Texas is a joke to the other 49 states........DONT MESS WITH TEXAS !!!!!!

Mike Kaplan   June 10th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

The comments from "gary", above, are a perfect example of why we need to elect Obama. Read that post- savor the complete stupidity, the inability to even form a complete sentence.....not to mention the overt racism (while he complains that Obama is somehow racist). Pathetic. And then there's "Matt" (who thinks that this is somehow a reason to vote against Obama, because somebody's tasteless promotion is working? does that even make sense?). And then there's "Franky", whose post doesn't even remotely make sense. Seriously, I have no idea what the apparently illiterate Franky is trying to say. I can't even tell whether he's pro- or anti-Obama.

Moderators, do your job- you shouldn't censor for political viewpoint, but there's just no point in wasting internet space on people who can't even speak the English language, at all. I seriously have NO IDEA what some of these (mostly anti-Obama) idiots are trying to say.

NEVEROBAMA   June 10th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

HA HA – THIS PORTRAYS OBAMA AS HE REALLY IS A JOKE!!!!

MCCAIN/POWELL O8'

Obama '08 '12   June 10th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I live in Dallas and I hate that commercial. I should probably get a better sense of humor about it, but just find myself changing the channel or muting it.

Obama '08, '12.

ANGIE   June 10th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

once again the republicans wasting money on stupid ads those people sure do know how to waste money no wonder our country is in such financial debt we had a republican for 7 years

Susan   June 10th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Fod, how low can you get! Must be another repubnantcan trolling for more omey to stuff in his pockets – just like McBush!

Lauren   June 10th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Seriously? Wow, that's pretty lame. Not all that surprising coming from Bush's home state. What surprises me is that people are opting for the free gun instead of the free gas.

And by the way, John McCain saying he will veto every single beer is hilarious. Think about this: If we spend the tax rebates at Wal-Mart, we benefit China. If we spend it on gasoline, we benefit the Middle East. The purchase of foreign exports can't save the American economy. However, we can benefit the American economy by buying domestic beer. So if McCain were to really veto every beer, he would be driving a small part of his own economic plan into the ground. Not to mention his wife's inheritance. Ha!

Anita from Arizona   June 10th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

GARY..

You can always move to another country. Your comment is very unpatriotic and I question your citizenship.

Beltway Insider   June 10th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

People love Obama – he has character, personality, and intelligence. These qualities far outweigh others when it comes to how people decide who they are voting for.

Obama will be the next president. Period.

Smart people knew he would be the democratic nominee in February. Smart people now know he will be elected presdient in November.

Whine, complain, cry, and tantrum as much as you want. It's going to happen.

OBAMA '08

Anita from Arizona   June 10th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Gee, maybe the cars are selling well because of the FREE GAS!!! Am I talking to myself. I'd be ashamed of I was a Republican right now. So dirty, low down, filthy, spinning, politics. I hate this crap.

Will in Richmond, VA   June 10th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Laugh Out Loud funny!!!

I love Texas.

oh.... is this news? It's certainly entertaining... but is it news? Just wondering.

BIFF, BIFFINGTON...   June 10th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Gary,

Instead of repeating ad nauseum the same tired general/non-factual tripe....

why don't you just admit you would never have voted for Obama under any circumstances (without knowing a single fact about him) and leave it at that...

(or at the minimum... ask Rush for a raise...)

oil rules   June 10th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Nobama could sell sand to the arabs right now. But, the illusion can only last so long......

Obama/Carter 08

C Gray   June 10th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

I live in the Dallas area and this stupid commercial plays non-stop. I guess McCain is too boring to sell cars.

John Smith   June 10th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

This will help McCain, just in case he gets a "heart attack" in the process. There will be plenty of people to help him to the ER room in time. Think of all the Obama folks who will be there, and are very sympathetic!

So, for health reasons, Obama should probably accept only 1-2 of these to help McCain out! Otherwise, I see no use for such a process.

Given that these guys generall get "older very fast" when they are in office, who would want to get MCain to the Oval Office and risk the prospect of an aging president!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   June 10th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

REPUBLICANS: BUSH PRONOUNCES INTERNET, SAYING INTERNETS AND HE JUST DESTROYS THE WORD NUCLEAR. JOHN MCCAIN IS GOING TO VETO EVERY SINGLE BEER. BUSH AND MCCAIN TOGETHER AIN'T NOTHING BUT A COMEDY SHOW.

William, from Cali   June 10th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Get Real! What Obama said... "is being played out, right before your eyes....but you want to make jokes......................"Bitter" people cling to what makes them comfortable.................

milly   June 10th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

This is just politics as usual for the famous party of dirty tricks and Watergate. The Dems should get down on their level and make one of McSame.

Matt   June 10th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

The sad part is, it is working.

Apparently, if you come out and act like Obama, the sheep will follow, whether you are selling cars, or votes.

Obama needs to go back to selling cars.

He has no business in the Presidential race.

Cathy in Illinois   June 10th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Oh, that's a brilliant move by the Missouri dealer, Mark Muller. What a nimrod. Yeah, give away handguns. Fool!!! First of all, how does he do it? Is he a gun dealer too? Does he do a background check on the buyers or just look the other way? What a total idiot.

Fitzgerald   June 10th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

To all the supposed Hillary supporter who say they're going to vote for McCain. Please explain to me what McCain has in common with Hillary other than the fact thay they are both white.

Franky   June 10th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

LOL!!!!! I say go for it!!! I mean, just make sure you don't have any complains just like they had from ABC.........you'll be surprise how crazy people are, LOL!!!

HiFi   June 10th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Wow...you'd think they could find at least ONE biracial actor in the Metroplex area. It is pretty funny, though.

David Goldman for OBAMA   June 10th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

THERE ARE PLENTY OF SCUM BAGS TO GO AROUND.

Proud American   June 10th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Everyone knows a good thing when they see it. Lets Go Dems!!!!!

gary   June 10th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

OBAMA IS LOOKING MORE AND MORE LIKE THE BIGGEST JOKE OF THE CENTURY. YES WE CAN WHAT? HATE,RACIST AND DIVISION. YES HE DID THAT. EVERYONE WILL HAVE TO GET A GUN IF O.B. GETS ELECTED OR NOT ELECTED. SO MANY THREATS FROM HIS RACE. TERROIST WILL BE IN OUR BACKYARD IF HE TRY'S PULLING OUT OF IRAQ. HE JUST HAS NO JUDGEMENT, JUST A GREAT EMPTY SPEECH. WE LOST OUR REAL CHANGES FOR THIS COUNTRY ,WHEN THE DNC,SUPER DELIGATES,ETC. KICKED HRC TO THE CURB. AMERICA GETS WHAT THEY DESERVE.

Joe   June 10th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I'd rather buy a car from Barack Obama any day over George Bush - or John McCain for that matter.

atypical   June 10th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

I guess Obama was right on the money, which would explain why so many got angry about his comment on guns and religion.

Holding out for a more enlightened society. . . someday.

Viva Obama/Clinton 08   June 10th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

A Vote for Barrack Obama is a vote for Hillary Clinton because they support the same cause.
A vote for John McCain is a vote for a George Bush third terms more wars, bad economy and more country will not want to deal with our country. If you were really a true Hillary supporter that want a better America for this generation and the future generation you must vote Democratic this November. Please do yourself a good favor and vote for the Democratic nominee this coming November.
No hard feeling because Hillary has none against Barrack. We must put the Republican out of the white house.
As you can see, we are in a big recession and that will get worse with a John McCain.
I want to tell John McCain that gas tax holiday is not a solution for our energy problem and is not going to be a solution. This gas tax holiday shows that John McCain do not understand the economy. Keating 5 john McCain took money from the Keating five for political favor.John McCain is a liar.

Women for Obama   June 10th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Only in Texas

bridgette   June 10th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

I think that that is cute and creative and as a former car salesperson I hope it gets them a lot of sales.

phil, philly   June 10th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

He has said that business has grown fourfold since the promotion launched, and that most customers have overwhelmingly opted for the free gun.

_________________

And this is why Texas is a joke to the other 49 states.

Kenneth M   June 10th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Such Hillbillies! Wont vote for one, but will use one to peddel there wares. More toes then teeth!

Pat   June 10th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

OH GREAT. AND 95% OF THOSE PEOPLE WILL PROBABLY USE THAT GUN FOR CRIMES.

WAY TO GO!

ALLBAMALLTHETIME   June 10th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

This ia a STUPID ad!

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