The campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is continuing to have a lot of fun with their primary challenger, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, over the infomercial he did in 2007 for a company offering questionable seminars on how to receive “free money” from government grants. Their latest: a web video showing a satirical “second J.D. Hayworth infomercial.”
A not-very-good voice impersonator, pretending to be Hayworth, comes in as the announcer. “I’m J.D. Hayworth, and I’m speaking to you at 3:47 in the morning, to tell you this important announcement,” the announcer says, with the screen then cutting to a section of footage from the king of free government money commercials, pitchman Matthew Lesko in his Riddler suit-jacket: “Free money from the government!”
Interestingly, the Web video then cuts to a still frame of a twinkling-eyed President Obama — tying further into the theme that Hayworth’s participation in the commercial wasn’t just shady, but un-conservative in that his commercial encouraged people to seek government money. This point is further underlined with some more Lesko: “You’ve been stimulated!”
The Web video then includes satirical products and services tied to Hayworth’s other gaffes: His dabbling in Birtherism, his confusion on World War II history, and his warnings that gay marriage would lead to man-and-horse marriage.
The Web ad’s payment disclaimer: “And make sure you don’t give your money to J.D. Hayworth.” It closes with Hayworth’s initial comment on the whole flap: “buyer beware.”
Late Update: When asked for comment, Hayworth spokesman Mark Sanders told us: “Senator McCain is letting his intense hatred of J.D. Hayworth overcome his better judgment. This is clearly conduct unbecoming of a U.S. Senator – even in campaign mode.”