I'm Joe Schmo and I approve of this message

[hool10]

What gives with that line? Does it make the presidential candidate seem more professional or deter a forging? It feels like it was tacked on in reality. "I like to eat babies and I don't approve of this message". It popped up last time with the elections and I still have no clue why they say it. *Oh I found out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_approve_this_message. Still lame and not necessary.

 

[theotherguy]

Actually the reason they do this is to differentiate between real campaign ads and "issue ads" generated by interest groups.

 

[hool10]

But the candidate isn't going to put out an ad that's negative about themselves. Makes no sense at all.

 

[Pesmerga]

The more a candidates face is on TV, the better.