The National Rifle Association has unveiled a new advertising campaign targeting folks who are concerned about the direction the country is headed. And, for the first time, the NRA’s top dog commented on the digital spots that were released via the Internet on Aug. 25.
“This campaign is a gathering of shared values that gives a sense of right and wrong,” NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre told The Washington Times in an interview. LaPierre added that the impetus for the videos came from traveling the country and talking with individuals who “believe our country is off the rails.”
“They’re worried the character of the country is at risk. It’s all collapsing,” LaPierre explained. “They care about their Second Amendment freedoms but understand that all freedoms are connected.”
The 16 videos cover topics ranging from “military service” to “courage” to “media dishonesty” to the “golden rule,” among others.
So far, they’ve been well-received by the public, according to LaPierre.
“It’s been 90 percent positive,” said LaPierre. “We’ve received emails, letters, voicemails, all from people saying thank you, thank you for speaking up and giving us a voice.”
The videos do not explicitly reference firearms or gun policy, but rely on value-centric messaging with a more universal appeal.
“We put it together to defend the comprehensive freedoms, values and heritage this country was founded on and are worth holding onto,” LaPierre explained. “If you listen to the American public, there’s a sense of vulnerability they see for the country — that no one is fighting back and that our freedoms are being diminished.”
What do you think about the NRA’s new ads? Do they resonate with you? Do you feel compelled to join?