The Obamas, Clintons, Bushes and Carters have come together to promote the COVID-19 vaccine in two new Ad Council public-service advertisements that debuted today on the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring the virus a global pandemic.
Notably absent from the video were the most recent inhabitants of the White House, Donald and Melania Trump.
In the first PSA, by creative agency group SJR, former Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Carter discuss the moments they miss and are eager to get back to in informal docu-style interviews. For Bush, it's opening day at the Texas Rangers stadium, while Obama says he wants to be able to see Michelle's mom and hug people. Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton and Rosalynn Carter are also pictured getting their vaccines. The footage in the ad was self-captured and sent in by the presidents' households.
The second PSA, created via Pereira O'Dell, features Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton speaking about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination in a more formal style. If the scene looks familiar, that's because the spot was filmed at the inauguration of President Biden in January, when the three came together to call for unity and a peaceful transition of power.
In both PSAs, audiences are encouraged to visit GetVaccineAnswers.org to get answers to the top questions Americans have about the COVID-19 vaccines. Both ads were created pro bono.
“Today marks one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and, while there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there’s a lot of work still to be done to help our country recover," said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council, in a statement. "We’re grateful to Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton and Carter and the First Ladies for coming together in this historic moment to encourage Americans to get the most accurate information on the vaccines so they can make the right decisions for themselves and their families."
Trump spokesman Jason Miller did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump also did not get his coronavirus vaccine publicly, like the former presidents, former Vice President Mike Pence, Vice President Kamala Harris and Biden have.
The PSAs will appear nationwide in time and space donated by the media across TV and digital media platforms beginning this week.
Alexandra Jardine writes for Crain's sister publication Ad Age. Bloomberg News contributed.
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