The New Hope — Cola Wars in the White House
Even in a building that is as allegedly pro-choice as a Democratic White House, there are choices to be made between two of America’s most popular brands: Pepsi or Coke.
According to sources inside the White House, staffers are decidedly pro Coke, specifically Diet Coke. With ubiquitous cans of the silver beverage being clutched by Obama’s Chief of Staff and other members of his inner circle, there is little doubt as to the presidential preference.
This despite Pepsi’s decidedly Obama-like advertising campaign that is popping up around the country. The posters, which feature campaign-like slogans such as “Yes You Can,” “Optimismmmm” and “Hope,” all feature the letter O with a new version of the red, white, and blue Pepsi logo. The posters sort of echo the images from the Obama campaign.
This brings the question, which is more important, reality or perception? Is Pepsi’s campaign that emulates Obama’s presidential campaign something that may create a backlash against them? The sort where Brittney Spears was constantly seen clutching a can of Coca Cola, even though she was singing about Pepsi all over television.
Or is it OK, because Pepsi isn’t offering an endorsement deal to the president, just emulation of his graphics? Your turn to speak.
March 4th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Pepsi products are not permitted in this office unless proof can be offered that the person with the Pepsi product is paying their own mortgage. Even then it is not encouraged since everyone here, and their children, are helping to subsidize many irresponsible people out there. We are generous and take care of our own, we contribute to worthy causes, we just prefer to do so on a voluntary basis.
March 5th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Reality or perception? Lets see, my 10yr old thinks they are dumb to mimick the presidental campaign and avoids Pepsi because of it. I think perception is everything in marketing and Pepsi saw the opportunity and took it. Did it work? I assume it did. I got us talking about the product and that is the point right?
March 5th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
So the tactic backfired for your son. But would it change your preference for one or the other? Or are your taste buds already firmly entrenched in one cola camp?