Harkin N.H. Ads Carrying ‘Build America’ Theme

WASHINGTON —  Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin on Thursday joined the list of Democrats airing political commercials in New Hampshire, unveiling an ad in which he says: “I want to be the builder, I want to build America.”

The 30-second spot is the first of two that Harkin’s campaign plans to air over the next week. In the second, which will air less frequently and will begin today, Harkin also talks about rebuilding America, saying: “No more trickle down . . . put it in at the bottom and let it percolate up for awhile.”

The first ad shows Harkin--the often fiery son of a coal miner whose campaign has been stressing his unabashed liberalism--in a darkly lit studio against a black background. He is wearing a suit and talking in subdued tones.

“What I want to do as President is take all this money that we’re wasting--all these tax breaks to the rich and big corporations--all the money we’re sending overseas. And I want to invest it in the best research, the best learning, the best designing, the best manufacturing, the best transportation system, energy system, mass transit, high speed rail,” Harkin tells an unseen interviewer off camera.

He continues: “I want to be the builder, I want to build America, I want to be known as the President that rebuilt America.”

The second ad creates a different visual image. It shows Harkin at his announcement speech in a blue work shirt with rolled up sleeves, talking tough. “Let’s put this country to work . . . building this new America--roads, bridges and highways and freeways and mass transit, new schools, better health care for our citizens,” he says from a stage, surrounded by flags.