Bill Gates Senior gets dunked - literally - in new Yes on 1098 television ad

The Yes on 1098 campaign has just announced the launch of its second television ad, which is one of the funniest and most effective ads I've ever seen.

The spot features Bill Gates, Senior, once again explaining how I-1098 will help strengthen our common wealth so that education and healthcare coverage will be spared from truly catastrophic cuts. As it begins, we see Gates sitting amidst a leafy green backdrop. The view widens and we see that he's really sitting on a dunk tank seat, talking about 1098 while kids are throwing baseballs at a target. At the end of the ad, the target is struck and Gates slides into the tank. He emerges, dripping wet, and enthusiastically urges viewers to vote yes on 1098.

Here's the script:

GATES: Some people say Initiative 1098 is about soaking the rich. But it's really about doing something for the next generation. You see, state cutbacks have put our kids at risk — and we can't just sit here and do nothing about it! 1098 will dedicate two billion dollars a year for education and healthcare. And only the wealthiest 1.2% will pay more.

[Gates gets dunked as kids laugh]

GATES: Vote yes on 1098... it's good for Washington!

What this ad does is deliver a very serious message in a lighthearted and fun way. It's a playful counterattack to the solemn scare ads that Defeat 1098 is running. Whoever came up with this idea deserves a lot of credit for creating a memorable spot that shows once again that progressives are the folks with a sense of humor.