‘Game of Thrones’ Gets the Super PAC Treatment

Posted on Jun 21, 2012

Screenshot via MotherJones.com

The popular HBO series “Game of Thrones” is often considered nerd porn, and yet, it is more than just about war, sex, dragons and other mythical creatures. At its core, the game alluded to is entirely based on politics and, in some ways, mimics our modern political system. It’s all about power: getting it, taking it, holding it. Alliances in Westeros are just as easily made as they are broken. Brokered marriages can tip the balance of power in your favor, but they could also be your undoing. Lies and deceit are more valued than honor and truth (just ask Ned Stark. Oh, wait.).

But what would happen in the Seven Kingdoms if super PACs, special interest groups and “dark money” existed? That was the question Mother Jones asked (and answered). The results are three political attack ads against some of the principal characters, some of which can draw parallels to political commercials today (the ads, for example, level claims that President Obama faced, including questions surrounding his birth, criticism over the bailout and the issue of celebrity). The attention to detail is also quite thoughtful. One of the ads, for example, is paid for by Crossbow GPS, which sounds a lot like the super PAC co-founded by Karl Rove.

Spoiler Alert: There are mild spoilers for Season 2 of the television series contained in here, so do not watch if you’d like your viewing experience to be unsullied.

—Posted by Tracy Bloom. Follow her on Twitter: @misstracybloom.

 

 

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