Yesterday, Wal-Mart announced that it will begin a brand new marketing campaign that closely resembles political candidate advertisements.

The new marketing experiment will run in several television spots where the discount giant will boast about its health care plans, charitable contributions, and positive impact on the economy. (continued)

Instead of attacking opponents and critics (such as the Democrats), the ads will feature Wal-Marts merits. Much like a candidate not attacking critics but rather trumpeting their own horns, Wal-Mart hopes these ads will represent a departure from its practice of rebutting critics. The television ads look and sound like political campaign spots. In contrast to the bright smiley “roll back” prices commercials, these will do something that only a giant such as Wal-Mart can do…act as big as they are.

Surely the company’s impact on the economy is nearly as great as a political candidate for creating jobs and affecting health care. “Last year alone, Wal-Mart created tens of thousands of new American jobs - many in areas where they’re needed most.” There is a blog at WakeUpWalmart.com which is backed by union critics. Check it out for more details.