Discount airline Spirit is no stranger to controversial, distasteful ads. Since 2006, Spirit’s marketing has touched on such generally taboo subjects as disgraced politicians, venereal disease and MILFs. Hey, an airline promising $14 for a flight halfway across the country must be joking, right?
One of Spirit Airlines’ most famous past targets was former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. Best known for attempting to sell President Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder and for a hair duel with Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice, Blagojevich and the massive media blitz behind him are now coming to an end. In June, Blago was found guilty on 17 of 20 corruption charges, and earlier this week, we found out his crimes are resulting in a 14-year prison sentence, of which he is expected to serve 11 years and nine months. Accordingly, Spirit is celebrating the 14-year sentence with a $14 airfare and the above ad which throws Blago’s famous hairdo on top of honest Abe’s. Whoever art directed that must have had an absolutely wonderful time doing so.
Not only did the people of Illinois feel comfort that justice had finally been served in their state, but they felt elated at the prospect of being able to fly from O’Hare to LaGuardia for as low as $14 one way. With the Bears in such rough shape that rumors of the ol’ gunslinger’s interest in the Windy City abounded, Chicagoans needed a reason to celebrate this holiday season. I’ll see you in February, NYC.