As the Republican primary season rumbles on, there can only be more campaign ads. Which ones succeed? Which fail? In Ad Watch, we review them as they come out. Today: Newt Gingrich makes a genuinely funny ad about Mitt Romney, while Rick Santorum boasts big.

The Ad: Newt Gingrich, "For the Dogs"

The Issue: Romney's ability to beat Barack Obama in a debate

The Message: Hahaha, look at dumb stupid old Mitt Romney! You think this guy can beat Barack Obama, master orator, in debates this fall? Well you are wrong. He never says anything right! Look, here he is talking all crazy about how big corporations are good and made of people and everyone's booing him. (Wait, we thought Newt Gingrich liked corporations? Oh wait, he does, just not Mitt Romney's corporations. Oh, wait, no he likes those too now? Who knows.) And there he is being embarrassing about that horrible dog thing from a while back. Oh good grief, and there's the ol' chucklehead saying "Who let the dogs out" because he's surrounded by black people. This guy's a doofus. You know who's not a doofus? Newt Gingrich! Perfect!

Who It's For: Republican voters who don't care who wins, so long as it's a Republican.

What Everyone Else Sees: A wonderful opportunity to revel in some past Romney oopsies. Thanks, Newt!

The Effect: We're not sure this will do much to sway anyone toward Gingrich, after all he's made mistakes too, but for fun comedy value, we give it an A. (Though he should technically get some points off for doing the whole negative ad thing while also decrying it.)

The Ad: Rick Santorum, "Very Best Chance"

The Issue: Who can beat Barack Obama?

The Message Rick Santorum can! Why just listen to that Aaron Copland-esque music and look at those Wall Street Journal quotes! Plus he's playing ball with his children and wearing his shirt tucked in responsibly. Oh, and, the Tea Party loves him! So do the social conservatives! It is all sunshine and smiles and beautiful, easy victory with Rick Santorum.

Who It's For: Republican voters who don't care who wins, so long as it's a Republican.

What Everyone Else Sees: This is starting to sound a little bit desperate, guys.

The Effect: Santorum always comes across awkward in his ads, and all the goofy smiling and goofier walking doesn't mix well with a message that's all about toughness and winning and stuff. Plus, it just doesn't feel very true? C-

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Richard Lawson