I have to admit I never thought about the Bud ads in that way, but I think you’re on to something significant there. The marketers are in a tough spot. They’re already number 1 in market share and they’re in a controversial category with lots of potential problems.

First, do no harm, then manage to reinforce preference.

By doing both they’ve successfully walked a dangerous tightrope. Awesome point – thank you!

The Budweiser marketing, for me, it two-fold. First, their branding is incredbile. They don’t have to have ppl drinking their beer to get loyal customers or more buying their beer. Nor do they have anyone telling us how great their beer is. They make the best domesticated beer, ’nuff said. They don’t aggressively flaunt they want you to drink and drive. But they have uniquely positioned one of the most beautiful and beloved horses as their brand and a beloved dog as the side-kick to enchance their commercials – need I say more? When a company can take a controversal product such as liquor and offset any negative by their commericals and never hurt their brand – job done – ’nuff said.

Hands down Bud wins – now everything else is just second place – a far and distant second place – and basically that is what you have said in your post. Nice job.