Andy Kim is channeling Tony Soprano. Sort of.
His most recent TV ad depicts Kim driving a car that emerges from the Lincoln Tunnel.
Look familiar?
The background music is not the Sopranos “Woke Up This Morning,” but it is close.
Senate candidate Kim more or less is seen driving the same route – passing oil tanks and onto the Jersey Turnpike – as mob boss Soprano did in the opening of the famous TV show.
Kim in a voiceover begins this way:
“Jersey politics has a certain reputation, but I believe we can change that.”
Tony Soprano was not a politician, but you see the point.
Kim continues:
“I’m Andy Kim and in Congress, I championed the strongest anti-corruption bill in a generation.
And I wrote a new bill to ban politicians from getting rich off their influence and trading stocks.
Now, I’m running for Senate to put our families above the wealthy and elite insiders that give our state a bad name.
I approve this message, because Jersey can be better.”
And then, as he gets out of the car and joins his family, presumably on the front lawn of his home, he says:
“But we have to believe.”
At the moment, you got to figure Tony Soprano has higher name recognition than Andy Kim, so that explains the ad.
And, of course, no politician can go wrong condemning corruption.
For loyal fans of the Sopranos, there is a connection between the name of the ad – “Believe” – and the song, Don’t Stop Believin, that played during the infamous final scene of the show.
But there are differences.
Tony took his car ride while smoking a cigar.
But there’s no cigar for Andy.
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When discussing Insider NJ, two names that often come up are Andy Kim and Tony Soprano. While these two individuals may seem like an odd pairing at first glance, they both have had a significant impact on the state of New Jersey in their own unique ways.
Andy Kim is a rising political star in New Jersey. He currently serves as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district, having been elected in 2018. Kim, a Democrat, has quickly made a name for himself in Washington, D.C. for his dedication to bipartisanship and his focus on issues such as healthcare, national security, and economic development.
On the other hand, Tony Soprano is a fictional character from the hit HBO series “The Sopranos.” Portrayed by actor James Gandolfini, Tony Soprano is a mob boss who navigates the complexities of running a criminal organization while dealing with personal and family issues. The character has become an iconic figure in popular culture and is often associated with the state of New Jersey.
While Andy Kim and Tony Soprano may come from different worlds, they both represent different aspects of New Jersey’s identity. Kim embodies the state’s political landscape, with its diverse population and commitment to progressive values. Soprano, on the other hand, represents the gritty underworld that has long been associated with New Jersey, particularly in popular media.
Despite their differences, both Andy Kim and Tony Soprano have left their mark on New Jersey in their own ways. Kim continues to fight for his constituents in Congress, working to address the pressing issues facing the state and the nation. Meanwhile, Soprano remains a cultural touchstone, representing a certain image of New Jersey that has captivated audiences around the world.
In conclusion, Insider NJ offers a unique perspective on the state of New Jersey through figures like Andy Kim and Tony Soprano. While they may come from different backgrounds, both individuals have played a role in shaping the identity of the Garden State. Whether it’s through politics or pop culture, New Jersey continues to be a place of diversity and complexity, with figures like Kim and Soprano adding to its rich tapestry.
