Budweiser Let's Get Together Ad (1952)

In 1952, Budweiser dropped a political ad that didn’t punch—it hugged. The famous “Let’s get together” poster featured an elephant and a donkey sharing a beer. Simple. Smart. Universal.

Marketing analysis

Budweiser turned political division into a moment of connection. Instead of taking sides, it stood for something everyone could agree on: a cold beer and good company.

Why it works

• Uses universal symbols (elephant + donkey) for instant recognition
• Flips conflict into camaraderie—positive emotion beats negativity
• Brand acts as the “bridge,” not the battleground
• Simple headline and strong visual tell the whole story at a glance

Examples

• Coca-Cola’s “Hilltop” ad: harmony through sharing a Coke
• Airbnb’s “Belong Anywhere” campaign: unity in diversity
• Nike’s “You Can’t Stop Us” video: finding strength in differences