In an election largely characterized by negative campaign advertisements, there have also been a handful of ads that are just so awful it’s hard to believe that anyone sunk the money to produce them. Whether or not you’ve been following the campaigns of Obama, Romney, or previous GOP candidates, here are a few nuggets advertising gold (or rather, the opposite of) that are not to be missed.

As November 6^th draws near, the election has turned part of its focus to social issues like gay marriage and women’s rights. On that note, I’m not sure how anyone can feel forcibly affected by gay marriage, but this lady and her husband apparently know the solution for it.

The over-earnest acting, in-your-face definition of marriage, and infomercial music as the husband utters his resolution to “vote for someone with values” makes it hard to believe that this wasn’t a joke ad to begin with.

There have also been some well-known gaffes this election cycle: Rick Perry’s vehement stand against gay marriage garnered a “Strong” response, and a xenophobic theme appeared with Pete Hoekstra’s ad that featured a Berkeley college student posing as a Chinese laborer (with a stereotypical Chinese accent).

One ad put out by Ron Paul supporters that likened Jon Huntsman to a Manchurian candidate (actual Mandarin Chinese).

GOP candidate Herman Cain’s ads had a disturbing tendency to feature animal abuse (Rabbit and Goldfish) and an expressionless little girl; however, the worst was probably this ad that depicted an American farmer being eaten alive by his chickens.

“Any questions?” the girl never fails to ask twice. Yes, actually…many. Cain is also the culprit behind this video that combines smoking, a strange mocking Lady Gaga music, and an extremely creepy smile in the last ten seconds that I’m not sure anyone would want to vote for.

Speaking of creepy, Rick Santorum’s “Obamaville” is a mock horror movie advertisement that doesn’t really scare you out of voting for Obama – it just scares you.

And if you’re not a Republican or Democrat, or this election has got you “up to HERE” (wherever “here” is is not exactly specified), not to worry – the Libertarians have also put out an ad that just gave everyone the finger (skip to 1:10).