Washington (CNN) -- It was a one-minute spot that aired just one time, but with an ominous countdown and a mushroom cloud, Lyndon B. Johnson's "Daisy" ad marked a new era in American politics. Considered the first attack ad, the Daisy spot, which turned 50 on Sunday, features a little girl sweetly plucking petals from a flower as she counts her small collection out loud. The screen freezes and suddenly we hear an alarming voice sound off a different countdown, this time it's one that leads to a nuclear explosion. Without mentioning Johnson's opponent or showing his image, the ad implies that Republican Barry Goldwater is a reckless warmonger whose presidency would result in a nuclear holocaust.
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The "Daisy" spot by Lyndon B. Johnson's campaign aired 50 years ago
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It's widely considered the first political attack ad
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Drew Babb, an advertising creative director, says the ad mastered overt and subtle tones
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Babb shares five other ads he considers masterpieces
In his own words, @placeholder takes a look at five other spots that top his list of the most compelling ads: