I approve of this Message?

I just saw a campaign ad for the upcoming presidential election.. It was Rick Perry's Strong ad, but that does'nt really matter here.

What struck me about it was the ending sentence: I am Rick Perry and i approve of this message.

I mean... of course he does... he gave it himself, just seconds ago, did'nt he?

I see where that is a useful ending in an ad that does not show the candidate himself, except for that closing statement... but ending up one that shows nothing but himself talking anyway?

That is like telling the waiter: 'I'd like a Cheeseburger with coleslaw and i do in fact approve of this my order that i just made in person only five seconds ago, thank you very much. Oh and a big coke. '

Or ist that one of those ridiculous legal necessities, like a disclaimer, stating that he was not in any way coerced to make the previous statement?

'I'd like a hamburger with coleslaw please, and i promise there is no one holding a gun on my children to force me to make this order, even if i would'nt tell you if there was anyway, because he can hear me.'