This is a dirty ad and this is a dirty business. Do you really think the American public wants to see ads that stoop this low over the last 30 days? If I was a candidate right now, I would NOT get into the mud. I would try to rise up and rally America with a plan; with specifics; and with inspiration. I am afraid though that both sides are about to come out swinging and lying and blasting our airwaves with ads like this one. I don’t think they help. I think they actually hurt a candidate.
Tags: Politics, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take
I don’t see that as a campaign ad as it relates to the Presidential race. This is an Alaska issue that is very important to some people. I’m not a fan of the mud, but this is an ad aimed at a very specific audience, not the wider US. At least that’s my take.
This ad was not by a candidate but by a private group. Still, I agree that this kind of discourse is not needed.
And now the media is complaining that they are hitting back, when tactics like this have been in play from the left for months now. Wonder why we’re cynical?
GO CAPS
What are you talking about? How is this a dirty ad? All it does is explain Gov. Palin’s barbaric position on killing wolves in Alaska. Maybe that’s your sort of thing Ted, but many people are disgusted by this. And this came from a 527 group, not from Obama’s campaign. Once again Ted, stick to hockey please. Considering that the DC area is heavily Democratic, you tend to turn off over half your fans. That’s not a very good business plan.
It’s a dirty ad in a dirty business that has been profitable for years now. 527s have worked for both sides of the aisle for years, this is just in lock step with the swiftboaters of 2004. This and chatter on the campaign trail makes for a brusing 3 weeks. The reality is, when losing few options remain. McCain’s campaign has been unabashed about coming out and making the end of the campaign about character - not what the country has said is important - the economy. I agree with you we should demand that our candidates come out and talk about the issues that will ultimately help us decide who is best positioned to lead this next phase of our country’s history. However for all the attention being paid to the top of the ticket, the debacle that was the Congress’ actions in the $700B plan should be screaming to the American voter that we need to pay equal attention to who sits down the ticket. Voting isn’t a game we play every 4 years. The individuals we send to Congress, be it state or federal need equal, if not more scrutiny. The irony there is that this is where we can be most impactful and demand our needs be heard.
This group was founded in 2001 to combat wildlife mistreatment. Yes, the ad criticizes Palin for her views, but it says plainly at the end “Not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee.” It’s not a character attack, just the facts. There are many reasons to support aerial hunting (culling for one), but these people who ran the ad do not. Why should they not be allowed to voice their opinion during a time where it might make a difference? Isn’t that……American?
Now if Obama had run the ad, I would have a different opinion. But he didn’t.
As far as the candidates are directly concerned, I’m impressed with the way the Obama campaign has largely been able to avoid mud-slinging thus far.
In the recent weeks unfortunately the McCain/Palin ticket has ramped up their personal and dirty tactics. They’re not being coy about it either, frequently stating they are now “taking the gloves off”.
I agree with you, these sorts of politics do the country no good in the long term. It may get a knee jerk initial reaction, but we all pay for it in the end.
This ad was not done by the campaign. A lot of people don’t know much about this VP candidate and what this ad shows is an activity that she supports as the Governor of Alaska, but a lot of people don’t know about it. This is not a lie or a rumor or a twisted form of the truth. It is part of her record as Governor. I didn’t know that she supported such a brutal form of hunting until I had been this ad on the internet. There was a bill in Congress this session to outlaw this form of hunting. I would not want the governor of my state supporting aerial hunting. But after some of the truly low things that have been said this week by that women at her rallies, voters need to know what her record is. People who support the environment should be informed as I doubt she or her campaign would tell us or let the media ask her about it or answer the question if asked based upon the limited number of interviews and now limited press access at rallies.
Lame video. Next episode: “Sarah Palin supports the intentional swerving of cars to strike squirrels” or “Sarah Palin supports cow tipping”
Dirty ad? No, just providing people with the reality of a dirty practice that Sarah Palin supports. I’ll be the first to admit that as a DC resident I cannot fully appreciate the issue. But the solution is for Palin to explain her position, not to criticize the messenger. The problem with this campaign, as with many recent ones, is we refuse to have intelligent discussions on complicated issues like this. Much easier to just smear the opponent as a terrorist, or a Muslim, or whatever.
We are born from Mother Nature, and to her we are beholden.
This absolutely is a character attack - and a well-deserved one. Character is fair game folks. And someone who takes these positions has questionable character.
Shooting stuff from an Cessna? That sounds awesome.
Are you serious Ted??? Come on man. Get your feathers ruffled about something worth while. This doesn’t really look like a mainstream ad to me.
Not only that, but this is simply saying “Sarah Palin supports the shooting of wolves from planes,” which she REALLY DOES. This isn’t blowing up some chance relationship with a so called “terrorist,” like McCain’s campaign has done. This isn’t even a character attack. Get it right man! You are on the wrong side (and it’s VERY clear who’s side you’ve been on all along) if you’re against dirty ads.
SOS! My car was broken on ave. Should I call to repairs or police?
wonderful think))
Godo night, bloggers =)