CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Obama Ad Uses Winking Palin

CitizenSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:07:46 -0700

Obama Ad Uses Winking Palin The Obama campaign is directing reporters to an ad it released Wednesday morning that goes at both John McCain's understanding of the economy and (somewhat unusually) his selection of Sarah Palin for VP. The script (no narration) asks, "His choice?" — before cutting to footage of Palin winking at the vice-presidential debate. Too much?

Interactive Info on Ads: Who Spent How Much & Where

CitizenSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:00:05 -0700

We've been soaking in a bathtub full of political ads for so long, my fingers are beyond pruney. Though there's great talk of who has how much money to spend on making the suckers, it's not until you can see the true data behind of the ad campaigns compared side by side that you can get a real fix on it.

Ever the masters of the interactive graphic, the Times has maps that let you pit the groups with money side by side to see how much was spent, and where ads were bought. The McCain vs. Obama number is interesting ($90,415,962 to broadcast 57 television ads compared to Obama's $145,064,338 to broadcast 86 television ads) but I was most struck by the DNC vs. RNC as shown in the maps above: $436,015 to $10,080,774. That's a discrepancy. Most of the RNC dough as you can see is pretty geographically targeted.

There are more fun features to play with,

Cleese Calls Palin a "Parrot" & Gossip Girl Stumps for Obama

CitizenSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:51:04 -0700

Perhaps it's because dear old dad hails from the land of Cleese, or because that accent can make anything sound measured and thought out, this video of John Cleese on Sarah Palin caught my attention this morning. His pointed commentary on Palin comes as the Troopergate probe expands and at one of her becoming-signature enthusiastic rallies yesterday, Palin mistook a group of supporters for protesters.

The crux of Cleese's argument is that if one were to take the whole of Europe, regardless of political persuasion, one wouldn't find "5 percent" who think she's good enough to run the US.

Cleese says:

Can they not see that she's basically learned certain speeches — and she does them very well, she's got a very good memory — but it's like a nice looking parrot. Because the parrot speaks beautifully, and kind of says 'Aw, shucks,' every now and again but doesn't really have any understanding of the meaning of the words that it is producing, even though it is producing them very accurately. . . the extraordinary thing is that so many people are taken in by it.

Does Cleese's argument strike a bad chord — or ring true?

An entirely different generation and genre of entertainment is getting into the mix too. To see the Gossip Girl gang's new Obama ad,

ABC Refuses to Air Gore's Ad: In the Tank For Oil Companies?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:00:12 -0700

With all the talk lately about who's "in the tank" for whom, this is one story where the imagery just might fit. The CEO of Al Gore's big We Campaign is accusing ABC of putting the concerns of big oil over their message of planetary goodwill by refusing to run the latest Al Gore ad, called, "Repower America."

In a scathing email the CEO said:

“Did you notice the ads after last night’s presidential debate? ABC had Chevron. CBS had Exxon. CNN had the coal lobby. But you know what happened last week? ABC refused to run our Repower America ad – the ad that takes on this same oil and coal lobby.”

The We Campaign is striking back with an online petition aimed at getting the ad on the air during Friday's airing of 20/20. The petition has over 80,000 signatures.

To see whether ABC has an agenda,

Barack Obama First Candidate to Buy MTV Ad Time

LibertySugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

For the first time MTV's networks have decided to accept political advertising, and Barack Obama has taken them up on the offer, buying ad time on Comedy Central, VH1, and Spike. While Obama has many fans among musicians and celebrities featured on MTV's networks, he also has won over consumers of that culture. According to a recent USA Today/MTV poll, Obama has a 2-1 lead among 18-29 year-olds.

Obama didn't get the first shot of the campaign season, as the first national political ad to ever air on MTV came in July from a conservative group, attacking Barack as a flip-flopper. Even so he had the advantage in the MTV demographic, and the ads could help solidify the crucial steps of voter registration and turnout among young voters.

Obama's Ads Haven't Been Truthful, Despite Honest Claims

CitizenSugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:00:03 -0700

After ruthless finger-pointing at news reports of the verity of McCain's campaign ads, it appears Obama hasn't been as blameless as he might like us to think. The Illinois senator is showing he can play the truth-bending game, especially as the campaign flies toward the finish line. In the past two weeks, the Obama campaign has released five ads featuring less-than-factual statements about McCain.

Despite Obama saying, “I just have a different philosophy, I’m going to respond with the truth,” and, “I’m not going to start making up lies about John McCain," that philosophy crumbled in the following ads recently aired:

One commercial claims that Mr. McCain prevented federal financial support for stem cell research when, in fact, since 2001 he consistently broke with President Bush on this very topic. His running mate, Sarah Palin, however, supports President Bush.
Another ad highlights Mr. McCain’s vote against alternative energy incentives when the truth is he proposed a tax break that would cover both oil companies and those developing new power sources. Perhaps the most misleading has McCain’s immigration policies linked with those of radio personality Rush Limbaugh. In fact, Mr. Limbaugh is a fierce critic of Mr. McCain’s immigration stance and many other of his policies.

To see who's worried about this,

Showing McCain's Cancer Scars in Ad on Health: Ugly Tactic?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:03:53 -0700

A 30-second spot airing on MSNBC and funded by two liberal PACs are choosing John McCain's historic bouts with skin cancer as the face of worries about the candidate's health. The ad shows his scars following skin cancer procedures with the text, "John McCain is 72 years old and had cancer 4 times. Why won't McCain release his medical records?" One of the PACs behind the spot is helmed by DNC Chairman Howard Dean's brother, a connection the RNC calls "despicable." The spot highlights the groups' efforts to gain more access to McCain's medical records. So far 2,500 doctors have signed a petition put forth by one of the PACs calling for the documents to be released. A total of 1,173 pages of medical records were made available to reporters in May.The records showed that the last bout with melanoma was six years ago, and described him as having a strong heart and good health. He receives a thorough cancer check every few months. Barack Obama's health records have not been similarly made available. With the black-and-white closeups of the aftermath of McCain's procedures and doctors intoning, "Another bout of cancer for John McCain while he's president of the United States would profoundly affect his ability to lead," combined with the tie to the DNC — is this ad fair? Where are Obama's records? Is it just an age thing or the ugliest of politics?

Showing McCain's Cancer Scars in Ad on Health: Ugly Tactic?

Ugly politics. Zooming in on his scars is a baseless scare tactic and irrelevant.

Fair argument! He's had cancer. All of his records should be public, now.

Both candidates health records should be equally accessible and open.

Other. I'll give you the reflection of my opinion in the comments.

Biden Calls Email Ad Terrible, Then Regrets Hitting "Reply All"

CitizenSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:02:41 -0700

Did Joe Biden gaffe again? In a train-based interview with Katie Couric, she asked Biden about an ad being run by the Obama/Biden campaign mocking McCain's technological capabilities. Biden said of the ad, "I thought that was terrible by the way. I didn’t know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we would have never done it”

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The ad uses a disco ball and Rubik's cube to paint McCain as "out of touch" and says he "doesn't know how to use a computer," and "admits he can't send an email." What prompted Biden's discomfort with the ad? Perhaps this quote from a Forbes piece in 2000:

In certain ways, McCain was a natural Web candidate. Chairman of the Senate Telecommunications Subcommittee and regarded as the US Senate's savviest technologist, McCain is an inveterate devotee of email. His nightly ritual is to read his email together with his wife, Cindy. The injuries he incurred as a Vietnam POW make it painful for McCain to type. Instead, he dictates responses that his wife types on a laptop. "She's a whiz on the keyboard, and I'm so laborious," McCain admits.

It didn't take long for Biden to realize he'd just slammed an ad approved by the ticket he's on, and an ad he'd never actually seen. To see his clarification and his "terrible" conversation with Katie,

Pro-Gay Marriage Ad Hopes to Sway Undecided Voters

LibertySugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:00:02 -0700

Sam and Julia Thoron have been married for 46 years, and all three of their children can legally marry in California. But in November, voters in the golden state can take away the right to marry from the Thoron's gay daughter, by passing Proposition 8. The Thoron's story is starring on California TV as the first ad against the proposed constitutional amendment limiting marriage to a man and a woman.

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Despite Brad Pitt's generous donation to help save same-sex marriage, those working to pass the constitutional amendment have outraised the pro-same-sex marriage set. Twenty percent of California voters still don't know how they will vote on the marriage measure. Do you think Sam and Julia's simple message will persuade voters to vote no on Proposition 8, and preserve same-sex couples' right to marry?

Ad-Rageous: Obama's New Ad Calls McCain Two-Faced

CitizenSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:17 -0700

When Obama said, "hola" to Spanish-speaking voters, did he say "hasta la vista," to truth and dignity in your eyes? The new campaign Obama is running in the Southwest seeks to tie John McCain to anti-immigrant comments made by Rush Limbaugh with onscreen quotes of Rush saying, "Mexicans are stupid and unqualified," and "Shut your mouth or get out."

The spot says that the McCain has "dos caras," two faces, when it comes to Latino voters. In the ad the announcer says, "They want us to forget the insults we've put up with, the intolerance. They made us feel marginalized in a country we love so much."

The ad follows a Spanish spot of McCain's released last Friday. Ad-watch has taken a look at the accuracies of both spots. To see what they found,

Abortion Survivor Sets Sights on Obama: Too Far or Fair Fight?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:00:45 -0700

The 527, BornAliveTruth has unleashed a very pointed attack on Obama's abortion record, specific to the Illinois Born Alive Protection Act. In the ad, abortion survivor Giana Jensen looks straight at the camera and after outlining that Obama failed to oppose a law leaving babies to die after failed abortions, makes an appeal to the Senator saying, "Senator Obama, please support born alive infant protections. I’m living proof these babies have a right to live.” Obama's campaign issued a firm and immediate response to the ad, saying: The recent attacks on Senator Obama that allege he would allow babies born alive to die are outrageous lies. The suggestion that Obama -- the proud father of two little girls -- and others who opposed these bills supported infanticide is deeply offensive and insulting. There is no room for these kinds of distortions and lies in this campaign.

The campaign says Obama voted the way he did because the votes were attempts to undermine Roe v. Wade. The ad will be running in New Mexico and Ohio next week and it's apparently only the first phase of the campaign. Is this a fair criticism of Obama's record made by a strong spokesperson, or misleading politics?

Abortion Survivor Sets Sights on Obama: Too Far or Fair Fight?

Too Far. The "facts" are misleading and the appeal is emotionally manipulative.

Fair fight! What better person to speak out against the direct result of Obama's record!

Other. I'll tell you what I think in the comments.

Make an Effort Minnesota! The Republicans Are Coming . . .

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:00:24 -0700

How will the Twin Cities — the liberal heart of the Midwest — welcome conservatives to the Republican National Convention kicking off today? In the most unconventional way, of course. Make an Effort is a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign that asks Minnesotans to get creative in their welcoming efforts.

Because as its tagline says, "every party needs a gracious host." Check out just how gracious in this ad. Oh, my! Good thing there will be condoms!

Who Has the Housing Problem: Obama or McCain?

LibertySugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:11 -0700

Candidate dwellings got a bunch of attention yesterday. After John McCain could not recall how many houses he owns, Barack Obama aired an ad painting McCain as out of touch with America's economic woes.

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McCain took the opportunity to point out Obama's own housing problem. An ad coming only hours after Obama's stars a real estate deal between Obama and would-be convicted felon Tony Rezko. It also alleges that Obama gave Rezko $14 million in taxpayer money through political influence. The complex details of McCain's allegation might not stick with voters, plus independent sources say there is no evidence that Obama did anything improper involving Rezko.McCain's ad came quick, but do you think it will effectively quell backlash coming from McCain's forgetfulness?

Who Has the Housing Problem: Obama or McCain?

Obama. He shouldn't throw stones when he lives in an even more corrupt house.

McCain. Forgetting how many houses has gelled the narrative that he's out of touch.

Not sure. But answering an economic critique with a character attack seems desperate.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Briefing Book! McCain Unsure How Many Homes He Owns

LibertySugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:30:59 -0700

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Housing Crisis: Too many to count? McCain doesn't know how many houses he owns, Obama clues him in with new ad. — Donklephant
Rove: What would Karl do? Karl Rove spells out a roadmap to victory for both McCain and Obama. — Radar
Sexuality: Should those opposed to homosexuals stop trying to repress their feelings? Perhaps homophobia isn't a choice either. — Townhall
Michael Phelps: Solid gold? Find out which brands have successfully signed the human fish. — SavvySugar
Denver: Grand Old Party crashers? Republicans rolls out list of members heading to Denver next week. — The Hill

Ad-Rageous: Matt Damon Channels Michelle & Cindy for ONE

CitizenSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:02:14 -0700

This new ad from ONE just hit this morning, and it stars Matt Damon's face uttering a slew of famous voices. Damon opens the spot saying, "thanks to everyday Americans who chose to make a difference, millions of lives have been saved in the world's poorest countries." Then words from Michael Bloomberg, Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain and more are heard. The organization ONE is spending $1.8 million on the campaign aimed at encouraging the next president to address world poverty.

The ONE campaign is a nonpartisan group dedicated to help erase global AIDS and poverty. According to their mission, there's only one side to be on in the fight, and 2.4 million people from all 50 states have joined in. They're:

Working on the ground in communities, colleges and churches across the United States, ONE members both educate and ask America's leaders to increase efforts to fight global AIDS and extreme poverty, from the US budget and presidential elections to specific legislation on debt cancellation, increasing effective international assistance, making trade fair, and fighting corruption. Everyone can join the fight. The goal of ending poverty may seem lofty, but it is within our reach if we take action together as one.

To see how Liberty and I will get the inside scoop on the ONE campaign,

Messiah or the Antichrist? McCain Ad Targets Evangelicals

LibertySugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:45:59 -0700

Have you seen McCain's ad "The One" that got rolled out last week? I found it comical, but I might not be the desired audience. Some think "The One" aspires to make conservative evangelical Christians, not the biggest McCain backers, fearful that Obama is the Antichrist, or at least the prelude to Christ's evil-spreading opponent.

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Recent McCain ads parallel statements made by influential Evangelicals, including Hal Linsey who has connected Obama to the Antichrist saying: "He [the Antichrist] will probably also stand in some European capital, addressing the people of the world and telling them that he is the one that they have been waiting for. And he can expect as wildly enthusiastic a greeting as Obama got in Berlin. The Bible calls that leader the Antichrist. And it seems apparent that the world is now ready to make his acquaintance."

While some analyze or rebuff the Moses/Jesus-Obama analogy, perhaps the whole comparison is simply a red herring for non-Evangelicals ignorant of the powerful Antichrist undertones. Could this ad subtly influence the otherwise skeptical demographic to vote for McCain, instead of staying home?

Did This Ad Do Anything to Cement Obama as a "Celebrity?"

CitizenSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:23:49 -0700

A representative for Britney Spears may have been speaking for the world when he gave his reaction to the McCain ad featuring Brit for a split-second saying, "Why would we want to get Britney Spears involved in presidential politics?" Wise words perhaps.

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Featuring shots of Paris Hilton as well as Britney, the ad is generating a meta-buzz — not about the message really, but the ad itself. To me the most interesting thing to come out of the ad is not the comparison, but that the Hiltons have given $4,600 to McCain, and they're testy about the ad — and perhaps the choice of celebs: haven't Britney and Paris been celebs for longer than Barack? Maybe they should have picked someone from High School Musical?What do you think of the piece? Is the message lost in the delivery?

Did This Ad Do Anything to Cement Obama as a "Celebrity?"

It does nothing, and who cares? It's a silly ad and getting buzz for all the wrong reasons.

It makes a good point. Comparing Obama to the celebrity paparazzi-magnets is valid.

Not at all. It's a ridiculous argument and using Britney is a gimmick.

Other. I'll tell you what I think in the comments.

New MoveOn Iraq Ad: "Timeline"

CitizenSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:51:08 -0700

New MoveOn Iraq Ad: "Timeline"
MoveOn is rolling out a new Iraq-focused ad called "Timeline." The spot makes a clear contrast — Obama wants a timetable to get troops out of Iraq, John McCain doesn't. But the timing, music, and visuals are unconventional — it's certainly not your typical political ad. The RNC responds: "MoveOn.org is repaying Barack Obama for his ideological position on Iraq by running ads that ignore the improving situation in Iraq."

Celeb "Burma" Campaign: Condescending or Commendable?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:45:25 -0700

Though this Spring's cyclone brought Myanmar crashing into our consciousness, the front page ink is drying — and along with it awareness for what is an extended situation for the Burmese to bear. Ah but first, is it Burma or Myanmar? The military regime changed the name from Burma to Myanmar (a short version of the name of the country in the local language) in 1989. The change is recognized by the UN and France and Japan, among others, though officially the US and UK don't. It's a question of does one let the country dictate the name, or does accepting the title bestowed by an undemocratically elected junta become a tacit approval of the regime? Even newspapers vacillate on what to call the country — the AP Stylebook uses the M-word, though it seems locals when writing use the formal Myanmar, but when speaking say Burma. That said, there are still movements out there trying to call attention to the human rights abuses in Myanmar. Chief among them, this: a celeb-filled ad on behalf of the USCampaignForBurma. I don't know quite what to make of this campaign, but I will admit, initially it got under my skin. Sarah Silverman pointing at a map telling me what the cue card says she should say I should know about, and Tila Tequila teaching geography amid her own mountain range? At least Sylvester Stallone cops to his previous ignorance about the problem and seems sincere. But watching it again, the ad does highlight vital info about the jailed prodemocracy leader, and the need to care long after the the initial glut of info following the cyclone. But something about it seems so unnervingly casual and flip. Honestly, what do you think? Is this a great ad?

Celeb "Burma" Campaign: Condescending or Commendable?

Condescending. It's a music-video look at a serious topic treating the viewers like idiots.

Commendable. The stars and humor grab you; it's the best way to spread the message.

I don't think it bothers me either way. What's the big deal?

Other. I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

Turned Off? Is Obama Saying No, No, No to Energy Solutions?

LibertySugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:00:46 -0700

A new ad makes it clear that John McCain still thinks he has a winner with the gas tax holiday. Obama's opposition to the lower gas tax, which would save Americans minimal money at the pump, is featured in the ad which portrays Obama as saying nothing but "no" to solutions like nuclear power and new domestic oil production. It airs in four swing states.

Interestingly, the ad paints McCain as an agent of change in the Republican party — "pushing his own party to face climate change." (The RNC actually bought the ad so they must be OK with it.) That picture is contrasted to Obama's "97 percent party line voting."

Factcheck has concluded that the Republicans distorted Obama's record on energy. To see how,

How Not to Attack An Opponent Who Has An Italian Name

CitizenSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:55:55 -0700

How Not to Attack an Opponent Who Has an Italian Name
A pending rematch of current Governor Gregoire and her last opponent Dino Rossi, who she managed to beat by 129 votes, now has an ad. The brilliant Washington State Democratic party went about making an attack ad of Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi by using a Sopranos theme. Really. The theme song.

Bush, Reid Drilling Each Other Over Oil, McCain Turns Green

CitizenSugar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:00:18 -0700

Ah, the search for energy that doesn't come from a Red Bull. . . . When President Bush broached the subject of nixing the ban on offshore drilling this week, the idea fueled a whole gusher of tension. Here's where it stands today:

President Bush called out Democrats for parking in the way of energy relief (via drilling) in his radio address this morning. Bush said:

One major deposit in the Rocky Mountain West alone would equal current annual oil imports for more than 100 years. Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress are standing in the way of further development. I ask them to reconsider their positions. If congressional leaders leave for the Fourth of July recess without taking action, they will need to explain why $4-a-gallon gasoline is not enough incentive for them to act.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says that Bush's claims of stonewalling are crude and baseless — if the president wants drilling, he doesn't even need Congress. To see why,

Give Your BLT a Little NYC With a Gay Kiss?

LibertySugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:20:00 -0700

With gay marriages about to begin at 5 p.m. today in California, Heinz is using a kiss between two men to help the company sell some mayonnaise in the UK. The ad shows two kids getting ready for school, waiting for their "mom" (a man who looks like a deli counter worker and has a New York accent) to pack their lunches. The commercial, airing in the United Kingdom today, does what it can to make Brits accepting of a two-father household — and I'm not talking about the My Two Dads variety. After the kids' lunches are packed, in comes "dad" for a goodbye smooch.

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Will viewers become more open minded after seeing this traditional morning routine infused with a homosexual lifestyle? Perhaps it may have been more shocking to tradition if the lunchmaker was called "dad" and the parent going to work was called "mom."

Some may think Heinz simply wants to shock viewers for added publicity. Considering a straight couple would be completely un-newsworthy, I think it offers social commentary just by getting attention. Did it get yours?

Source

Ad-Rageous: Obama to Get "Willie Horton-ed" for Gang Vote?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:46 -0700

You can't escape with a degree in political communications without becoming intimately involved with at least one of the trilogy of defining moments in campaign TV: The "Daisy" ad, the Checkers Speech, and the Dukasis downfall, Willie Horton. The man behind one of the ads about the furloughed felon-turned-rapist (not the slick ad, the um, more basic one) has brewed up a serving for the new millennium — and it's aimed right at Barack Obama.

Pointing a finger at an Obama vote against extending the death penalty to gang-related murders, conservative activist and producer Floyd Brown is fund raising to get his encore ad on the airwaves. Currently running on his website ExposeObama.com, the ad aims to draw a parallel between Obama's crime vote and the war on terror saying, "when the time came to get tough, Obama chose to be weak. . . . Can a man so weak in the war on gangs be trusted in the war on terror?"

Though presidents have little to do with issues of crime, safety is a theme that resonates with voters. To see Brown's thoughts on Obama, and the original Willie Horton ad,

Christina Wraps Her Kid in a Flag to Rock the Vote — Wrong?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:54 -0700

New mom Christina Aguilera is politically active — and getting her son involved early — by appearing with him in an ad for Rock the Vote due out this summer. The message of the ad is great — but is the image chosen to trumpet the cause reason to sound the alarm? Aguilera's son appears in the ad, swaddled in the American flag.Aguilera said of her decision to make the ad, "This election in particular is such an exciting and historical one, and so I was proud to have my son and I stand together for such a powerful moment and message in time." Rock the Vote, which turns 18 this year, isn't a stranger to controversial imagery. Madonna made a similar Get Out the Vote ad in 1990 showing the Material Girl wrapped in a flag of her own. Is this just what's required to get the young 'uns attention? Though this rule from USFlag.org is quite clear, "The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything," does the fact that she possibly did it to bring attention to the cause of voting make it less outrageous? Rock the Vote has given out 850,000 voter registration cards this year. Is that a good trade off?Thanks to kikidawn for the tip!Source

Christina Wraps Her Kid in a Flag to Rock the Vote — Wrong?

It's about time we relaxed flag rules. There's nothing wrong here, and it's a bigger cause.

She's doing an important service, though the flag should have been thought through.

Completely wrong! What a way to make the cause look completely dumb.

Other. I've got a vote for the comments.

Ad-rageous: Wounded Vet Calls Out Barack Obama

CitizenSugar — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:00:54 -0700

The ad is a product of Vets for Freedom. They call themselves "a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." This wounded veteran featured has a scathing message for Barack Obama.

The Vets for Freedom's mission is to "educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics in Iraq," and they "support policymakers from both sides of the aisle who have stood behind our great generation of American warriors on the battlefield, and who have put long-term national security before short-term partisan political gain."

The organization is a PAC. To see how a PAC is different from a 527,

Sex and the City Billboards: Too Racy for Israel?

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:00:58 -0700

You won't find Carrie and Mr. Big making out on the street of Jerusalem. Sex and the City advertisers have decided to forgo marketing in Jerusalem and Petah Tikva, Israel, in order to avoid offending devoutly religious residents.

The ad company is worried that the word "Sex," as well as racy pictures of the films' stars could, provoke widespread objection. This isn't the first time SATC has employed a different marketing campaign in these locations. During the shows television heyday, a poster was modified to make Sarah Jessica Parker's outfit into a more modest ensemble.

Not wanting to be labeled prude, the city of Petah Tikva went out of its way to clarify that it had nothing to do with the decision. And, an official from Jerusalem called reports that the city had censored the billboards slanderous.

Are sexy posters offensive to even the non-religious? Is the company taking a paternalistic attitude toward these residents? Or are they just sensibly avoiding a confrontation and negative backlash?

Photo courtesy of New Line

Ad-Rageous: San Francisco Values a No-No in Republican Race

CitizenSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:30:10 -0700

The Republican Party loves values, unless they're of the "wearing-Spandex-ritzy-party" variety. I did not know "San Francisco Values" meant "neon dance party." I'm clearly out of the loop. Check out this dance, dance revolutionary ad from Missouri Republican Sam Graves.

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OK, I get conservative social ideas, and I even jive with making sure voters know who's raising funds for whom, but y'all? I'm not entirely sure who would "approve this message." It's like a karaoke video with a much smaller budget. (Though I dig the middle dancer's cowboy hat!)

Should Barack Obama's Opponents "Lay Off" His Wife?

LibertySugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:00:08 -0700

Tennessee's Republican Party has put out a four minute video loop of infamous comments made by Barack Obama's wife. In February Michelle Obama said: "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country" — controversial comments she later clarified.Yesterday on Good Morning America, Barack Obama responded to the new video. The GOP, should I be the nominee, can say whatever they want to say about me, my track record. If they think that they're going to try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign, they should be careful because that I find unacceptable, the notion that you start attacking my wife or my family.

Obama said the Republican Tennessee-tactics — which also include a call for patriotic music to be played on local radio while Michelle is in town and referring to Obama using his middle name "Hussein" — are "low class" and unacceptable to most Americans. Is Obama right to call out the GOP for distracting voters from important issues? Or does Michelle Obama's participation in the campaign make her fair game? If Michelle wants people to credit her for positive remarks, is it only fair to judge all of her comments? When does the negative attention go too far? Source

Should Barack Obama's Opponents "Lay Off" His Wife?

You can attack Michelle's positions, but attacking her patriotism or character goes too far.

We need to focus on issues and the candidates, not a misrepresented random quote.

Nope. If he wants to count her as an asset, she's going to be assessed!

Suck it up Barack. This is tame, and there is more to come!

As first lady she would be representing America. She deserves scrutiny.

Other — I'll tell you in the comments.

MoveOn.org's "Obama in 30 Seconds" Winner. Good Choice?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:44:48 -0700

MoveOn.org just announced the winner in its "Obama in 30 Seconds" contest, and here it is. It's called "Obamacan" and tells the story of a life-long Republican veteran who's voting for Obama.

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It's fine. Serviceable — but doesn't really grab me? But then they didn't include me on the star-studded panel of judges (weird, I know!) that included Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Julia Stiles, and Adrian Grenier. MoveOn received 1,100 entries and 5.5 million people nationwide cast their vote to help select the 15 finalists. The Move-sters have endorsed Obama (the first time they've taken a stand during the primaries) and will spend $200,000 to televise “Obamacan” in battle ground states like Ohio, Colorado, and Wisconsin.This next one is my personal favorite (sorry Matt and Ben) but then I'm a sucker for '90s-era sitcom star Rider Strong and also baby chicks and cleverness.

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Check out all of the finalists, see if you have a favorite. Did these MoveOn ads get you moving? Source and Source

MoveOn.org's "Obama in 30 Seconds" Winner. Good Choice?

Zzzzz. The Obamacan man seems lovely but it's a one-note ad. Not Moved or On.

Yes they did! Choosing to highlight Obama's crossover appeal is perfect, love it.

I cannot stand MoveOn. And what was the point of this? They made an ad? Big deal.

Regardless of the winner, the contest was a clever way to get other voices out there.

Other. I'll make my "Hillary in Less Than a Minute" and "McCain Short" in the comments.

Springtime for Hitler? Ad and Doll Bring the Dictator Back

CitizenSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:00:08 -0700

This week Mexico's top electoral body has ordered broadcasters to stop showing a TV ad that compares a firebrand leftist leading a shut down of Congress to dictators Hitler and Pinochet. The ad is funded by a Mexican businessman angry at the blockade spurred by opposition lawmakers trying to derail an oil reform plan. He says the actions of protest leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador are endangering democracy, "Who shuts congresses? In 1933, Adolf Hitler in Germany."

The spot was shot as a flashback to conservative ads run in the 2006 election campaign, and call the former rights activist and then presidential candidate a danger to Mexico. The voice over says, "Our democracy is in danger. Our peace is at risk. Mexico does not deserve this."

If Hitler on TV isn't enough, Ukraine has just begun selling an action-man style doll of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and saleswomen are hawking the product, comparing the doll to Barbie. But it's not all fun and games. To see the serious side,

Ad-rageous! It's 3 a.m. Everywhere!

CitizenSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:51:05 -0700

Somebody's watch must be stuck because 3 a.m. has become the new icon of the campaign. In another set of dueling "3 a.m." ads, Hillary Clinton and John McCain compete with time-sensitive messages about the economy.

Hillary first:

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It looks like she got a new sleeping girl! To see John McCain's response,

Ad-Rageous: McCain Launches General Election Campaign

CitizenSugar — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:00:47 -0700

It might only be March, but John McCain has officially kicked off the general election. Here's his first ad, the airing of which tacitly points to the time the Democrats are losing while they continue to scrap amongst themselves.

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"We're Americans and we'll never surrender." "624787." Whichever Democrat is left standing has a pretty big mountain to climb against McCain.

Did it do it for you? Are you ready for the general fight?

Ad-rageous: Hillary's 3 a.m. Girl Makes Pro-Bama Ad

CitizenSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:00:15 -0700

The star sleeper of Hillary's famous 3 am ad has just made an ad she was actually awake for. Casey Knowles, the girl who appeared unwittingly in stock footage in an ad for Hillary Clinton (despite the fact that she's a vocal Obama supporter) fires back with this rebuttal.

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What do you think? Is this response an "Oh, snap!" or an "Oh, please?" Do you approve this message?

Make Your Own Obama Ad! Matt Damon and Celebs to Judge

LibertySugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:00:29 -0700

Tired of tacky and empty campaign ads? Well, if you're an Obama supporter now is your chance to do something about it! The super emailers at MoveOn want you to make your own 30-second spot telling the nation why we should elect Barack Obama. The winner of their "Obama in 30 seconds" contest will get a $20,000 gift certificate for movie equipment. Your ad will also make it on national television.

All you have to do is sway the panel of famous judges that includes Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Oliver Stone, Naomi Wolf, Markos Moulitas, Russel Simmons, Jessie Jackson, and a bunch more Obama-maniacs! If you're an aspiring filmmaker, try and top Will.i.am — this could be your big break!

Source

Eliot Spitzer Lives by One Rule: Is It Right or Wrong?

LibertySugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:51:28 -0700

Governor Spitzer is set to make a big announcement at 11:30 EDT, in mere moments. While we wait for his news, here's one from the ad-rageous archives. While running for New York governor, Eliot Spitzer told the public: "I simply asked if it was right or wrong. In the end it's not a bad rule." The governor now finds himself in the middle of a prostitution ring bust-up, and learning a little right-or-wrong himself. . . .

But, what if it feels so right? Ahhh.... the irony.