Congress
The North Carolina Republican Party appears to have jumped its track. They have ignored demands from John McCain and the Republican National Committee that they stop running the now-famous Swiftboat-style ad linking Barack Obama and two Democratic candidates for governor, Bev Perdue and Richard Moore, to controversial statements of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s former pastor.
At some point soon, Sen. Dole’s silence about the ad will morph into an endorsement.
Here is a transcript of the ad copy:
“Narrator: For twenty years, Barack Obama sat in his pew listening to his pastor.
Jeremiah Wright: And then wants us to sing God Bless America. No, no, no. Not God Bless America, God (censored) America.
Narrator: Now Bev Perdue and Richard Moore endorse Barack Obama. They should know better. He’s just too extreme for North Carolina
Chairman Linda Daves: The North Carolina Republican Party sponsored this ad opposing Bev Perdue and Richard Moore for North Carolina Governor.”
Besides falsely insinuating that Obama endorsed Wright’s statements and making a specious connection between the Wright controversy and Perdue and Moore, close observers of Tar Heel politics suggest the imagery in the ad may also present a subtle racist message — an advertising tactic routinely employed by former Sen. Jesse Helms.
The most senior Republican in the state is Sen. Liddy Dole, who occupies the seat once held by Helms, and who has been silent on the ad. At some point soon, her silence will morph into an endorsement.
Go HERE to sign the petition demanding the Sen. Dole tell the NC GOP to stop running the ad.
Update: Two of the biggest stations in the state — WSOC in Charlotte and WRAL in Raleigh — have refused to run the ad, according to the Charlotte Observer:
“I just don’t think it’s appropriate to be on our air,” said Joe Pomilla, general manager for WSOC-TV. “I think it’s offensive, and I’m not real comfortable with the implications around race.”
…Pomilla said the issue isn’t about limiting debate.
“There are other values that come into play. Ethics come into play,” he said, “and you’ve got to draw the line somewhere.”
Jim Hefner, WRAL’s vice president and general manager, called the ad “inflammatory” and said his station has turned down ads from conservative and liberal groups, including MoveOn.org.
“We’re not just an ATM machine,” Hefner said. “We’re going to make decisions, and it’s not going to be a popular decision with all folks.”
Topics: Congress
Act like a mature American instead of a corrupt politician. Set an example with your behavior.
This article is incorrect. The ad does NOT assert that the three named “endorse Wright’s statements.” However, Obama has had Wright as a spritual adviser for twenty years, and only distanced himself from Wright’s remarks when they became well-publicized. So Obama either a) dumped his spiritual advisor of twenty years for political expediency; or b) spent twenty years listening to a man without understanding what he was saying. Neither of these speaks well of Obama’s character or judgment.
Endorsing such a person illustrates the endorsers’ character and judgment, and is a fair topic for discussion. Rebut the truth of the ad.
“Racist?” By showing the people central to the topic? A facile and superficial attempt to divert attention away from the issue of Obama’s philosophy and decision-making.
“Racist?†By showing the people central to the topic? A facile and superficial attempt to divert attention away from the issue of Obama’s philosophy and decision-making.”
Uhh, does that mean that all Catholics are pedophiles?
It must be, using your line of reasoning.
All Catholics must be rapers of altar boys, since they love the pope, who has helped cover up that scandal and tragedy for decades.
Gosh, thanks for helping me understand your line of reasoning and statement that all Catholics are pedophiles.
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