DNC produces Plame ad

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The DNC has an online petition and is also raising money to air the ad on television.

You all complain that the DNC is too timid. They're playing this issue right (even throwing Papa Bush's own words against Dubya). Go give them some positive reinforcement.

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Yes!....I got to post the first message on this thread!....Kick ass!!!!!
  What's the topic again?.....

  Oh yeah, it's about time! I like it.

  by Manix on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:33:07 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Nice!  More like that.  Attack. Attack. Don't give the little shit room to breath.

  by Mark H on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:36:13 PM PDT

•  OK, but ...

  I'd prefer something tougher; however, it IS the DNC, so I'm happy they went this far. The use of the Bushdad "most insidious of traitors" line is a natural. But, what, pray tell, is that pogostick noise in the background?

  by Meteor Blades on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:37:51 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Remember if we haven't found out who leaked the CIA agent's name by November 2004, the only way to be sure they get fired is to vote Democrat.

  by Carl Ballard on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:44:47 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Seriously though this looks like the beginning of a good warm up. We don't want to throw the heavy stuff all at once too early on.
  

  by Manix on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:51:13 PM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    There is a lot to throw at Bush, the Dems have an advantage in the quagmire of Iraq, and the horrible policies of Bush. It's not our hatred of the person, but our hatred of the policy

    by BerkeleyWarrior on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:54:12 PM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    No, now is the time to raise this issue.  Anger delayed is anger denied.  The behaviour of the Administration is unacceptable, and that fact must be demonstrated right now.  Waiting for the "right time" only seems like politicking and electioneering.  The American public has to know that this guy is a scumbag, and they need to know it now.  This issue must be kept alive.

    by mapantsula on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 09:06:29 PM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    Of COURSE we want to throw the heavy stuff early on. And then just keep throwing it, over and over, and add as they give us new material (like today's story that farm dioxins won't be monitored by the EPA.  Have you EVER seen the Mighty Wurlitzer save the "heavy stuff" when attacking a Democrat?  No, they go in full force right away.

    That being said, i'm happy to see the DNC has enough backbone now to actually produce an ad addressing treason for cheap political gain, but that's still damning with faint praise.

    by Radical Middle on Sun Oct 19, 2003 at 07:33:48 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Finally nice to see some action from the DNC.... It is about time to let some people know about how far we have been misled...

  I'd like to invite some comments on these thoughts. I think Bush's administration is a cruel stew of Cold War style 70's Kissinger Realism mixed with Bush's right wing ideologically obsessive idealism.

  In Bush's world, the US has the power to solve all the world's problems so we can say Fuck Off to anyone who might think that our hegemonic activity may create more danger in the world. Shrub's reckless belief that America  can solve all the world's problems is shortsighted and inane.

  Mix that with Dick Cheney, Don Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and Paul Bremers realist agenda, and you have the sickening neo-conservative point of view. The US can provide the lead role in the world, but only by following a humbled,  sane, well thought out foreign policy.

  Disclaimer I am a Dean supporter although now starry-eyed. Edwards and Clark I like. I could even root for Kerry and Gep. I think the money and the latest polls (especially the primary poll published earlier) point in Dean's direction. He is the front-runner, and I can tell you that he has a dedicated grassroots and fundraising base like no other. He will forego the limitations, will win the nomination and has the potential to outraise the Shrub when all is said in done (looking at the glass half full). Looking at the other end, Dean needs to be clear, articulate, and distinguish himself from the crowd based on a message of hope. His grassroots will help carry him in Iowa, and NH will give him major momentum. Don't rule out a 3rd place finish in SC, wins in AZ and DE, has more than enough $$$ to run in all the states... Go Dean

  by BerkeleyWarrior on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:52:12 PM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    A friend of mine, a very disgruntled Republican, sent me a web link on the subject of the the takeover of the Republican party by the religious right.

    It's a lengthy tome, not badly written, and is chock full of interesting links, many of which have appeared here and elsewhere around the blogosphere.

    It put many of the pieces of the Bush puzzle together for me, and I hope there are some folks here who will find it interesting.

    I'm something of a newcomer here, so please accept my apology if it's been posted before.  It can be found at this website.  Just click the "next" button at the bottom to scroll through the piece:

    http://www.4religious-right.info/index.htm

    by althepal on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 11:11:23 PM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

      don't apologize althepal.  i don't think anyone's seen this here.  it's always good to hear about disgruntled repubbbs.

      by skippy on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 09:22:48 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  I swear by the Almighty, this administration is giving me more sleepless nights than any other one thing in my life.

  Go Dems!

  by Ptolemy on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:53:31 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  i like the nixonian graininess, and the blurring of the bushes is a nice subliminal touch suggesting cover-up & deception.

  i'm gonna frame the envelope they sent the donation request in.  nothing subtle about that.  then i'll send a few bucks.  

  hit 'em hard, fast & relentlessly.  

  by bubu on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:55:43 PM PDT

•  Question/Suggestion for Kos

  I noticed the last Open Threads were on Thursday.  I was wondering if this was going to be the norm-- people just have to scroll down to the permanent open threads-- or if it's just an oversight.  If it's an oversight then I apologize for posting this; I don't want to get on your case.  But if that's intentional, would it be possible to keep those threads on the front page?  When they're shoved back a page like that it seems like nobody posts to them, and without an easily accessible Open Thread it becomes tempting to post new info on off-topic threads.

  By the way, that Plame ad really is pretty cool.  Any word on which markets it'll go to?  I hope they actually target areas of the country that will influence people's decisions with this campaign though.  Madison, WI is cool but I think we've already got their votes pretty intact guys.

  by ChicagoDem on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 09:57:19 PM PDT

  •  plame ad

    i suggest airing it in ohio, pa, fla, mo

    by bubu on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 10:03:30 PM PDT

    •  Re: plame ad

      It seems that more often than not they'll pick somewhere relatively cheap and then let the network news and the sunday talk shows replay it for free.  a nice way to do it on the cheap.

      by Preston on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 01:52:39 AM PDT

      •  A nicer way to do it on the cheap

        I wonder how many people have seen it just from the DNC site. Now that I think about it, everyone reading this should make an effort to send the ad (or a link to it, rather) to everyone they can. That is, if you're into bugging your friends and family about this kind of stuff. I'm not saying that this will reach a HUGE amount of people, but every little bit counts.

        Eh, probably too big a file to download for everyone on dial-ups . . . oh, the trials of living in the "beta" era of the Internet! But these information networks are getting faster and faster. Don't worry, everyone, soon we'll all be one big, cybernetic political brain. Everyone will be "plugged in" and involved; we will be able to calculate and effect the bets decisions EVER. Cool.

        And this will all come about thanks to cybernetic monkeys.

        by Tlacolotl on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:32:05 AM PDT

  •  Re: Question/Suggestion for Kos

    If you've got a personal issue to flog, scoop giveth you the joy of a diary in the event that Kos posteth not an open threat. Diaries are a good way to raise the currency of your on Kos-ian celebrity by beating your own drum in your own space.

    It's actually pretty cool stuff. I've had a lot of fun already scrolling throug the diaries here when I come back and theres no new front page content.

    by Outlandish Josh on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 10:17:03 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  This is an excellent ad even though I don't know how clear the Bush I quote is to people who haven't really followed the scandal.  It could just be that people who have been closesly following this whole Plame affair have a better understanding of the ins and outs to realize why Bush calling people who leak classified info treacherous is important.

  I do wish the Dem candidates would push this scandal more (are they pushing it anyway and it's not being reported because the cycle is over?), because I really don't think I've heard much about it in the last week.  This kind of cynicism from the Bush administration has the potential to bring the whole house down; let's hope the DNC has enough money to run this ad in major markets all over the country for a week.  Bush in the low forties here we come!

  by ricky prado on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 10:32:14 PM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    There's been a whole lot of other news lately though too, and w/ our 24 hour news cycle stories like this only get play if they're very procedural.  The WH handed over documents (once they themselves vetted them) and now the FBI is looking at it.  There's not much day to day stuff for either the media or the Dems to jump on until they release some findings.

    One thing in the downtime though: I would suggest that a Senate Democrat (Edwards or Biden would be best IMHO) try to start the process to create an investigative Subcommittee with subpoena powers either into the Plame deal itself or into the odd legal procedure that let the WH vet the documents it had to turn over.  I mean the thing'll get shot down immediately by the GOP, but it gives the media a nice story to sink their teeth into and keeps the Plame Game alive.

    by ChicagoDem on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 10:52:14 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  I'll take it. When is it going to run? I think it's persuasive and I think it'll generate contributions.

  by NealB on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 10:48:51 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  It is a good ad, even on Real Time Player.. ;).

  I hope the DNC does not just float the odd balloon, but remains standing in the fight ring. I wanted McAuliffe gone last year, but looks like he is wedged in with gum or glue thru 04.  Hm.

  I've counted out the time between this monster raising it's head in the past, and parsed out I'll be here, easily, for one if not two reappearances.  With bad luck, three.  Shit.
  Let's deal with it relentlessly.

  by Marisacat on Fri Oct 17, 2003 at 11:04:12 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Oh its good.  One subtle point.  Near the end it talks about the "Bush administration's deceptions".  It should have been LIES!!!!!!  The issue as stated is the truth and this administration's apparent belief that it can be twisted into any shape imaginable by spin.  Up is Down, Truth is lie.  They need to be called on this.  The word "deception" is pretty much considered business as usual for politicias by the majority of the electorate.  The point is that these people have crossed over the line from deception to outright LIES!  Don't be like the Times and shy away from the only word that truely fits and that has the shock value to grab people's attention.  They'll scream like stuck pigs.  Because it is true.

  by SW on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 03:57:24 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  The only problem with the ad, as I see it, is that it is too kind by half to the Bush administration on PlameGate.

  by tristero on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 04:19:13 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  While it's nice to see some gasoline thrown onto the smoldering Plame scandal, and it's nice to see the democrats show a little spunk, I think this ad is another disappointing of example of the democrats being reactive instead of proactive.  Ads like this play a vital role, but as an opening volley in the 2004 election TV campaign it wastes valuable TV time on a republican scandal that may or may not have legs.  

  It may be an effective fund raiser for the party faithful, but it also reinforces several negative stereotypes of the democrats:  It reeks of political opportunism (because it is);
  It plays into the "they just hate Bush" meme, and most importantly, it says nothing about the democrat party or its candidates.  It's a coke ad that only talks about pepsi.

  I think the democrats have an opportunity in the 2004 campaign to challenge the republicans on larger more fundamental issues about American values and priorities, but they can't do it unless they have a vision for the country.  I know what the republican vision is (both stated and unstated), and I think I know what the democrat vision is, but I can't be sure because the democrats haven't stated a vision effectively in over 40 years.

  Perhaps I'm being overly harsh, but I'm tired of seeing the democrats always portrayed (and portraying themselves) in contrast to the republicans as opposed to have an independent view.
  

  by Riffin Man on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 04:30:50 AM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    I mostly agree with this.  I think pushing the Plame issue is important because it exposes something about the Bush administration which is irrefutable - that they use bullying and smear tactics to gain legislative leverage.  This goes back to why Jeffords left the Republican Party.  And why Gephardt was fool enough to negotiate that Iraq deal with Bush when others were still fighting over it.  And why the Democrats have trouble winning elections even when their positions are popular.

    But it has to be caged with a larger, clear articulate message and I haven't seen that come out of Democrats for some time.  The DLC approach to me is to say nothing controversial in order to gain power.  But power is useless without a will to use it.

    by seamus on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 05:12:50 AM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

      Yup, I call that "uselss power" referenced above the eternal seat at the useless table.

      That is the location I want the DNC to break out of.

      by Marisacat on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 07:11:28 AM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    Good riff, Riffin.

    I'm of the same mind with everyone here that showing up to the fight is a big move by the DNC.  But with all the Dem party's self-proclaimed media savants, why the heck isn't an ad like this less obviously negative and more constructive?  This nonsense about "we hold our noses when mudslinging, but only do it because it works" is SO Karl Rove . . .  'Murkins know when their chains are being yanked, but listen to that garbage only because there's no other postive political dialogue out there.  

    All it would take is a tag at the end of the ad saying "Democrats believe in the integrity of our intelligence services, and talking truth to the American people," and the thing would have a completely new spin.  And people will listen.  

    If a mouth breather like me can think that up, can someone get me a gig doing ads for the DNC?  I like long lunches and slushy expense accounts.

    by chrississippi on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:04:53 AM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

      People do listen to negative ads. Especially when they're substantive. You know, real quotes and actual facts.

      This ad isn't about the Dems. It's a condemnation of BushCo. No "we're on the side of goodness and light" statement needs to be added. It would weaken the attack, because it would emphasize the partisan politics.

      by Bill Rehm on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:01:00 AM PDT

      •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

        Agreed. The Plame Affair should not be a partisan issue.

        by NC Progressive on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:12:01 AM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    I agree with Riffin and have said so with different text at other places in the liberal ether.

    You don't motivate people to be civically active by pointing out what felons the opposition are.

    It's not so much that they fail.  It's that they don't seem to try.

    by paradox on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:40:53 AM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

      I am not a crook

      Like hell "you don't motivate people by pointing out what felons the opposition are."

      "Throw the bums out" is one of the oldest rallying cries in politics.

      by Bill Rehm on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:02:29 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  I mostly liked the ad, though I agree with the poster above that it will make more sense to those who already know what is going on, in particular the quote from Bush I.  But it is good to see them at least trying to keep this alive.

  With the help of Mike over at Uberdude, I've managed to put up a Plame Affair Clock ticking off the days, hours, and minutes since the original publication of her name.  Just to remind ourselves that W. could have resolved this all in less than five minutes and that every minute that goes by is therefore effectively part of the ongoing coverup.

  by sdf on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:00:27 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Nice warm-up to the fight. Another ad I'd like to see would show the flag-draped coffins arriving from Iraq. I understand the media is prohibited from showing them arriving at Dover (long-standing procedure), but surely someone could sneak some footage from the funerals.

  by NC Progressive on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:54:58 AM PDT

  •  exploiting the dead

    Rather than exploit the dead, let's point out how Bush and company have been exploiting the dead, including the 3,000 Americans that died on Sept 11, 2001.

    by Carl Nyberg on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:16:25 AM PDT

•  more Internet animation

  Rather than having a bunch of money invested in TV or radio ads, I would like to see the Dems produce numerous Internet animation political cartoons.

  This allows segmenting the market.  People who like a particular cartoon will pass it to other people they think will like the cartoon.

  Also, this allows the Dems to measure the traffic on the different cartoons so they can get a better idea of what message has the most appeal.

  Finally, this is a better way to target the people that pay attention to politics between election cycles, since many of us don't watch much TV.  And most people that watch TV aren't the people that pay attention between cycles.

  by Carl Nyberg on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 06:58:46 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  I'd actually love to see cartoon commercials attacking BushCo. Ridicule is automatic and, if the right technology is used, these ads would be cheaper to produce.

  by Bill Rehm on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:03:57 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  To all those saying that this ad is good but reactive, not proactive, or even too weak, and

  To all those saying asking about when and how often this ad will run or,

  Remember: This ad doesn't have to appear that often to be effective.  It runs a couple of times somewhere like D.C., then it gets played on all the talk shows asking both sides for their opinions.   The important thing is that it keeps the story alive!

  The longer this story is alive, the more people will hear about it, the more likely the leaker is found (due to pressure),and  the more likely it becomes a campaign issue.

  by Matty NYC on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 08:12:11 AM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    Is it the DNC's responsibility to "keep the story" alive?  That's a rather unbecoming task for an organization purported to be the leading voice for the democratic party.  Ads like this are necessary and have a place, but I expect much more from the DNC and democrats with regards to framing a competitive counter to the current republican nightmare we're living under.  

    In my heart of hearts, I'm hoping the DNC has access to savvy media and campaign strategists and have crafted a cohesive 12 month plan (culminating in the 2004 election) of which this ad is but one important facet.  Though my gut tells me this was a one-shot, reactive ad developed in an effort to milk the scandal of the day.  

    I think the democrats and specifically the DNC are being incredibly lazy.  They are hoping the failures of the Bush administration and their policies will be enough to carry them to victory in 2004.   Relying solely on the "Miserable Failure" positioning is a short-sighted strategy that will result in another split decision at best.
    

    by Riffin Man on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 09:04:52 AM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

      Riffin, you are right that it shouldn't be the DNC that has to keep the story alive...the SCLM  should be doing that, but do you really think they would?

      I'd rather the DNC do it at this time, rather than any of the candidates.  The candidates should point things like this out to remind voters that the Bush Administration is far from the credible professionals they like to proclaim themselves.  But until the primaries are over, the candidates should be spending most of their resources telling people why to vote for them.  

      The candidates should save the anti-Bush attacks for the general election, when more people are paying attention. If they say the same things too often now, it will be too easy to tune them out later.

      by Matty NYC on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 09:43:17 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  I'll believe it when I see it on TV.

  by directv on Sat Oct 18, 2003 at 04:04:25 PM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  Gang,
  Just some of the recent DNC ads and flashes hitting Bush:

  http://www.democrats.org/truth - on Bush's State of the Union lies

  http://www.democrats.org/twister - Interactive game on Bush's Twisting of the truth on WMD

  http://www.democrats.org/scotus/bushenstein.html - flash piece on Bush and Supreme Court

  http://www.democrats.org/social_insecurity - flash on Bush and Security Security privatization.

  We'll keep making these as often as possible, but if you've got good ideas, post them at our blog at http://www.democrats.org/blog

  by dncdoug on Sun Oct 19, 2003 at 02:04:46 AM PDT

  •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

    Damn, that flash stuff is pretty weak.  It's very amateurish.  Would you take helicopter flying lessons from a company whose sign was scrawled in crayon?  I'd like to think the 2nd most powerful political party in the country could do better.  I suggest you hire Mark Fiore whose flash pieces appear on Salon regularly.   Much higher production values, much more concise message delivery, and funny enough to serve as viable viral marketing tools.

    The Bush attack ads and flash ads are vital aspects of a coordinated campaign to unseat Bush and other republicans in 2004.  They're are important and needed, but the democrats need to figure out a way to parse a unified message across its large and varied base, and utilize the DNC - the voice of the party - to frame bigger more fundamental challenges to the republican platform and record.  The DNC should be utilizing "flanker" democrat organizations to launch the attack ads, and they need to aggressively fund this effort (the base needs some red meat).  This will enable the DNC to focus their efforts on a higher level view of the "democrats are better republicans" message.  

    As I mentioned in a previous post, I think the democrats have a huge opportunity to challenge the republicans on issues revolving around basic American values.  After all, it should not be hard to beat a party whose stated positions are war (and death), economic unfairness, pollution and decreased civil liberties.  The again, it should have been easy for the sitting VP Al Gore to defeat the utterly unimpressive Bush in 2000.  
    

    by Riffin Man on Sun Oct 19, 2003 at 06:30:35 AM PDT

    •  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

      ooops,

      ""democrats are better republicans" message."

      I meant to say ""democrats are better than republicans" message."  The typo botched the thought big time.

       

      by Riffin Man on Sun Oct 19, 2003 at 09:38:24 AM PDT

•  Re: DNC produces Plame ad

  While the ad could certainly be improved, I am delighted that the treason issue is put out there by the DNC.  The American public needs to hear that "Senior Administration officials" committed treason, loud and clear, over and over again.  I am also pleased that there is the opportunity to sign an online petition; however, I think it is (or should be at least) more effective to contact one's senators and representatives directly.

  The high costs of running these types of ads in prime markets during prime time slots is an obstacle, as well as the timidity of national media to run certain ads (I will send some $ to the DNC; but how do we help get DISNEY/ABC, VIACOM/CBS, MSNBC, et. al. to agree to run these ads?).

  Finally, I agree with the previous poster who suggests that DEMS (and I would add moderate Republicans, of the non-Stepford wives variety, which there most be some) must be pushing the treason issue relentlessly.

  Cheers all.

  Sawbones

   

  by sawbones on Sun Oct 19, 2003 at 11:33:16 AM PDT