Ron Brownstein
reveals today that
Texans for Truth raised $400,000 in the 72 hours after it unveiled its first commercial last week.
He also notes that "the group may both expand the buy for that initial ad and air others questioning different aspects of Bush's Guard record."
I'd suggest that folks might want to consider kicking a few bucks to Texans for Truth. When there are so many more important issues, why should we be talking about the events of 30 years ago? Read on.
Since TANG allegations are sensational and get replayed on news shows, much like the SBVT ads, you get a lot of
bang for your buck.
In the past week, Bush's approval, favorability, and credibility poll numbers have all taken a hit. TANG is a large part of the reason for that.
But the best reason to help fund these ads is to be part of what some Democratic operatives have dubbed "Operation Fortunate Son". As Brownstein writes:
"Instead, the greatest threat to Bush may come if the cumulative picture of his Guard experience -- from Barnes' claim of intervention to the questions about whether superiors winked at irregular attendance -- portrays him as a son of privilege who has enjoyed advantages unavailable to most Americans. That's potentially dangerous because polls show many voters already question whether Bush understands the problems of average families."
"As Kerry learned in August, new charges often hurt most when they reinforce old suspicions: The attack on his antiwar activities hurt him so much partly because many culturally conservative voters were already inclined to wonder if a Massachusetts Democrat shared their values."
"Privilege pokes at a comparable stereotype about Republicans."
The TANG issue focuses attention on the aspects of George Bush's character that so many of us find offensive.
And TANG does that in a simple way. It does that in a way that may be able to reach the inattentive swing voters, who happen to vote largely on character issues.