As the presidential campaigns and their supporters make their last efforts towards getting a candidate elected, there has been an emergence of new commercial ads. One commercial, sponsored by Moveon.org, has been the center of controversy in the last two days. Because of the language of the ad, I have elected not to embed the video onto the DailyKos. Here is the link to the video: A Message from the Greatest Generation. Please watch the video before reading further.
Unethical Tactics in Politics
Throughout this election season, supporters from both political parties have condemned the activities and actions of the super pacs whenever it served their purpose. With elections around the corner, super pacs and other groups have intensified their efforts and messages. Moveon.org’s recent ad is the greatest example of the over the top methods voters have been exposed to this election. The ad figures two elderly women and two elderly men discussing what they will do if Mitt Romney wins the presidential election.
From start to finish, the ad suggests that Romney and the Republican Party are planning to steal the election. Each speaker tells the listeners what they’ll do if Romney wins the election. The first speaker tells the listeners a story of her voting history and proceeds to declare that “we will burn this mother**** down,” if Romney steals the election because of Republican voter suppression. This inclusive statement appears to be encouraging Democratic Party members to riot if President Obama is not reelected.
The second speaker goes on to threaten to track Romney down and punch him in the testicles. Then the third speaker makes a statement more outrageous than the previous two. He says when they (the elderly) die; they will make a point of watching others have sex from heaven.
The nature of this ad is totally deplorable. Moveon.org seems to be preying on the waves of impressionable young people who support President Obama. In addition, many passionate voters are aware that the mainstream media has been hyping the possibility of civil unrest if either candidate is elected. It is irresponsible to make an ad strengthening this idea. Here are some news broadcasts and articles about potential civil unrest:
• Gearing Up for Elections
• DHS gears up for civil unrest prior to presidential elections
• Texas Official Sees Civil Unrest If Obama Is Re-elected
Hurting the Obama's Campaign
Ads like a Message from the Greatest Generation will not help President Obama. It is likely to have opposite effect on his campaign. If an organization wants to help Obama get reelected, it would be more helpful to use facts rather than scare tactics.
In addition, Moveon.org has put Obama in a position where he has to either denounce the ad (alienating supporters at Moveon) or say nothing (face scrutiny from both parties). There is a thin line between helpful and harmful. It is unfortunate that a group’s political views have created a situation that could hurt the president’s campaign just before elections.
-Bryant