Video: GOP’s version of LBJ’s “Daisy” ad debuts
posted at 5:52 pm on October 19, 2006 by Allahpundit
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There’s something sooo familiar about this…
Before you watch, here’s the McCaul Report. Click and scroll down to page 28 and read the short section on terrorist infiltration across the Mexican border. That’s how Shukrijumah is expected to try to enter the country, assuming he isn’t already here. Then go read Kaus’s post from yesterday entitled “Bush Picks Secret Signing Over Winning Midterm Election.” You’ll have to scroll down a bit there too, but it’s worth it. The man simply is not serious about border security.
If I were the Dems, I’d remix this spot with intercuts of Raj Bhakta crossing the border on an elephant. Too bad they’re even more in favor of open borders than Bush is.
Video of the “Daisy” ad is here, in case you’ve never seen it.
Update: See-Dubya says, “Mediocre minds think alike.”
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Wow. Mediocre minds think alike.
see-dubya on October 19, 2006 at 6:01 PM
Most excellent and it is the truth!
Suzy-Q on October 19, 2006 at 6:02 PM
It would’ve been better if they put in cuts of Dems denying terrorists are a threat to us.
Iblis on October 19, 2006 at 6:12 PM
This is horrifically mediocre.
Editor on October 19, 2006 at 6:22 PM
I keep hearing about this massive GOP war chest — when are they going to hurry up and spend it? We’re 3 weeks out! The Dems are already claiming victory!
Or is it more like the victory they claimed for Kerry by the exit polls…?
RoveOnVacation on October 19, 2006 at 6:24 PM
Or Rangel’s “so-called” terrorist quote.
hindmost on October 19, 2006 at 6:25 PM
Absolutely - take Rangel’s recent Fox on O’Reilly (”so-called terrorists”) and mix it in with the statements quoted in this ad. Compare and contrast.
I don’t think it’s as bad as AP or see-dubya thinks it is, as it does have more than a grain of truth to it. After all, you do have a majority of one party that does not take terrorism that seriously (as Rangel so demonstrated) while trying to strip us of the necessary tools to prevent another attack, it’s perfectly legitimate to remind the voters of the potential results of putting that party back in power.
Just because it’s highly provacative doesn’t make it wrong.
thirteen28 on October 19, 2006 at 6:26 PM
Agreed. It does little good to quote Al Queda as most americans already know they are the enemy.
Americans are saavy enough to know that the Dems and republicans wont deal with Al Queda. What needs to be shown is that the dems will be WEAK in dealing with Al Queda.
I wished and argued for a contrast and comparison between demcratic positions.
in effect showing how the dems would handle different issues
For one I would show how Murtha would prosecute Marines, How Durban claimed the US troops were Nazis, How the left demonizes American service personnel.
Then to contrast Id show them arguing how military tribunals (The same thing that they want to try Marines and other Service personnel under for warcrimes) is too evil to try terrorists under. That they are unfair and how they restrict terrorists rights.
Yes show that. How they so badly want to persecute US service personnel and how badly they fight to protect Terrrorists rights.
William Amos on October 19, 2006 at 6:27 PM
Oh, and one other difference between the “Daisy” ad and this one - the “Daisy” ad effectively accused Goldwater of wanting to start a nuclear war. In contrast, the present ad notes the terrorists attention to attack us, which they have stated on numerous occasions.
thirteen28 on October 19, 2006 at 6:28 PM
Geez - now that i’ve seen the “DEM-ON” ad, this one looks effing brilliant.
Editor on October 19, 2006 at 6:30 PM
I actually think it’s great. The mediocre minds were mine and Allah’s. For TV I’d cut it a little faster–no one will want to pay for this ad at this length, and no one will want to watch it on TV for that long.
I think there’s another great ad to be built that intercuts this with Democrats’ denials of the threat…but that’s for Phase II. It ought to run after everyone in purple markets and close races has seen this ad a few times, so they’re familiar with the message.
For those of you who don’t like it, BTW, compare it to the DNC ad in the post below this one. It succeeds in reminding everyone that Democrats are annoying as hell.
see-dubya on October 19, 2006 at 6:33 PM
They say it will air this weekend. Perhaps it will tie in with news stories about the NoKo nuclear tests to demonstrate that we have real issues to deal with, the least of which are a perv congressman’s IMs. It is in-your-face enough to get the Dems to talk about it and demonstrate that they have no plan. The Sunday morning shows should be interesting…
Mallard T. Drake on October 19, 2006 at 6:33 PM
argh … terrorist INtention, not terrorist Attention …
(EDIT FUNCTION PLEASE!!!)
thirteen28 on October 19, 2006 at 6:34 PM
Speak for yourself, sucka!
Allahpundit on October 19, 2006 at 6:34 PM
There are so many things we should be winning on, and yet we’re letting the media get away with framing the debate. The Dow hits 12000, the media downplay it. Reid’s land deals, not a peep. Strickland’s pedophila enabling, listen to the cricketts.
And the WoT, people seem to be forgetting that the American people want to WIN! Its just these ivory tower types who want us to loose.
The perfect GOP ad would be a picture of the marines on Mt. Suribachi, saying “This is what happens when we stay the course” followed by a pictures of the evacuation of Saigon and refugees, “This is what happens if we cut and run”. “Cutting and running is easier, but can you really live with the results?” the you show the planes hitting the towers.
Iblis on October 19, 2006 at 6:34 PM
The GOP should re-run Usama bin Laden’s John Kerry campaign commercial.
JackM on October 19, 2006 at 6:35 PM
I didn’t realize that was you over at junkyard blog, so with regard to my comment above referencing you (insert Emily Latella voice here) … never mind.
thirteen28 on October 19, 2006 at 6:36 PM
If only they could get those two ads to play one after another. How pathetic is that Donk commercial…amateurish is the kindest thing to say.
Mallard T. Drake on October 19, 2006 at 6:36 PM
This is very weak, and could have been done much better. Hell, they’d have had as much of an impact if they used my little campaign commercial/movie that was nothing more than basically a pointless first attempt at Windows Movie Maker, learning the ins and outs. But at least the Kerry/Edwards part would get someone’s attention.
Seriously though, I found it interesting that the GOP chose not to say “vote for candidate X to keep you safe” or anything to that effect, but just basically gave us a P-Diddy style “vote or die”, and while the choice is likely obvious to everyone, it’s harder for the Dems to come back outraged saying “The scare tactic Republicans are saying that we’ll be attacked if you vote in Democrats”, the same spin they tried on some Cheney comments in 04.
RightWinged on October 19, 2006 at 6:42 PM
How ’bout a “Tiptoe Thru the Tulips” add. It starts off with John Kerry promising a “more sensitive” war on terror. He then leads a procession of dhimmicrats (caricatures) thru the tulips to the music of Tiny Tim. Of course, it ends with a mushroom cloud.
RedWinged Blackbird on October 19, 2006 at 6:44 PM
I can already hear the opposition’s protests- it’s nothing but more scare tactics. Sometimes reality is scary- thus the ad will be effective. But will it have the same impact as the Daisy ad?
Scotsman on October 19, 2006 at 6:46 PM
I think the other ads with the Daisy ads are pretty cool to watch too. Amazing how in almost 40 years things hardly change. Same people involved different names.
Yesterday (everything was more central), TV, Newspapers, Radio, with the delivery of a letter via Post Office, large uniformed Armies several large countries owning Atomic Bombs.
Today (everyone has the power to do it themselves, less centralized)- blogs, pc’s, many ISPs, e-mail sent instantly from own PC, many terrorists groups in individual outfits creating their own universe, many not so large countries and individual terrorist(s) with Nuclear Weapons.
StuLongIsland on October 19, 2006 at 6:47 PM
i think that maybe that the big october “surprise” is that Karl Rove has proof that some members of the democrats are taking money from Al-Qadea & that’s why democrats want to get rid of the NSA program / “tried” to kill the Patriot Act” / give their terrorists pals the same rights as american citizens. how huge would that be, if it turned out to be true.
Starblazer on October 19, 2006 at 6:52 PM
If I were Super Liberal, I’d be so indignant right now, and I’d tell you all about how this is just another example of the Bush Reich using the rhetoric of fear to manipulate voters. And then I’d try and terrify you about the creeping fascism and the habeas-corpus-revoking.
Fear is the only motivator.
This is the greatest political ad ever, ever. The only thing missing is footage of Charlie Rangel from O’Reilly.
Enrique on October 19, 2006 at 6:56 PM
That is pretty close to a local (but I think it shows how they are nationally) Democratic scandal going on in Queens NY / NYC Politicians. See Andrea Peyser’s column in the NY Post today. It is about Queens Politician /Union Chief Brian McLaughlin, State Legislator, who stole money from kids little league as well as the unions, plus took kick backs. This is some of the many things the Feds accuse him of. This reeks of the 1970s Parking Violations Scandal in NYC with late Mayor Abe Beame, even Abe’s son in now involved with this guy. All big shot Dems ripping working people and kids off. They are just for themselves.
If they can steal from the tax payer and the little league, why not on the national level for their own political gain take money from other illicit sauces, Islamic-terrorist sympathizers.
StuLongIsland on October 19, 2006 at 7:09 PM
I really wonder how much effect the Daisy ad really had, considering that Goldwater was way behind anyway and that conservatism in the U.S. was reaching its nadir (electorally speaking) at that point. In other words, I think LBJ would have won big anyway regardless of that ad.
thirteen28 on October 19, 2006 at 7:09 PM
I’d add an audio track of the Muslim call to prayer in the background just loud enough to be audible … Give it a bit of a spooky feel.
YakRider on October 19, 2006 at 7:17 PM
The “daisy add” only played a few times as I recall. I was just a kid. It scared me.
YakRider on October 19, 2006 at 7:20 PM
Pretty weak ad, for reasons mentioned above. Compare it to the Reagan campaign’s television ad about “The wolf in the forest.” Damningly effective not just because it pointed out the existence of the wolf (e.g., the Soviet threat), but also because it nailed the donks for their state of denial about the same.
This one just says, “There are al Qaeda bad guys out there.”
To which the logical reply is, “Yeah - and your point is …?”
And that’s just the problem. I guess that whoever made the ad thought that the point was so obvious - that the donks aren’t concerned about the al Qaeda threat - that they guessed it didn’t have to be explained. Big mistake.
Spurius Ligustinus on October 19, 2006 at 7:24 PM
New poster, kinda fun in a grass-roots way.
Now, is anyone else getting the queasy feeling that Illegal Immigration is the Ross Perot factor of this upcoming election? The numbers are beginning to sound like homeless figures of the 80s. Tapping into a genuine frustration about a genuine issue, but massaging it, with the objective to suppress the Republican vote. Can’t split it with a third candidate, too obvious (the voters are wise to that trick) so disgust enough to peel off votes (as no-shows).
naliaka on October 19, 2006 at 7:30 PM
Try not to spread this around but October surprise or not, my understanding is that Rove and Bush’s confidences comes a lot from the fact that national opinion polls of Congress don’t really matter when it comes down to choosing between basically 2 candidates, because apparently 60% give their representatives high numbers.
It’s just like opinion polls on the economy. A huge majority rate their own financial situation positively, while at the same time a huge majority rank the economy negatively. The media leads them to believe that the economy is crap so everyone thinks that they are a fluke and one of the few doing well. (I’ve documented this many times, links provided upon request)
Anyway, sense we each don’t elect “congress” we elected single members, and sense individual members get high rankings,… get where I’m headed? Not saying it’s a lock by any means, but this I believe is at the center of the cautious optimism out of the WH and Rove. But please don’t make this too known, because I think it’s also part of Rove’s plan to lull them in to a false sense of security. The Dems think they’ve got it locked and many of their voters may not even worry that much if they stay home, and in comes the GOP’s “get out the vote” machine. I’d prefer that the Dems remain under the impression that it’s theirs to lose…. because if there’s anything they are it’s good at losing.
RightWinged on October 19, 2006 at 7:33 PM
The MSM is doing everything it can possibly think of to try to suppress the Republican vote, and will even bring up issues like immigration enforcement where Bush and some senators are weak even though they know democrats would throw the gates wide open to illegals.
Time to wise up to that trick as well.
thirteen28 on October 19, 2006 at 7:41 PM
Exactly. I’m thinking they won’t turn out to vote on Tuesday because they’ll be too hungover from Monday night’s victory celebration.
RedWinged Blackbird on October 19, 2006 at 7:41 PM
The Dems can’t get it through their thick skulls that all of their other red herring arguments and spin cannot distract Americans from the real threat. They have nothing.
x95b10 on October 19, 2006 at 7:53 PM
On the other hand, I’m still concerned that some of the whiny Republicans who didn’t get everything they wanted will hand the Dems a victory out of spite. If that happens, then I’ll have to concede that the Republicans are probably too damn stupid to govern anyway.
RedWinged Blackbird on October 19, 2006 at 7:56 PM
I hate to say it, but I’ve gotten the vibe that a lot of commenters here are those type of Republicans RWB. Even AP. In fact AP seems to lead that charge some of the time, although he’s given me a little hope over the past couple days.
RightWinged on October 19, 2006 at 8:15 PM
Here is a motivation to get out and vote: think how upset and depressed the libs, BDS sufferers, and moonbats will be if the Donks lose. dKos and the DU may implode. How satisfying will that be??? ;-)
Mallard T. Drake on October 19, 2006 at 8:21 PM
These people are under the delusion that they can send a “message” with their vote. No one is going to read their ballots and discover a hidden message. If they vote Democratic, the “message” is that they want the Dems in charge. If they stay home, the “message” is that they don’t care who’s in charge. The purpose of an election is to place people in public office - nothing more, nothing less. What I don’t understand is why the author of the fifth most popular conservative blog feels that he has to use his vote to send a message.
RedWinged Blackbird on October 19, 2006 at 8:35 PM
I’m not impressed with this ad. Republicans still can’t bring themselves to link liberals with terrorists. This ad would have been far better if at the end it showed Dems voting to kill the Patriot Act and other things they do to undermine security.
But then that would not be nice, would not go along with the “new tone,” and Dems would be angry.
I found the Madeleine Albright Zucker ad to be much more effective at linking Dems to weak defense, but Republican strategists thought it was “too hot” to air on TV.
I agree. Republicans leaders, though, have become so politically correct that they would rather lose elections by being nice and non-controversial.
januarius on October 19, 2006 at 8:42 PM
Now how about an ad showing if you vote democratic, you will get higher taxes, turn back the economic advance, and your life will be in danger–but France will like us.
right2bright on October 19, 2006 at 8:56 PM
I have to agree with rightwinged. It seems like a lot of republicans have forgotten what “sending a message to the party” resulted in back in 1992. It resulted in eight years of clinton just to remind everyone. If the dems win the house this election they will spend the next two years impeding and undermining the war on terror and doing everything they can to bring impeachment proceedings against bush. I think michelle and allah and all the rest of those who are thinking about staying home this election should ask themselves if it’s really worth two years of hell just to send a message.
Scot on October 19, 2006 at 9:02 PM
Who wants to wake up some sleepy, chilly, wednesday morning in November with the prospect of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi?
Do we really want the Dhimmicrats to control spending? They go on and on and on about body armor, which or troops chuck aside anyways… But, you really think when they hold the checkbook, they’ll do our military justice?
Hah. Nope, they’ll spend yours and mines hard earned dollar fattening up their constituents and voters. Think we have an obesity problem now? The price for Gov’t cheese will reach an all time high.
Like your takehome pay as it is? Get ready to pay a couple thousand more dollars per year in income taxes. More if you have investment income. More if you actually are married and have kids. More if you make too much money to spport yourself without gov’t assistance.
If Republicans win in November. I want the following. Privatized Social Security. MAKE IT HAPPEN. A fence on the border and raids of all employers who hire illegals. Excessive fines for repeat offenders. Put them out ofbusiness and keep the honest businessman in business.
Cut taxes. And most importantly, move up the timetable for energy independence.
James on October 19, 2006 at 9:37 PM
I agree completely. I can’t believe all these “message senders” are really serious. Actually, I do believe they’re serious, and that’s what’s so scary.
RightWinged on October 19, 2006 at 9:42 PM
George W. Bush
October, 2005 Ramadan Iftaar dinner at White House
Sorry, how does this ad help the GOP when the Dhimmi in chief still has not identified the root cause of the war on terror?
Valiant on October 19, 2006 at 9:51 PM
That’s it? How weak….It should show someone in a turban with a suitcase…and then the mushroom cloud…
Jimmy Carter on October 19, 2006 at 10:05 PM
I personally am getting tired of just whining, calling, and trying to make government work as I want it to, so tonight I signed on as a volunteer at our local VRWC office, and started by making telephone calls to registered voters. I’ll be working all day on 11/7 as a poll watcher.
Anyone care to follow my example?
DannoJyd on October 19, 2006 at 11:10 PM
The video is ok, but seems old hate, just repeating the same thing again. I don’t think the average American is as convinced that the Republicans are FAR superior to the Dems in protecting again the terrorist. It is the only part of the Republican message that is coherant, and that is a weakness. They should be talking loud and in a uniform voice about the economy and taxes too, but it is a mixed message which the Republicans allow to be distorted by the Dems without a well thought out response
LFOD on October 20, 2006 at 12:25 AM
First post, sorry for the typos, thought I would have a chance to edit it.
LFOD on October 20, 2006 at 12:28 AM
I just want to chime in on the idea we should ‘punish the Republicans’ at the polls. I only voted for one republican I actually liked. Ronald Reagan. I always voted for Republicans out a sense of self preservation, when I would have prefered a viable 3rd party choice. There were two exceptions to that habit. I had a Democratic cousin in state house, and I trust his personal character. The other exception was when I reacted badly to “The new world order” and “No new taxes” and helped elect Clinton. For that, I have yet to forgive myself. There is bad, and there is worse! For those who are stuck with the reality of Lamont, or Lieberman, you at least have the luxury of knowing that a vote for Lieberman frustrates both parties.
ValhallaMike on October 20, 2006 at 1:23 AM
I think most republicans would actually like a leiberman victory.
Scot on October 20, 2006 at 2:07 AM
Given the 48%/40%/4% I saw a couple days ago, I would.
Axe on October 20, 2006 at 4:22 AM
Now stop that. Don’t be raising the bar :)
Axe on October 20, 2006 at 4:23 AM
I thought the ad was lacking a bit. I liked it, but I think it could have been more powerful by highlighting words from the Dem opposition. You know, a “compare and contrast” thing?
It’s as if the GOP either (a) was afraid to push the envelope like that; or (b) was of the impression that “it’s just understood” that they’re tougher on fighting terrorism than the Dems are. It’s NOT “just understood”…finish the ad and show the Dems aren’t serious about fighting.
crushliberalism on October 20, 2006 at 6:58 AM
Ad doesn’t work. A friend of mine pointed out and a ton of other share the same opinion that Bush and the gang only pull out Bin-Laden at Election Time. All the dems need to do is play the video in which Bush says that Bin-Laden doesn’t matter. play this video and a big question mark.
Weak at best.
harry on October 20, 2006 at 7:06 AM
I’m ashamed of this ad.
As a conservative, I feel the GOP fails in most communication efforts. This is an example, even if true, of grasping at straws.
This spot will probably only run around the Beltway where things are so polarized it won’t matter.
I would suggest the GOP stand on good ideas, but few incumbants have them these days.
My hope is that the GOP will turn around and become productive.
And as bad as things are, I think they’ll hold up come November.
wescam on October 20, 2006 at 8:01 AM
Can’t you neo-cons use your brains?
There is NO WAY Hannibal will cross the Alps, and those Gauls are just trying to feed their families for goodness sake. And another thing, what the hell is wrong with letting everybody vote, this ‘class’ distinction thing about citizens and non-citizens only causes non-citizens to feel left out! As for the fear tactic that the Egyptians might put an embargo on grain exports is ridiculous. We love the Egyptians! You neo-cons need a life…….
Limerick on October 20, 2006 at 8:37 AM
Desperate times calling for desperate measures. Trivia: how many times did the Daisy ad actually run (paid media)?
Once.
honora on October 20, 2006 at 9:30 AM
It lacks the punch of LBJ’s “Daisy” commercial.
Black Adam on October 20, 2006 at 9:31 AM
Key strength: Looks like it might grab TIVO watchers out of warp drive.
Left_Behind on October 20, 2006 at 10:57 AM
I’m not sure Michelle and Allah intended HotAir to be a Republican blogsite. In my view it is more of a political news site from a conservative perspective and has frequent crossover appeal to moderates and libertarians.
That said, the ad seems weak compared to the real danger of terror and what a congressional “regime change” would do to our defenses. Plain talk from someone like Ed Koch (when he supported GWB) or Rudy G. would be more effective to get that point across.
MRegine on October 20, 2006 at 11:21 AM
Voter apathy is jut what the MSM wants. We should go all out and drive the point home that were not gonna sit on our butts and take the BS being covered up by who wants an ad to feel good. Just tell it like it is “Be an AMERICAN” get off it and VOTE.
bones47 on October 20, 2006 at 1:30 PM
I like it. They need to run this all over the country!
Confederate on October 20, 2006 at 2:44 PM
Truth is a harsh mistress. AQ wants to kill every last one of us. Dummycraps can’t seem to get their heads around that concept.
Solarflared on October 20, 2006 at 4:47 PM
Scot said “I think most republicans would actually like a leiberman victory.”. I think it is the best likely result based on the polls. In such a situation I would vote for Leiberman myself. He is not the obvious tool that Lamont is.
ValhallaMike on October 20, 2006 at 5:31 PM
“And another thing, what the hell is wrong with letting everybody vote, this ‘class’ distinction thing about citizens and non-citizens only causes non-citizens to feel left out!”
Is ‘Limerick’ serious? That whole post seemed … um, mistaken.If that wasn’t a joke, I refer to Webster for some useful words to consider.
“intrude 1.thrust in forcibly. thrust oneself in, esp. without warrant or welcome.”
“intrusion 1. an act or result of intruding. 2. an unwelcome visit, or entrance.”
“invade 1. enter as an enemy; penetrate; raid. 2. intrude upon; encroach upon.”
“invasion n. act or result of invading.”
“encroach, enter upon the domain of another; trespass; make inroads.”
“raid, a hostile or predatory incursion; a sudden onset. attack; rob”
“predatory 1. plundering. 2. preying upon others.”
“trespass 1. enter without right upon anothers land; encroach. 2. commit a wrong; transgress; sin. n. an offense”
“illegal adj. contrary to law.”
some definitions of my own …
12 million illegal aliens = 1. a lot! 2. one more reason why entitlement programs are unsustainable 3. the beggining of something very bad if not stopped 4. the biggest smoke screen terrorists could ever want for getting into our country undetected.
And voting is for citizens, not invaders. Thats just how it’s supposed to be.
Legal immigrants show good faith towards US laws, and sovereignty, and may become citizens. Others may not be so worthy. Others certainly are enemies. I’ll take a break.
ValhallaMike on October 20, 2006 at 6:19 PM
Even this weak ad has dems up in anger
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/10/20/gop.ad/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
GOP terrorism ad sparks Democratic furor
POSTED: 2:10 p.m. EDT, October 20, 2006
(CNN) — Republicans took a page from President Johnson’s Cold War-era presidential campaign with an advertisement set to air this weekend called “The Stakes,” which prominently features al Qaeda leaders threatening to kill Americans.
“Just like in the Cold War, the reality is that our nation is at war with an ideology and not a country,” said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt.
Democrats, however, have called the commercial, which is reminiscent of Johnson’s 1964 “Daisy” ad, a “desperate ploy to once again try to scare voters.”
The advertisement, which is available on the Republican National Committee Web site, is scheduled to run on national news networks Sunday. Republicans are emphasizing national security and terrorism issues in their bid to maintain control of Congress with about two weeks before the November midterms.
The ad features al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and his top lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri, speaking, but the only sound is a ticking clock in the background. The terror leaders’ quotes are posted on the screen and key phrases in the quotes stand alone as the rest of the quote fades out.
In one instance, bin Laden is quoted as saying, “With God’s permission we call on everyone who believes in God … to comply with His will to kill the Americans.” As the text of the quote fades out, “kill the Americans” remains on the screen.
Another bin Laden quote: “They will not come to their senses unless the attacks fall on their heads and … until the battle has moved inside America” — fades out, leaving only “inside America” on the screen.
Meanwhile, footage of terrorists engaged in martial arts and weapons training rolls in the background. One scene shows terrorists traversing monkey bars over fire.
The ticking clock morphs into a heartbeat as the ad comes to a close, and the only spoken words on the commercial announce, “The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.” (View “The Stakes” at the RNC Web site)
The ad plays off of Johnson’s powerful “Daisy” ad, which CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider called “the most famous political ad in American history.” Johnson used the ad in his successful re-election bid against Barry Goldwater.
In the “Daisy” ad, a small girl counts to 10 as she picks petals from a flower. When she reaches 10, the camera zooms in on her eye and an ominous voice counts backward from 10 to zero.
When the countdown reaches zero, a nuclear bomb explodes, followed by Johnson speaking.
“These are the stakes to make a world in which all God’s children can live or to go into the dark,” Johnson says on the ad. “We must either love each other or we must die.”
A voice follows Johnson’s, urging viewers to re-elect the Texas Democrat and says, “The stakes are too high for you to stay home.”
The Democratic National Committee issued a statement saying the new Republican ad was an attempt to distract voters from GOP failures.
“Once again we see that the GOP will truly do and say anything regardless of whether or not it’s true, they are so desperate to hold onto power,” Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney said in a statement. “Clearly Republicans are so afraid of their abysmal record they can’t offer one example of what they’ve done to keep America safe.”
Republicans contend otherwise and say the ad “underscores the high stakes America faces in the global war on terror by using the words of the terrorists themselves as they describe their intention towards the United States,” according to a statement
William Amos on October 20, 2006 at 6:27 PM
The democrat’s answer to the problem of terrorism……Global Warming
dougless on October 20, 2006 at 7:09 PM
The ad shows Bin Laden with his quoted threats dating back to 1998.
Again, who was President in 1998?
doingwhatican on October 20, 2006 at 7:17 PM
A better ad, as some above have noted, would be to use direct Dem quotes about stopping the NSA program, cutting the money-tracking Swift program, quips of politicos calling the miltary “Nazis, gulag guards and just like Pol Pot“, and finish with the “we killed the Patriot Act” line. (Contradict this wishful thinking with a graphic of the actual Patriot Act vote, which re-approved it.)
Then a serious, sonorous voice over:
“Luckily, for the security of America, the Democrats were wrong.”
Fade in a still photo of a smiling Osama at the end and add:
“And they’re still wrong. Make our enemies unhappy this November. Vote.”
profitsbeard on October 22, 2006 at 12:38 AM