I can understand why politicians would want to lend their personal endorsement (or not) to their campaign commercials. If an organization other than their own says something that offends a group or might cause problems, well obviously they don't want to be associated with those comments. A voice over or short clip of them approving ads makes sense. But when it is the politician that is delivering the message in the ad, it sounds stupid for them to end their own commercial by saying, "I'm the guy running for office and I approve of everything that I just said."
That would be enough for me to say, "You're a moron and don't deserve my vote." Of course I would be saying that to every candidate. Either they are all morons or they think that we are all morons. I'm sure that some really smart lawyer (with no common sense) has advised them that this little blurb is necessary on every ad to limit their liability. And so in a scary, mindless sort of way, these politicians do what others direct them to do--even though it makes no sense.
Anybody for a $700 billion bail out? Where did that figure come from? According to this article on Forbes.com:
"It's not based on any particular data point," a Treasury spokeswoman told Forbes.com Tuesday. "We just wanted to choose a really large number."
If the people that are supposed to be watching this industry (and weren't) tell us that it has to be $700 billion, I guess we're just supposed to believe them. "We're Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and we approve this figure!"
Give me a break!
John
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6 comments:
John. . . . A very good blog entry. . . . let's see what the troops come up with tomorrow.
Can't wait to see how the debate goes.
Ciao
I hadn't seen the quote about where the $700 billion figure came from. If I had, my posts last week would have been much less calm and sedate...
John
Federal law requires candidates to verbally state that they approve all of their campaign ads. This "stand by your ad" act was passed a few years ago in response to increases in attack ads. It forces candidates to identify with their attacks. First, people will know that the ad is sponsored by the campaign. Second, if it is particularly nasty or dishonest, voters may associate it w/ the attacker.
Makes sense to me.
Steve
I'm planning on having an attic sale this weekend--no pricetags, pay what you think it's worth. The only person I've invited is Henry Paulson. Man, there's got to be a couple billion dollars worth of stuff up there.
Steve
I think Steve is on to something...
It's Sunday. I'm a few days late and 700 billion short. Too late to comment on this one.
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