Why is Bush still using the $900 billion figure in his new ad?

[rockymountaindem]

I just saw it on CNN. Doesn't he know that's been debunked. I understand manipulation, but this is yet another outright lie. What a crock.

[AndyP]

1. I was thinking the same thing

and they are still using the "Kerry has voted for a tax increase 350 times" Hello? Anyone home in there? A 6 year old with access ot the internet knows that this isn't true: http://www.factcheck.org/article.aspx?docID=159

[BOSSHOG]

A recent Doonesbury summed it up very nicely

Clinton created a huge surplus because he liked to spend a lot of money. A totally evil concept to conservatives.

[mobuto]

2. $900 Billion? That sounds too low

I'd raise to at least an even Trillion. Maybe make it two Trillion, for the alliterative effect.

"John Kerry wants to raise your taxes by TWO TRILLION DOLLARS. No, nothing he's actually said suggests that's the case, but we've peered into the dark shadow of his soul and seen the demonic spirit lurking inside."

This message approved by Metaphysicists for Bush.

[rockymountaindem]

3. Kind of a Dr. Evil voice there?

[redqueen]

4. Because they're used to having their lies stand unchallenged

Fascist scumsucking lying bastards, allow me to introduce you to Air America.

[Canuckistanian]

5. Why is he using it?

Because he can.
Because no one will call him on it.
Because if someone does call him on it, they will be called divisive and mean-spirited
Because anybody who does call him on it knows their career is over.
Because if anyone calls him on it, Scott McClellan will call it "revisionist history".

That's why.

[ramapo]

6. Repeat a lie enough times....

and it becomes fact.

Propaganda 101

[Canuckistanian]

9. That's right

Recipe for propaganda success:

1.)Pick only a few themes, doesn't matter if they're true or not.

2.)Make them sound as bad as possible.

3.)Make it stick to your opponent in a very marginal way.

4.)Repeat over and over and over (The Mighty Wurlitzer).

5.)Success!

[Dr Fate]

7. Because Kerry's advisors are afraid of "The L word"

Kerry needs to start using the "L" word whenever Bush lies. But this time, on purpose...

He should bring this up as an example of his "Crooked lying Republicans" remark...

[redqueen]

10. Great idea!

Have you called his campaign? It would be fantastic if they did this!

[Dr Fate]

13. I think somone on his campaign reads DU...

But you would think they would come up with this one themselves- its a no-brainer.

Kerry does need to work harder to define Bush as dishonest- it should not be that difficult- he can start with this ad!!!

I know it sounds silly, but if Kerry wants to REALLY get the media buzzing about Bush's credibility- he needs to use "the L word"

Sure, the media will pretend to be "shocked" that somone would dare call a liar a ((GASP!!!!)) "liar"- but Kerry should do it again, but this time on purpose and with examples...

[redqueen]

17. Completely and totally agree

If the lies are obvious, there is absolutely no harm whatsoever in crossing that line and stating it plainly. In fact, I'm willing to bet that many, many swing voters will LOVE hearing the plainspoken truth from a presidential candidate during a campaign, for once. :)

I don't think I could blame them for waiting till later in the spring to do it, though. Or maybe even early summer. Let the lying bushistas get a few blatant lies under their belt during the campaign - then BAM! Oooh what a lovely thought.

[rockymountaindem]

8. Well, I just called him on it.

My e-mail to the Bush campaign:

Why are you still lying about John Kerry? Your claims that he will raise taxes by $900 billion and that he's voted for tax increases 350 times have been debunked and you know it. Why are you continuing to mislead America about this? If you continue to make these claims you will only look worse as they are continuously debunked.

Furthermore, you criticize Mr. Kerry for voting for a fifty cent gas tax increase. That is completely untrue. He did not vote for that bill in 1993. You know that, I know that, and anyone can learn that from looking at the Senate record.

I also find it very hypocritical that you criticize Mr. Kerry for thinking that higher gas taxes will encourage carpooling and the use of public transportation. Your own Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, Mr. Mankiw, supported this very idea in a magazine article in 1999. Again, I know that America will see through your false claims.

Just because you don't have anything positive to campaign on doesn't justify this hypocricy.

[Canuckistanian]

11. That'll show 'em

/sarcasm Sorry.

;-)

[rockymountaindem]

12. Yeah, I know.

Now that I've pointed out their lies I'm sure they'll drop to 30% in the polls.

;)

Hey, at least it's worth something. Perhaps if lots of people sent e-mails like this we could convince them that these stupid ads don't work and make them stop.

[Dr Fate]

14. Screw that- send it to your local editorial page instead!

Please- take a few moments to e-mail that one to your local paper- it would do more good that way...

[progressiverealist]

15. my I ask your permission in paraphrasing that in a letter

that I'd like to send to my local rag? It's nothing more than a GOP propaganda sheet but what the hell...

[rockymountaindem]

16. feel free

I'm honored.

[redqueen]

18. Good for you

Nice to see that spirit. :) Even if it's a right wing rag, if the message sticks with ONE person, even if it's someone on the staff, it's worth your efforts.

Call in shows are great way to gain exposure for this kind of thing too!