Clarke Objects to Anti-Bush Group's Ads (moveon.org)

[Posinegativeman]

WASHINGTON - President Bush's former counterterrorism adviser objected Wednesday to the use of his name and critical comments about Bush in a new broadcast advertisement from a political group supporting Democratic candidate John Kerry.

Richard Clarke said he instructed his lawyer to ask the MoveOn.org Voter Fund to stop broadcasting the ad, which Clarke said was created without his knowledge or permission. The group said it wouldn't pull the ad, and one outside legal expert said the ad was clearly permissible under U.S. copyright laws.

"I just don't want to be used," Clarke told The Associated Press. "I don't want to be part of what looks like a political TV ad.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040331/ap_on_el_pr/terrorism_adviser&cid=694&ncid=2043

[truthisfreedom]

1. aww, he's really lovin' it. he just has to say that....

[Posinegativeman]

2. Why does he have to say it if it's not true?

That would be an untruthful statement and we all know that the truth will set you free. Right?

[sadiesworld]

3. I hope you're right about this.

I also hope moveon talked to some of the families. I think it is a very powerful ad, but the Bushistas have a credible case for dem hypocrisy here.

Let me repeat, I think is is a great ad, but it is not without risks.

[hippiegranny]

4. i too, hope this is a "for the record..."

type thing, to keep clarke's position as non partisan unsullied. also too, his denial of it only keeps it in the spotlight longer. all press is good press, yes?

[elfin]

5. I bet he IS angry

This diminishes his credibility as non-partisan, thus diluting his positions.

For that reason, I was dismayed when I saw it - they could have waited until closer to the election and after the hearings completed. They have plenty of other fodder to draw from - why make the repugs look right when they falsely claim he's doing this for political reasons.

[kodi]

6. on the surface, each side has a different agenda.

but eventually, it comes down to the same thing, american security.

clarke doesn't want to be labeled partisan as he calls for greater security, since it could dilute the importance of the message he carries, while moveon.org wants to use clarke's words for a partisan attack to beat bush in 2004, which truly would lead to better policies against terrorism.

tough call.

[MaineDem]

7. I wondered about this when I first saw the ad

Was it done with Clarke's knowledge? Apparently not.

I don't like the use of his words on the political ad, as much as I love his words. I think it's better to keep him "above the fray". He's much more credible that way.

Love the ad, though!

[NWHarkness]

8. This was a brilliant political stroke

MoveOn runs the ad, Clarke complains, and MoveOn pulls it.

Result:
Clarke underlines his non-partisan credentials
MoveOn looks like the reasonable folks they are, while getting a tremendous amount of free publicity.
And the flap causes the Clarke story to get another day on the network newscasts, when there were no other developments.

[NashVegas]

9. Or Maybe He Really Just Felt Exploited?

for some people, it's an upsetting experience.

[yltlatl]

10. Agreed

This is the best strategy--especially since the cat's out of the bag now. My own opinion is that MoveOn never should have done it: Clark is WAY more powerful if he can effectively remain "above the fray", and MoveOn should take Kerry's cue and let him do his thing unimpeded by politics (to the degree that's possible).