FEC may ban TV/radio ads for Fahrenheit 9/11 - meeting today

[smada]

From The Hill:

Michael Moore may be prevented from advertising his controversial new movie, “Fahrenheit 9/11,” on television or radio after July 30 if the Federal Election Commission (FEC) today accepts the legal advice of its general counsel.

At the same time, a Republican-allied 527 soft-money group is preparing to file a complaint against Moore’s film with the FEC for violating campaign-finance law.

In a draft advisory opinion placed on the FEC’s agenda for today’s meeting, the agency’s general counsel states that political documentary filmmakers may not air television or radio ads referring to federal candidates within 30 days of a primary election or 60 days of a general election.

[SoCalDem]

1. W.O.M.

Moore will just need to go on talk shows and causally "mention" his Canne prize.. This movie does not need paid ads..

Let them try to stop it..:)

[bpcmxr]

2. Even if the FEC rules against MM,

I don't think it's going to make much of a difference. Not after the film has been in theaters for more than a month.

[Vickers]

3. It might have even more impact if he self-censored the ads

Maybe have a little black bar across Georgie's face whenever he is on, and bleep out references to his name.

It would be within the FEC laws, eh?

[Norquist Nemesis]

4. Nice try...after 6/30

all MM will have to do is have a commercial with the full title. No narrative, no music, just the title on a black screen with red letters.

[flamingpie2500]

5. wouldn't 60 days be more like Sept?

[Vickers]

7. Excellent point! Just points out the math skills of the RW

This could possibly even explain the failing economy?

:P

I'd like to read this law, too. I find it difficult to believe that it would mention that "political documentary filmmakers may not air television or radio ads referring to federal candidates."

They might have an entirely different interpretation of it than you and me. Heck, they sure look at UN laws (which the US is a signatory to) differently than the rest of the world.

[imax2268]

6. it won't matter...

word of mouth on the street is just as good...and there is still print media...

[Ganja Ninja]

8. "If" they rule against him?

Is there any doubt? Of course they will rule against him. Real freedom loving Americans these republicans.

[ronatchig]

9. I really ,really

hope these fools do this.(and I bet MM hopes so too) Not only would it be an ad that money could not buy, it will show these hacks for the fascist hacks they are.

Also, is not this movie a for profit work? But I guess sometimes the truth hurts too much doesn't it chimppy.

[cap]

10. moore can get on the talk shows and start talking about...

all the efforts to stifle this movie... Moore can talk about his appeals of this ruling all he wants.

Controversy = Free advertising. I think this will backfire.

[flamingpie2500]

11. The more the reps fight it the better the advertising. BRING 'EM ON!!

[gpandas]

14. outstandingly stupid ploy by repugs...

of course not surprising for this gang. it's awesome to think of how many ticket sales moore gains from these whipped dogs;desperation marks their every move.

[hedda_foil]

12. The Weinsteins and Moore will file for an injunction against FEC

They'll take it to court and they'll win.

[thebaghwan]

13. Reminds me of 1968. The whole world is watching.

n/t

[keithyboy]

15. If they do, you will know for sure that you live in a fascist state.

and we will have lost any remaining piece of moral authority for "spreading democracy" around the world. All this in the first term of an unelected right wing idiot President.