RNC Asks Television Stations To Stop Running False MoveOn.org Advertisement
2/4/2005 10:13:00 AM
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To: National Desk
Contact: Brian Jones of Republican National Committee Communications, 202-863-8614, Web:
http://www.gop.comWASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is the text of a letter from RNC Deputy Counsel Michael Bayes to managers of television stations running a false MoveOn.org advertisement attacking President Bush's effort to strengthen Social Security for future generations.
"President Bush has repeatedly emphasized that his proposal does not include any cut in current benefits, and MoveOn.org has no right to knowingly and willfully spread false information in a deliberate attempt to mislead the American people," said Bayes.
Following is the text of the letter from RNC Deputy Counsel Michael Bayes to television stations running a false MoveOn.org advertisement:
February 3, 2005
Attention: Station Manager
Dear Station Manager:
It has come to our attention that your station is currently airing, or may be asked to air, a false advertisement sponsored by a political organization known as MoveOn.org. The advertisement in question falsely and maliciously makes reference to "George Bush's planned Social Security benefit cuts of up to 46 percent to pay for private accounts..."
President Bush has repeatedly emphasized that his proposal for Social Security reform does not include any "cut" in current benefits. As recently as last night's State of the Union Address, President Bush said, "I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you; for you, the Social Security system will not change in any way." In a January 26 news conference, President Bush made clear that "it is very important for us to reassure the seniors that nothing changes...and so one of the things you'll hear me constantly doing is reminding our senior citizens that nothing will change, and that we have a duty to act on behalf of their children and grandchildren." This statement followed the President's January 15 radio address, in which he said, "You're receiving your Social Security check, or nearing retirement, nothing will change for you. Your benefits are secure."
The nonpartisan FactCheck.org recently characterized MoveOn.org's advertisement as "a false TV ad." According to the watchdog organization, "MoveOn.org launched a false TV ad in the districts of several House members, claiming through images and words that President Bush plans to cut Social Security benefits nearly in half...Actually, Bush has said repeatedly he won't propose any cuts for those already retired, or near retirement. What MoveOn.org calls 'Bush's planned Social Security benefit cuts' is actually a plan that would hold starting Social Security benefits steady in purchasing power, rather than allowing them to nearly double over the next 75 years as they are projected to do under the current benefit formula. The White House has discussed such a proposal, and may or may not adopt it when the President puts forth a detailed plan expected in late February."
Organizations such as MoveOn.org have a legitimate First Amendment right to participate in political debate, but MoveOn.org has no right to knowingly and willfully spread false information in a deliberate attempt to mislead the American people. The sponsor of this advertisement is not a legally qualified candidate, and therefore enjoys no right of access to the airwaves. Your station is under no legal obligation to air this advertisement. Precisely because you are under no such obligation, your station is responsible for the content of the sponsor's advertisement.
As an FCC licensee, you have a responsibility to exercise independent editorial judgment to oversee and protect the integrity of the American marketplace of ideas, and to avoid broadcasting deliberate misrepresentations of the facts. Such obligations must be taken seriously and I urge you to decline to broadcast this advertisement.
This letter places you on notice that the information contained in the above-cited advertisement is false and misleading. Your station should act responsibly and refrain from airing this advertisement.
Sincerely,
/s/Michael Bayes
RNC Deputy Counsel
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"puke: Paid for by the Republican National Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
http://www.usnewswire.com/
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