MSNBC Refusing To Run Outside Group's Ad Questioning McCain's Health
MSNBC has notified an independent group running an ad questioning John McCain's health that it will no longer air the spot, only a half day after Fox's Bill O'Reilly attacked NBC's corporate bosses on the air over the ad, the group tells me.
The spot, which has been running on MSNBC since yesterday, is the work of Brave New PAC and Democracy For America, which is headed up by Howard Dean's brother. It demands that McCain release his medical records and quotes doctors saying that McCain's age and bouts with cancer should raise concern, with one saying that another round of cancer would "profoundly impact his capacity to lead."
MSNBC informed the ad buyer for the two PACS today at around noon eastern time that the network was yanking the spot, Brave New PAC spokesperson Leighton Woodhouse tells me. The network said that the reason for their decision was "viewer complaints," Woodhouse says.
The spot is hard hitting, controversial, and goes where few others will go -- the Obama campaign was quick to point out that it has nothing to do with the spot. But it isn't hate speech, and MSNBC didn't question the ad's accuracy, Woodhouse claims.
MSNBC's decision comes after Bill O'Reilly unleashed an on-air tirade over the ad last night, saying the ad was put out by "two despicable human beings," a reference to Dean and Robert Greenwald of Brave New Films.
O'Reilly also blasted Jeffrey Immelt, the head of General Electric, which owns NBC, and top NBC exec Jeff Zucker. "They should be ashamed, but they are anything but," O'Reilly said.
"It's outrageous that MSNBC is choosing to stifle a message about the very real health risks John McCain faces, risks that the McCain campaign has done its best to conceal by refusing full, public disclosure of his medical records," Woodhouse says. "Over 2,500 degreed medical professionals stand behind the message in this advertisement. Is MSNBC backing down because of intimidation from FOX?"
A call to MSNBC wasn't immediately returned.
MSNBC shouldn't back down from a legitimate topic like this!
September 26, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg, is there any chance you could post a video of the ad in question? So we can make up our own minds about it? (I have never seen it myself.)
-- ARG
September 26, 2008 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHvJPGnkQxE
September 26, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
He has the link hiding under the small, red word spot in his post.
It links to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHvJPGnkQxE
September 26, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
D'oh! Thanks, I missed that. (My left eye doesn't work too well anymore...)
-- ARG
September 26, 2008 4:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm glad that they're not running this ad; not because it is untruthful, but instead because it is counterproductive.
September 26, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree...they should play something like this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJUCU1UH2w
September 26, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rumsfeld in that ad:
There are a lot of people who lie - and get away with it.
No kidding!
September 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. powerful film. Thanks for the link.
September 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
the ad is not worth creating a controversy over. The subject of the president's health is very relevant to Americans. Maybe there's a better way to get McCain to release his medical records.
If you want to fault MSNBC, fault them for not being hard enough on Republican surrogates during interviews.
Fault them for letting Tucker Bounds and the others go on and on and not saying--"what do you think i am, a complete idiot?"
September 26, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know that yanking the ad raises the profile of the controversy?
September 26, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope so.
September 26, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I see your point, and concur.
However, I would like to know just why in the hell an outside group ever had to even think to follow up on this possibility with an ad like this.
It is a very momentous question as to whether JM's health is up to snuff for the job, is it not? For goodness sake, why are we not hearing this question about McCain's health records being asked by Brokaw, Williams, and Tweety, et al?
The answer probably is because they can't find a false equivalence with which to hamstring Obama, I suppose. Pisses me off.
September 26, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
...Huh.
September 26, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is cowardly on the part of MSNBC. But the yanking will probably get more attention for the ad than it would have received on its own.
September 26, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. The only problem I have with the ad running is the perception that Obama (and his surrogates) are stooping to McCain's level. Maybe I mean Schtupping at McCain's level.
September 26, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wonder how many Swift Boat ads MSNBC ran in 2004...
September 26, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
CNN refused to air it as well.
Was O'Reilly up in arms with the Ayers hit job or the Corsi book? His boy Hannity ran they Ayers ad in full (probably more than once) during his programming.
I do agree that the ad shouldn't have aired. Brave New PAC has become pretty sleazy first with the POW ad, and now this one. They're right in the gutter with McCain's campaign, so maybe they serve a purpose.
September 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
They ran the whole McCain cancer ad last night too, even though they were beating it up.
September 26, 2008 2:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
We can debate about whether putting the spot on the air is smart from a strategic point of view, etc., but I don't believe that this ad was in the gutter at all. Melanoma frequently metastasizes to the brain and often by the time it's discovered the only course of treatment is palliative.
I know it's a touchy subject, but there was nothing untrue in the ad and it brought up the legitimate issue of the release of his full medical records. At his age and with Palin playing backup, I think we as a nation should be outraged that he hasn't been more forthcoming about his medical history.
September 26, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. This is no sinister ad with eery music and threats. It's matter-of-factness stands in stark contrast to the subject matter, which McLiar put front and center with his choices.
MSNBC played the living shit out of it yesterday. Four times in one hour I counted.
September 26, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly what I was thinking. And of course... it did not have far to travel!
Poor baby.... everything this week is going to hell in a hand basket!
September 26, 2008 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
He gave access to his medical records...reporters poured through them and question his doctor.
September 26, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
He gave journalists three hours...no copies were allowed. And it's my understanding that they were not his complete records.
September 26, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
And before you go crying about all of us being "hypocrites", I think Biden needs to release all of his records, also.
September 26, 2008 3:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
The ad is in very bad taste. I saw it last night.
There was an older guy standing next to me, and he was shocked. Looked at me and said, "I can't believe they're doing this to a war hero."
I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "It's politics."
I'm all about taking it to McCain and hitting him right in the heart with all of his bullshit, but this 527 Group is over-reaching, and it could cause more blow-back than it's worth.
September 26, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree that the ad is in bad taste and I think that the ad hurts Obama more than it helps him. I don't like fear mongering ads in general, regardless of whether they are run by the Dems or the GOP.
Besides there are many other things that 527's can attack:
- Troopergate
- Bridge to Nowhere
- McCain's lobbyists
- Keating Five
- Just run clips from Palin's interview with Couric.
The list is endless.
September 26, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, I cannot agree with this. McLiar put himself in this position with his spectacularly poor choice of Palin.
The ad was not eery, had no music, and no threats. It was a matter-of-fact discussion on the very real implications of a 72-year old four-year mellanoma survivor.
There is nothing to be gained from shying away from this crucial truth, and this ad was pitch-perfect.
September 26, 2008 2:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with your assessment. He should have turned his records over to an independent panel of experts...
September 26, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree that the choice of Palin is a prime facie example of McCain's poor judgment. I also agree that McCain should be more open with his medical condition.
There are ways to address these concerns without invoking the Grim Reaper. For example:
- Why is the McCain campign so secretive (e.g., medical records, tax returns, snuffing Troopergate, etc.)? We've seen this over the past eight years. McCain is just like Bush...
- Show a recent history of McCain's poor judgment, culminating with excerpts from a Palin interview.
The "if McCain gets cancer again it could be fatal" argument may be true, but invoking it is, IMHO, ineffective.
September 26, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I can't believe they're doing this to a war hero."
I'd have asked him if he felt the same way in 2004.
September 26, 2008 2:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
What has 40-year old military service have to do with vert realy health concerns in he here and now?
War hero, my ass.
September 26, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
I still don't get how McCain is a Hero. . .
He crashed 5 airplanes, and managed to get off one or two bombing runs, but other than that. . ..
September 26, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Esactly -- his heroism has become this Holy Myth that no one dares to question. The people who were in Hanoiwith him -- the only ones who really know -- question it and no one listens.
September 26, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
O brother.
What does being a war hero have to do with anything? I recall a story in Dallas 3 years ago about a kid who joined the army and was so good at soldiering they made him a special op. Then suddenly he began to act subordinate and he got so many citations that they were going to court martial him. They dismissed him instead and sent him home with no benefits because he was dismissed.
He had mad cow disease and he got it in Afghanistan.
the hell we don't have a right to know about the health of our leaders. They make you take a fucking physical to get into college and that result is in your fucking record. This is not some sacred cow.
September 26, 2008 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
insubordinate.
September 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just what is in poor taste about the ad?
McCain outright lied and smeared obama as a sex-ed loving pedophile and legitimate health questions are in poor taste?
This country has gone mad. McCain's erratic behavior could be the early signs of a brain tumor.
September 26, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought the same thing. What was his reaction to the Swiftboating of John Kerry?
September 27, 2008 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess no one told John McCain's cells that he was a "war hero" before they decided to mutate. Hopefully someone will get to them before they decide to metastasize.
September 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
"War Hero" That was 30 years ago and remember even Randy Cunningham was a war hero and he betrayed his oath of office and is right where he belongs, behind bars. Ever since McCain signed the so called contract with America I started to question his integrity. I believe his actions since have been largely in his own self interest. Even Goldwater didn't care for McCain when Barry left office because he saw in McCain only blind ambition. But when I saw Bush rip Johns balls off during the 2000 election and his actions since I lost ALL respect for him.
I fought with many fine men who I respect deeply and would follow to the fires of hell. McCain I wouldn't follow out of a burning building!
September 26, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
OT but humorous:
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/26/mccain-camp-releases-ad-claiming-debate-victory/
September 26, 2008 2:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
(Patiently waiting for this off-topic post to be labled as blatant trolling)...
September 26, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you believe that off-topic posts are the only reason people label you as a troll, well, then you really are clueless.
September 26, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not at all...It's because they disagree with my point of view...my choice of news outlets...and actually believe that the rest of the world mirrors this echo chamber.
September 26, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have to vouch for SFC here. I may disagree with 99 percent of what he says, but he's not a troll.
September 26, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks
September 26, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's not what I said.
He said he was waiting for us to accuse this poster of being a troll for being OT - because in his eyes, apparently, that's what we do to him when he links to some ridiculously inaccurate and OT article in the Moonie-times. I was just pointing out to him that that's not why people accuse him of being a troll....it has more to do with him covering his ears and eyes and singing "LA, LA, LA....I don't need any facts" when faced with an obvious refutation of whatever piece of propoganda he has linked to.
September 26, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course the result of this is that everyone is going to rush and view the ad!
What a mcShame meltdown!!!
September 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Once again the corporate media sucks up to and kisses the McCain excratory portal.
September 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
These commercials aren't needed, McCain is doing a fine enough job alone proving the point. All they would do is rile up the righties and get their granny panties all up in a twist.
His health is not a deciding factor to any independents, and in a small chance that it is, seeing a commercial on MSNBC isn't going to put them over the top. Internets were made for commercials like this.
September 26, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure his health is a factor to independents, especially because it increases the odds of a Palin presidency. She appeals to the far-right base, not to independents in the least, especially since she's made it apparent she's no mental prodigy.
September 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the kind of ad that could backfire on the Dems. Moderates and independents might be turned off by the ad, however legitimate the issue might be. It really comes off as a below the belt ad--the very kind that the reps, somehow, always get away with.
There are plenty of better ways to go after McCain.
September 26, 2008 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I saw the ad this morning and was stunned that anyone would put this it. It was scurrilous. I have no doubt that it would hurt Obama by association much more that it would help him by attacking McLame.
September 26, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmmm. Is there a theme developing here?
From Politico.
And I concur with the comments about the ad. There's enough out there to legitimately attack McCain, and this ad goes a bit far.
September 26, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who'll give me odds as to whether Todd beats up one of the staffers before this is over?
September 26, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain Camp Begins To Eat It's Own
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/26/report-mccain-aides-compl_n_129618.html
September 26, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
hahaha!
I would pay so much money to get to sit in on one of their mock debates or mock press conferences.
September 26, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whatever the cost, I'd split it with you to be able to watch too.
September 26, 2008 2:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll chip in! What I would love to see are the clips that fell on the cutting room floor, from the interviews we saw already. And clips from mock debates and mock pressers... well, that's just gravy!