aTypical Joe: a gay New Yorker living in the rural South

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Barrow targeted for insufficient war support

Our own Blue Dog John Barrow has been added to the list of Republicans targeted in a $15 million advertising campaign funded by an organization called “Freedom’s Watch.” It looks like we’ll see the ads on our local stations.

Turns out, Freedom’s Watch is headed up by Ari Fleischer. From The Politico:

“For those who believe in peace through strength, the cavalry is coming,” said former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, who is a founding board member of the group.

The big ad buy, funded by high-profile Republicans who were aides and supporters of President Bush, reflects a furious public relations battle that will unfold as Congress debates the crucial progress report by Gen. David Petraeus, which is due Sept. 15.

MoveOn.org’s Washington Political Action Director and campaign manager for Americans Against Escalation in Iraq Tom Matzzie croons:

Our researchers tell us your ads are targeting 90% Republicans (37 out of 41). We’ve had strong fundraising but we never thought a $15 million TV buy was in the works. Every extra minute of TV time talking about Iraq is another drip, drip, drip of bad news for politicians who won’t break with Bush. So, thanks.