Following up on MoveOn, the group’s young whippersnapper—Eli Pariser, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action—has just issued a statement attacking USA Today for today’s article, “Group's TV Ad Uses Storm's Aftermath to Target Roberts,” which revealed MoveOn’s exploitative political agenda.
MoveOn.org Political Action Statement on Misleading Headline in USA Today Concerning Planned Advertising Campaign
9/8/2005 11:06:00 AM
To: National Desk
Contact: Trevor Fitzgibbon, 202-822-5200 ext. 255 or 202-246-5303, for MoveOn.org Political Action
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ - Following is a statement by Eli Pariser, executive director, MoveOn.org Political Action, on the misleading headline in USA Today concerning his organization's planned advertising campaign:"USA Today ran an inaccurate headline in this morning's paper saying that we plan to produce a TV ad that uses the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to criticize Supreme Court nominee, Judge John Roberts.
"We have no plans, and have never had plans, to produce such an ad.
"We stand by our criticism, however, that Judge Roberts' record indicates a lack of commitment to protecting and defending civil rights.""We regret any misunderstanding that may have arisen because of anything that our staff member might have told USA Today's reporter. We continue to have the highest regard for that reporter's integrity."
Despite Pariser’s contention that “USA Today ran an inaccurate headline,” a quote from the article says this:
"The connection is obvious," [MoveOn.org Political Action advocacy director Ben] Brandzel said. "The images after Hurricane Katrina show we still live in a society where significant racial inequities exist. We believe John Roberts' record on civil rights ... is clearly not the direction our country needs to head now."
Sean Rushton of the Committee for Justice writes: “Another bungled ad from the Left. Is it possible we have overestimated these people?”
My question: Will Ben Brandzel be pushed out the door? Remember, NARAL’s David Seldin resigned as communications director after its botched ad last month.
