Republican National Committee

"Reality"
:30 second TV spot run in Iowa starting Nov. 23, 2003 and in NH starting Dec. 9, 2003.
 
 

Crawford Creative
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 President Bush (clips from State of the Union Address Jan. 28, 2003): 
It would take one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known.

Chyron: Strong and Principled Leadership

Our war against terror is a contest of will in which perseverance is power.

Chyron: Some are now attacking the President for attacking the terrorists.

Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent.  Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike?

Chyron: Some call for us to retreat, putting our national security in the hands of others.

Chyron: Call Congress Now.  Tell them to support the President’s policy of preemptive self-defense.

RNC Chairman Gillespie (voiceover): The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.

Chyron:  Ed Gillespie Chairman, RNC   The Republican National Committee paid for and is responsible for the content of this advertising.  Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. www.gop.com 

  

 
On the screen: Clips of Bush speaking during the State of the Union address on Jan. 28, 2003 alternating with text screens, the last of which has the disclaimer.
Notes and Observations: This ad was launched to coincide with the November 24 MSNBC/WHO-TV Democratic debate in Iowa.  In the press release accompanying release of the ad, RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie stated, "After 10 months, Democrats running for President have coalesced around policies that are wrong for America.  They unanimously oppose the President's policy of pre-emptive self-defense.  They unanimously support massive tax increases.  The RNC will continue to highlight the differences between the two parties on policy after policy that will provide the American people a clear choice in the next election."

"Reality" prompted both the Dean and Kerry campaigns to respond with ads of their own.

*Dean for America -- "Misled"
Announcer: He misled the nation about weapons of mass destruction.  And we went to war when we shouldn't have. 
Howard Dean is committed to fighting terrorism and protecting our national security.  But Howard Dean opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning.  He believes it's time we had a foreign policy consistent with American values.  And it's time to restore the dignity and respect our country deserves around the world. 

Howard Dean to camera: I'm Howard Dean and I approve this message because our party and our country need new leadership. 
 

*John Kerry for President, Inc. -- "No Mr. President"
[Music] Male Announcer: George Bush's ad says he's being attacked for attacking the terrorists.  No Mr. President, America's united against terror.  The problem is you declared "mission accomplished" but had no plan to win the peace, and handed out billions in contracts to contributors like Halliburton.

John Kerry: I'm John Kerry and I approved this message because we can't go it alone in Iraq.  We have to share the burden with other countries.  We shouldn't be cutting education and closing firehouses in America while we're opening them in Iraq.