This Bud's for Cruz [Anheuser-Busch opposing recall!]

This Bud's for Cruz: I got a taped call from Al Gore last night. There was something strange about it. Here's what it said:

GORE'S VOICE: This is former vice Precident Al Gore calling to urge you to vote no on the recall. Gray Davis has been a solid progressive governor and deserves to finish out his term. We simply cannot let the right wing Republicans roll back the progress California has been making under Governor Davis. It is very important that you vote no on the recall. Also, as insurance against a strong pro-recall turnout, and to keep a Democrat in the governor's office, continue on the ballot and vote "yes" for Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante to keep the governorship in Democratic hands. So remember, vote no on the recall, and then vote for Cruz Bustamante, who is located on your ballot under the letter "B." Thank you.

WOMAN'S VOICE: Paid for by Progressive Democrats and Independents against the recall. Major funding by Anheuser-Busch.

So what was strange about it?The last line--"Major funding by Anheuser-Busch." What's America's largest brewer doing going to bat for Gray Davis and Cruz Bustamante? Is that legal? Maybe so--perhaps the cost is somehow apportioned between the "recall" message and the "Bustamante" message in a way that gets around whatever campaign limits apply. But is it smart? Anheuser-Busch has put its name and it's precious brands, nurtured at a cost of billions of dollars, behind two of the most unpopular politicians in the nation's largest state. How does that make business sense? Aren't opponents of Davis and Bustamante--probably a majority of the population--going to think twice about ordering up a Bud? Even if they're only 40 percent of the population, does Anheuser-Busch want to alienate 40 percent of the market? And what about proud "right-wing Republicans"? Don't they drink beer? ... Possible explanation #1: Maybe Anheuser-Busch executives don't know their company's name is being used in the phone calls. But shouldn't they? ... Possible Explanation #2: Or maybe they figure that in heavily Democratic Venice, where I live, most recipients of the call will think more highly of them because of the Gore/Democrat association. (Perhaps they're sponsoring similar phone messages from Tom Selleck targeted at Republicans in Simi Valley.) But that sort of stealth-targeting strategy would depend on nobody writing a story revealing Anheuser-Busch's actions to a larger audience. ....P.S.: First line on the Anheuser-Busch Web site:

Talk about weird.....

I come home from my basketball game this evening and I always stop at the local gas-up for a few bud-lights just a few blocks from my house.

I kid you not, this thread from yesterday was still on my mind.....so I say to myself we are going to try something different tonight, we're going off the beaten path and see if we can dazzle the taste buds. (I've never seen so many opinions about beer last night that lampooned bud light beer - that thread last night had an effect.)

Well, my local gas-up didn't have too much to choose from save for your run of the mill brands. So guess what I picked up. Yup, I picked up a pint of Heineken Lager and I'm sitting her drinking it as I write. I had to laugh about your comments about Heineken.......guess I got some of those nasty chemicals in me right now.

I think I may go back to Moosehead or Molsen Golden. I was hooked on both of those beers in my younger days.

Anyway, I appreciate your post and suggestions for my future beer tryouts. I will keep them in mind.

Someone needs to start a pure Beer thread.....because this is so nice to forget politics and the real world for a minute and just talk about BEER!

Rolling Rock is underrated but a real winner. Score extra points for easy accessability. IMO, it's better than Mexican beers. Serve near freezing after a hard day's work and you'll feel really really really good about almost anything.

McEwens and Newcastle are great ales from England. I think McEwens is 24 proof per bottle so don't drink the entire pack thinking you're drinking a 6 of Bud. You'll be in for a surprise.

My all time favorite: Bought a german sounding dark beer (no idea what the name is) at a beer shop in Norfolk,VA. Stuff tasted like caramel and had a kick. Smooth, sweet, full-bodied, and a great memory like good wine> But it was expensive at $3.50 a bottle in 1989. If you think about it, the price was a bargain when you calculate quality and alcohol content vs. Bud's low alcohol content and nasty taste. Wish I knew the name. Can someone help? Long german sounding name.

All time worst beers: Old Milwaukee (tastes as good as its name) and Meister Brau. Both are under the beer category liquid ex-lax!

I sent an e-mail to Anheuser-Busch expressing my feelings about their supporting Bustamante. The following is their reply:

Thank you for your recent contact regarding Anheuser-Busch’s approach to political giving. It’s always a pleasure to hear from the public, even when it’s in the form of voicing an opposing viewpoint.

Anheuser-Busch has a long tradition of active and responsible corporate citizenship. Like many corporations, we participate in the political process in many ways, including through making contributions. In doing so, we consistently strive to provide balanced support to candidates from both sides of the aisle who best represent the views of our company, our employees, our consumers and our shareholders.

We believe that consistently supporting a spectrum of political organizations over time is key to ensuring that all sides have a chance to be heard in debates on matters of importance.

Thanks again for contacting us.

Sincerely,

Anheuser-Busch

1-800-342-5283

www.anheuser-busch.com

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