Clarke Asks Anti-Bush Group to Pull TV Ads (MOVEON.argghhh says NO!)

Yahoo! News ^ | 3/31/04 | Ted Bridis - AP

[NormsRevenge]

WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites)'s former counterterrorism adviser complained Wednesday about the use of his name and comments critical of Bush in a new broadcast advertisement from a political group supporting Democratic candidate John Kerry (news - web sites).

Richard Clarke said he instructed his lawyer to ask the MoveOn.org Voter Fund to pull the ad, which Clarke said was created without his knowledge or permission. The group said it rejected the request.

"I just don't want to be used," Clarke told The Associated Press. "I don't want to be part of what looks like a political TV ad. I'm trying hard to make this not a partisan thing but a discussion of how we stop terrorism from happening in the future, keep this on a policy issue. I don't want this to become any more emotional or personal than it has already."

The campaigns director for MoveOn, Eli Pariser, said the group did not question the legality of using the quote, which he said was presented fairly and accurately.

"This is a public statement that Clarke had made," Pariser said. "We think it's important to get what Clarke has to say out there."

Clarke's attorney, Robert B. Barnett, couldn't be reached immediately for comment; his office said he was traveling.

The advertisement by MoveOn.org accuses Bush of "shamelessly" exploiting the September 2001 terrorism attacks against New York and Washington. It includes two audio excerpts from an interview with Clarke that CBS aired on "60 Minutes" on March 21, the day before Clarke's book, "Against All Enemies," went on sale.

In the interview excerpts, Clarke said it was "outrageous" that Bush was promoting his response to the terror attacks because "he ignored terrorism for months when maybe we could have done something to stop 9-11."

A spokesman for CBS said the network didn't know about the ad.

"CBS News was unaware that MoveOn.org was using CBS News copyrighted material without permission and to advocate a point of view," spokesman Kevin Tedesco said. "We are exploring our options."

Clarke's scathing criticisms of the Bush administration's response to terrorism provoked an extraordinary response by the White House, which derided Clarke's assertions as false and irresponsible.

Clarke — whose closest friend is a top aide to Kerry — has sought to deflect charges that his complaints were politically motivated, pledging last week during congressional testimony not to accept any job offer from the Kerry campaign.

Clarke said it was unclear immediately whether he can legally demand that MoveOn stop airing the advertisement against Bush, since it includes remarks he made in a national news broadcast.

"The point is not whether they're acting illegally, but I certainly want everyone to understand they are acting without my permission and distorting my message," Clarke said.

___

On the Net:

MoveOn's disputed ad: http://flash.moveon.org/pac/images/clarke.mpg

[MamaLucci]

Clarke's attorney, Robert B. Barnett, couldn't be reached immediately for comment; his office said he was traveling.

It would seem that wherever there's a liar trying to sell a book, you will find Robert B. Barnett.

In all the years I've been doing this I've never seen more interest in a book," Robert B. Barnett of Williams & Connolly, who represents the Clintons in their various literary endeavors, told the Washington Post.

Clinton Signs Record Book Deal

[MamaLucci]

Clarke's attorney, Robert B. Barnett, couldn't be reached immediately for comment; his office said he was traveling.

It would seem that wherever there's a liar trying to sell a book, you will find Robert B. Barnett.

In all the years I've been doing this I've never seen more interest in a book," Robert B. Barnett of Williams & Connolly, who represents the Clintons in their various literary endeavors, told the Washington Post.

Clinton Signs Record Book Deal

[BenLurkin]

I figure sometime during the World Series so that makes it the over - I guess.

BTW. Saw the ad and laughed my a$$ off at how hysterically over the top it was.

It WILL backfire. Which may be why Clarke wants it yanked.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Before this is all over, we'll find out he's got hillbilly relatives.

[MamaLucci]

See the two posts following yours. :)

[EternalHope]

Clarke: Please pull the add (wink wink).

And please make sure my request gets lots of publicity.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Circular firing squad. Gotta love it.

[Attillathehon]

The point is not whether they're acting illegally, but I certainly want everyone to understand they are acting without my permission and distorting my message,"

Uh, how is moveon.org distorting his message? Are they being too kind to Bush?

[p_n_m]

His client list reads like a RAT donation list!


His clients include Sam Donaldson, Judy Woodruff, Jeff Greenfield, Steve Doocy, Christiane Amanpour, Brit Hume, Andrea Mitchell, Rita Braver, Susan Spencer, Gwen Ifill, David Gergen, Bill Plante, Lisa Myers, Neil Cavuto, Linda Douglass, Terry Moran, anchors in many major television markets, and producers on virtually every major broadcast on network and cable television.

Mr. Barnett also represents former government officials in conjunction with their transitions to the private sector. His clients have included Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Dan Quayle, Lynn Martin, Bill Richardson, James Baker, Larry Summers, Donna Shalala, and many former Senators and Congressman..

[adam_az]

"Gee, I wonder if he knows Bob Kerrey was Al Franken's first radio guest today. You know, the new Bush bashing liberal radio show that opened their very first show by saying their purpose was to take down Bush."

Since they are PAYING for access to radio stations... Doesn't that make their show a PAID AD and subject to CFR REGS???

[steveegg]

Since they are PAYING for access to radio stations... Doesn't that make their show a PAID AD and subject to CFR REGS???

Seeing it's not going to be around long enough in most of the markets to fall into the 60-day rule, it doesn't matter.

[Iowamerican]

Better put some ice on that, Dick!

[Eva]

Anyone have an e-mail address for Clarke? I'd like to tell him that if he didn't want to be used, he shouldn't have written the book or testified before the 9/11 commission. His being used is almost a fait d'accomplis at this point. The payment was nothing but Judas money.

[BenLurkin]

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Why can't I get the phrase "Lay back and enjoy it, Mr. Clarke" out of my mind?

"Better get some ice on that."

[MEGoody]

"We are exploring our options."

This is liberal press speak for "We LOVE the ads, but we can't say that in public."

[samantha]

The big problem for Clarke is that as another freeper noted,there are quotes in Clarke's book that are almost exactly what Sindy Blumenthal said in his book. We have a probable "ghostwriter" for Clarke in Blumenthal. We have not seen that girly man in how long? Yesterday a.m. he was on Fox at around 10a.m. spitting out his venom. I fliped off the tv in a heartbeat.

[pointsal]

Well if that's the case, where did the tub of vasoline come from?

[PogySailor]

To bad Dick. You waived red meat in front of the tiger. Just look at is as more publicity for your novel. Enjoy your blood money.

[cricket]

Clarke's new best friends. Better get used to them.