Less is More (Myth of Republicans being more negative during election campaign an outright lie)

The American Spectator ^ | 1/29/2004 | John Carlisle

[Trippin]

Much has been made of the unprecedented sum of money spent by the presidential campaigns and political advocacy groups on the 2004 election. But as Democrats found out, what's important is not so much the amount of money spent, but how it is spent.

A critical component of the Democratic Party's strategy were so-called "527" committees. Named after a section of the IRS tax code, a 527 group can accept unlimited donations for spending on ads, voter mobilization efforts and other activities as long as it doesn't directly coordinate with a political party or candidate.

While Republican national party groups raised more money than Democrat party groups -- $558 million vs. $452 million -- the liberal 527 committees leveled the fundraising playing field.

Of the $464 million raised by 527s, the overwhelming majority went to Democratic-leaning groups. The top three fundraisers, Joint Victory Campaign 2004, America Coming Together, and the Media Fund, spent more than $175 million. The Media Fund spent $50 million on radio and TV ads while America Coming Together raised $125 million for voter mobilization efforts. They were joined by a myriad of other 527s, giving the Democrats a near-monopoly on the 527 market.

By contrast, the pro-Republican Progress for America Voter Fund, the largest of the pro-GOP 527s, raised just $38 million. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth raised $26 million.

[Trippin]

Even after the election, leftwing talking heads continued to spread the mammoth lie that Republicans were more negative and "divisive". Yet, Democrat alligned 527 groups (which encompasses just about all the negativity you can muster) outspent Republicans by more than 10 to 1. These figures do not even include all the money spent by Hollywood (recall Michael Moore) and the like.

Republicans need to hammer home the point that the left is a cesspool of hatred. I'm sick of liberals painting themselves as tolerant. They're not. They're the most dangerous of all - a fascist movement with a happy face.

[Conspiracy Guy]

The left is doing a fine job of exposing themselves. They don't need outr help.

[eagle11]

Recall this from The Economist?

[kitkat]

BUMP