Adwatch: Spot tries to pound point home-But measure's backers overstate the claims on political ads

Sacramento Bee ^ | 10/24/6 | Jim Sanders

[SmithL]

The "Yes on 89" campaign began running its second television ad Monday in major markets statewide, including Sacramento.

The group will spend about $2 million airing the ad, which will appear on cable and broadcast channels until Election Day, which is Nov. 7.

Following is the text of the 30-second ad and an analysis by Jim Sanders of The Bee Capitol Bureau.

•ON SCREEN: A video screen in the background flashes images from political ads, identifying them as "Big Oil" or "Tobacco" or "HMOs."

Nearby, an assembly line of glum voters gets slammed on the head and pounded to the ground by a giant piston, depicting heavy-handed politics.

Finally, a sole voter heroically stands up to the system, raising his hand, disabling the piston, and ending the abuse.

•ANNOUNCER:Here's the idea behind all these political ads in California: Rich politicians, political parties and lobbyists keep pounding you with lies, distortions and half-truths, day after day, with millions of dollars of ads until you believe their lies or get beaten down and decide to stay home and not vote. But this year, you can stop it with one hand. Just vote yes on Proposition 89.

ANALYSIS: The ad attempts to strike an emotional chord with Californians disgusted by a seemingly endless string of political hit pieces.

But the claim that Proposition 89 would end political ads that are "lies, distortions and half-truths" is overstated.

. . . Here's the catch: Unlike corporations, wealthy individuals would not be restricted, nor would tribal governments, trial lawyers, and various unions or nonprofit agencies, including the California Nurses Association, which crafted Proposition 89.

[SmithL]

And here's the Bottom line: CNA put this on the ballot this year, so there will be no opposition when they put California Universal Healthcare on the ballot, next time.

[Asclepius]

Here's the catch: Unlike corporations, wealthy individuals would not be restricted, nor would tribal governments, trial lawyers, and various unions or nonprofit agencies, including the California Nurses Association, which crafted Proposition 89.

Yikes. That's quite a catch. The selective silencing of your political enemies. McCain-Rheingold set the precedent I suppose. Sad nonetheless.