Moonbat.Org's Petraeus Ad Condemned by Both Parties

**Mr. Kotter** · 02:54 PM

Glad to see some bipartisanship once in awhile....

MoobatOn.Org is really beginning to expose their lunatic fringe leanings....

Dems join GOP in slamming ad attacking Petraeus
Story Highlights
Ad bought by Moveon.org censures Gen. David Petraeus
White House calls the ad "boorish, childish, unworthy attack"
Several Democrats join Republicans in criticizing the ad
Moveon.org says it stands by the ad

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A liberal advocacy group's print ad attacking Gen. David Petraeus drew a firestorm of criticism from both sides of the aisle on Monday.

The ad, running in Monday's edition of the New York Times, shows a picture of Petraeus. Bold letters spell out "General Petraeus or General Betray us?"

Moveon.org Political Action, which paid for the ad, accuses Petraeus of "cooking the books for the White House" on progress being made in Iraq and calls him "a military man constantly at war with the facts."

White House spokesman Tony Snow called the ad, running the same day the general testified before Congress about Iraq, a "boorish, childish, unworthy attack."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed frustration Monday with the ad.

When asked early Monday if this was the right message for his party to send, the Nevada Democrat curtly answered, "No."

In a separate conversation, a senior Democratic leadership aide called the ad an "unnecessary distraction" and said Democrats are prepared to focus on "Petraeus executing a mismanaged mission."

Reid's decision to distance himself from the ad came as several Republican leaders called on Democrats to condemn it.

"Democratic leaders must make a choice today: Either embrace the character assassination tactics Moveon.org has leveled against the four-star general leading our troops in the fight against al Qaeda, or denounce it as disgraceful," House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement.

"General Petraeus and the other commanders in the U.S. Armed Services have dedicated their lives to defending the very freedom that enables Moveon.org the right to free speech. I support that right, but I find the way they have chosen to exercise it today to be disrespectful and downright reprehensible," Boehner said.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Connecticut, also called on the Democratic leadership to "denounce Moveon.org attack on Gen. Petraeus." Lieberman has been supportive of President Bush's efforts in Iraq.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, called the ad "over the top."

"I don't like any kind of characterizations in our politics that call into question any active duty, distinguished general who I think under any circumstances serves with the best interests of our country," said Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate and a decorated veteran.

"I think there are a lot of legitimate questions that need to be asked, a lot of probing that ought to take place; there's a lot of legitimate accountability that needs to be achieved. It ought to be done without casting any aspersions on anyone's character or motives," he added.

Moveon.org said Monday it stood by the ad completely.

"Every major independent study and many major news organizations cast serious doubt on Petraeus' claims," Eli Pariser, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action Committee, said in a statement.

"It should come as no surprise that General Petraeus' claims have come under critical scrutiny: The facts all point in one direction -- the surge isn't working -- and General Petraeus and the White House are pointing in another," the statement said.

"No wonder recent polls show that the American people agree with the ad also: A majority expect that the general will deliver 'a biased report that reflects what the Bush administration wants the public to believe,'" the statement said, quoting from a USA Today/Gallup poll reported in Monday's USA Today.

CNN's Dana Bash, Mark Preston and Alexander Mooney contributed to this report.

All AboutDavid Petraeus • Iraq

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/...ef=mpstoryview

Taco John · 09-10-2007, 02:56 PM

I disagree with the ad, but I think that MoveOn.org does a good job of defending their position on it.

**patteeu** · 09-10-2007, 03:40 PM

I disagree with the ad and there's really no defending it, IMO.

penchief · 09-10-2007, 04:06 PM

I haven't seen the ad but I think Petraeus is definitely a White House lackey.

I sit here and listen to Patraeus and Crocker spew the administration's fuzzy math while wondering how long we, the people, will put up with the scam.

We want to believe that everything we've been taught since grade school is what we are now. We want to believe that we are a force for good in the world. But this administration and the neocon agenda has not only betrayed those things we've been taught, it has dimmed the light of hope for people all over the world.

Our invasion and occupation of Iraq is not about spreading liberty. It's about spreading our eco-political influence via military aggression. It's no different than what other militaristic nations have historically done.

Militarism abroad and fascism at home. Things have certainly changed in America since I was a lad being taught the virtues of my country.

memyselfI · 09-10-2007, 04:25 PM

I think it's a rather clever play on words but they completely botched it with the timing. It looks petty and mean spirited coming out before the parrot, er, General even got a chance to speak even if it was 100% on the mark.

They should have let the report come out and waited for a week or two or until the next really violent attack in Iraq happens and THEN unveiled their campaign. I think it would have had more oomph. As it turns out, they gave the Bushbots excellent ammo to deflect from the situation at hand and onto nonsense like the General's patriotism and F-E-E-L-I-N-G-S.

Shame on them.

the Talking Can · 09-10-2007, 05:01 PM

How dare someone question the integrity of Colin Powell.

Taco John · 09-10-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

I disagree with the ad and there's really no defending it, IMO.

I would agree with you if I hadn't already witnessed the politicization of the Justice Department. Not to mention watching General Colin Powell dishonor himself the way he did in favor of the Bush regime. I wish that I could fully trust that Petraus wasn't being a politician. I'll give him the benefit of a doubt that he's sincere, but it doesn't help that he's sending mixed messages on whether we need to draw down troops soon or not. On one hand, he seems to say yes, we can start drawing down troops by January. I have to wonder if he's saying that for political reasons. Then on the other hand, he says that pulling troops would destabilize the region and cost us any supposed gains we've made (that they haven't really substantiated even exists).

The ad to me seems like a legitimate expression of doubt based on the history of this admin.

penchief · 09-10-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

The ad to me seems like a legitimate expression of doubt based on the history of this admin.

Their track record. That's the only thing any of us have to go on. But look at how many people are willing to support an administration that is literally batting .001 (the one percent is for Bush's performance at Ground Zero).

**alanm** · 09-10-2007, 07:48 PM

And I think you're just as whacked out as the rest of the moonbats on the left.
Duty, HONOR, Country.
But don't worry I'm sure he'll be able to lie for Hillary as well as she's giving the keys to the house to the Chinese.

penchief · 09-10-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanm

And I think you're just as whacked out as the rest of the moonbats on the left.
Duty, HONOR, Country.
But don't worry I'm sure he'll be able to lie for Hillary as well as she's giving the keys to the house to the Chinese.

Don't talk to me about Duty, Honor, and Country.

I served my country in the military and I'm serving it on this board. I'm fulfilling my obligation as a citizen. I'm not going to sit back silently while this administration neglects its duty and dishonors my country.

I don't know what you're talking about when you bring up Hillary other than that you think she's inevitably the next president. Considering Bush's performance you have every reason to believe that a democrat will win. However, she's not my choice. So make your implications somewhere else. I'm just tired of the same old shit from people who want to capitalize on what used to be pure about America.

As far as the Chinese go, that game has been played for some time now. Just look at how your hero, George Bush, has allowed China to gouge the American family. And let's not even mention how Bush swallowed America's pride when he let our spy plane come back to us in pieces.

And that doesn't even take into consideration how Bush just met with Hu in order to appraise him on how to screw us over without poisoning us.

**Mr. Kotter** · 09-10-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penchief

Don't talk to me about Duty, Honor, and Country.

I served my country in the military and I'm serving it on this board. I'm fulfilling my obligation as a citizen. I'm not going to sit back silently while this administration neglects its duty and dishonors my country.

I don't know what you're talking about when you bring up Hillary other than that you think she's inevitably the next president. Considering Bush's performance you have every reason to believe that a democrat will win. However, she's not my choice. So make your implications somewhere else. I'm just tired of the same old shit from people who want to capitalize on what used to be pure about America.

As far as the Chinese go, that game has been played for some time now. Just look at how your hero, George Bush, has allowed China to gouge the American family. And let's not even mention how Bush swallowed America's pride when he let our spy plane come back to us in pieces.

And that doesn't even take into consideration how Bush just met with Hu in order to appraise him on how to screw us over without poisoning us.

ClevelandBronco · 09-10-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penchief

I served my country in the military...I'm just tired of the same old shit from people who want to capitalize on what used to be pure about America.

Thank you for your service in the Civil War.

mikey23545 · 09-10-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

I'm pretending to disagree with the ad, but I really don't.

FYP

Nightwish · 09-10-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Kotter

"Democratic leaders must make a choice today: Either embrace the character assassination tactics Moveon.org has leveled against the four-star general leading our troops in the fight against al Qaeda, or denounce it as disgraceful," House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement.

Having never seen the ad, I don't know exactly what it says, beyond the limited description offered in this article, so I don't know how over the top it is, but I gather it was probably in poor taste, from the reactions. However, I think John Boehner got this part dead wrong. MoveOn.org is not affiliated with either party, so neither party has to embrace or denounce the ad. Both parties are free to choose Option C: Ignore the ad, and if they don't, that's their choice. There is no "must" about it. If they want to discredit the likes of MoveOn.org, they're not doing themselves any favors by giving them that much more publicity.

**Mr. Kotter** · 09-10-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightwish

... MoveOn.org is not affiliated with either party....

BS

And you know it.

It's why you are trying to distance the party, and yourself, from it.

FTR, that is quite...understandable.

09-10-2007, 02:41 PM
Mr. Kotter Lookin' for the answers... Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Somewhere else Casino cash: $11239092	Moonbat.Org's Petraeus Ad Condemned by Both Parties Glad to see some bipartisanship once in awhile.... MoobatOn.Org is really beginning to expose their lunatic fringe leanings.... *Dems join GOP in slamming ad attacking Petraeus* Story Highlights Ad bought by Moveon.org censures Gen. David Petraeus White House calls the ad "boorish, childish, unworthy attack" Several Democrats join Republicans in criticizing the ad Moveon.org says it stands by the ad WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A liberal advocacy group's print ad attacking Gen. David Petraeus drew a firestorm of criticism from both sides of the aisle on Monday. The ad, running in Monday's edition of the New York Times, shows a picture of Petraeus. Bold letters spell out "General Petraeus or General Betray us?" Moveon.org Political Action, which paid for the ad, accuses Petraeus of "cooking the books for the White House" on progress being made in Iraq and calls him "a military man constantly at war with the facts." White House spokesman Tony Snow called the ad, running the same day the general testified before Congress about Iraq, a "boorish, childish, unworthy attack." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed frustration Monday with the ad. When asked early Monday if this was the right message for his party to send, the Nevada Democrat curtly answered, "No." In a separate conversation, a senior Democratic leadership aide called the ad an "unnecessary distraction" and said Democrats are prepared to focus on "Petraeus executing a mismanaged mission." Reid's decision to distance himself from the ad came as several Republican leaders called on Democrats to condemn it. "Democratic leaders must make a choice today: Either embrace the character assassination tactics Moveon.org has leveled against the four-star general leading our troops in the fight against al Qaeda, or denounce it as disgraceful," House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement. "General Petraeus and the other commanders in the U.S. Armed Services have dedicated their lives to defending the very freedom that enables Moveon.org the right to free speech. I support that right, but I find the way they have chosen to exercise it today to be disrespectful and downright reprehensible," Boehner said. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Connecticut, also called on the Democratic leadership to "denounce Moveon.org attack on Gen. Petraeus." Lieberman has been supportive of President Bush's efforts in Iraq. Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, called the ad "over the top." "I don't like any kind of characterizations in our politics that call into question any active duty, distinguished general who I think under any circumstances serves with the best interests of our country," said Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate and a decorated veteran. "I think there are a lot of legitimate questions that need to be asked, a lot of probing that ought to take place; there's a lot of legitimate accountability that needs to be achieved. It ought to be done without casting any aspersions on anyone's character or motives," he added. Moveon.org said Monday it stood by the ad completely. "Every major independent study and many major news organizations cast serious doubt on Petraeus' claims," Eli Pariser, executive director of MoveOn.org Political Action Committee, said in a statement. "It should come as no surprise that General Petraeus' claims have come under critical scrutiny: The facts all point in one direction -- the surge isn't working -- and General Petraeus and the White House are pointing in another," the statement said. "No wonder recent polls show that the American people agree with the ad also: A majority expect that the general will deliver 'a biased report that reflects what the Bush administration wants the public to believe,'" the statement said, quoting from a USA Today/Gallup poll reported in Monday's USA Today. CNN's Dana Bash, Mark Preston and Alexander Mooney contributed to this report. All AboutDavid Petraeus • Iraq Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/...ef=mpstoryview Last edited by Mr. Kotter; 09-10-2007 at 02:54 PM..
Posts: 39,410

09-10-2007, 02:56 PM	#2
Taco John 12on Paul Join Date: Jun 2001 Casino cash: $10084457	I disagree with the ad, but I think that MoveOn.org does a good job of defending their position on it. __________________ Ehyeh asher ehyeh.
Posts: 49,357

09-10-2007, 03:40 PM	#3
patteeu The 23rd Pillar Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $416191	I disagree with the ad and there's really no defending it, IMO. __________________ "After voters re-elected an administration that added five trillion dollars to the nation’s debt, left 23 million Americans unemployed, surrendered Iraq to America’s enemy Iran, and enabled the Muslim Brotherhood to gain control of the largest country in the Middle East, the one lesson Republicans should agree on is that elections are driven by emotions, not reason." - David Horowitz
Posts: 67,067

09-10-2007, 04:06 PM	#4
penchief MVP Join Date: Feb 2003 Casino cash: $24526	I haven't seen the ad but I think Petraeus is definitely a White House lackey. I sit here and listen to Patraeus and Crocker spew the administration's fuzzy math while wondering how long we, the people, will put up with the scam. We want to believe that everything we've been taught since grade school is what we are now. We want to believe that we are a force for good in the world. But this administration and the neocon agenda has not only betrayed those things we've been taught, it has dimmed the light of hope for people all over the world. Our invasion and occupation of Iraq is not about spreading liberty. It's about spreading our eco-political influence via military aggression. It's no different than what other militaristic nations have historically done. Militarism abroad and fascism at home. Things have certainly changed in America since I was a lad being taught the virtues of my country.
Posts: 14,469

09-10-2007, 04:25 PM	#5
memyselfI CHANGEd your mind yet???? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Lunatics Anonymous Casino cash: $36899	I think it's a rather clever play on words but they completely botched it with the timing. It looks petty and mean spirited coming out before the parrot, er, General even got a chance to speak even if it was 100% on the mark. They should have let the report come out and waited for a week or two or until the next really violent attack in Iraq happens and THEN unveiled their campaign. I think it would have had more oomph. As it turns out, they gave the Bushbots excellent ammo to deflect from the situation at hand and onto nonsense like the General's patriotism and F-E-E-L-I-N-G-S. Shame on them. __________________ Meet the new boss same as the old boss. BigChiefDave:"Anyone who thought we would only be in Iraq for a few years is either stoned or just stoopid." "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last 6 days, 6 wks. I doubt 6 mths." Rummy 2/7/03
Posts: 31,808

09-10-2007, 05:01 PM	#6
the Talking Can MVP Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $301097	How dare someone question the integrity of Colin Powell. __________________ Clark Hunt:a backup QB and an 8-8 record is worth 2 seconds"
Posts: 46,098

09-10-2007, 07:48 PM	#9
alanm Incognito Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Nebraska/Wyoming/Colorado Casino cash: $50743	And I think you're just as whacked out as the rest of the moonbats on the left. Duty, HONOR, Country. But don't worry I'm sure he'll be able to lie for Hillary as well as she's giving the keys to the house to the Chinese.
Posts: 29,442

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