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Compiled By GayToday
GOP presidential candidates Gov. George W. Bush (top and bottom right), Sen. John McCain (bottom left) and Gary Bauer are criticized in HRC's new television ad |
Washington, D.C.--The Human Rights Campaign launched a new television ad yesterday -- at press conferences in both Iowa and New Hampshire --challenging the GOP presidential candidates on their support of the current ban on openly gay and lesbian service members.
The ad is also in response to an ad campaign sponsored by the Republican National Committee (RNC) that distorts Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore's position on gays in the military and is meant to exploit anti-gay prejudice. |
"Our ad is an attempt to refocus the 'gays in the military debate' on key values of equality, fairness, freedom and justice, that should apply to all policy matters relating to all Americans, including gay Americans," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch at a press conference in Manchester, N.H.
"The RNC's exploitation of this issue is counter to the very principles that our nation cherishes. While the RNC ads might play well in a few primaries, these mean-spirited attacks make the GOP look intolerant and their strategy is sure to backfire in the general election."
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The HRC ad will air throughout the week on select television stations in the key caucus and primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire. The HRC ad begins with shots of the Republican presidential candidates debating each other.
The voice over says, "The Republican presidential candidates are so busy fighting about whom can and cannot serve in the military, they may have forgotten the values Americans actually fight for. Next, on a black screen with white reversed type these words appear: "Equality," "Fairness," "Freedom," "Justice," "for all Americans including gay Americans."
HRC's ad contrasts sharply with the RNC ad, which misrepresents Gore's position and plays to anti-gay sentiment.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Republican National Committee Plans TV Gay-Bashing
Hysterical Republican Candidates Denounce Equality
Republican Leaders Declare War on Gay America
Related Sites:
Human Rights Campaign
GayToday does not endorse related sites.
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"Al Gore says he wants a test for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Not about readiness, but about politics," says a voice-over on the 30-second GOP ad. "Gen. Colin Powell couldn't pass Al Gore's litmus test. Neither could Norman Schwarzkopf," the voice continues as pictures of Powell and the Desert Storm commander flash on-screen.
The ad ends with: "Call Al Gore. Tell him the only litmus test ought to be for patriotism."
The RNC also fails to note that Gov. George W. Bush called for a litmus test of his own, stating in a recent debate that he would not appoint a chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff who supported allowing gay people to openly serve their country.
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