http://youtu.be/0PAJNntoRgA
Just saw Rick Perry’s new ad “Strong” that I have heard so much about and which has caused so much controversy, which his ad makers clearly intended. I am way behind in commenting on it; a single You Tube posting of the spot has had more than six million views in a week. The spot is targeted toward Christian conservatives in Iowa.
Here’s its controversial language:
“I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian. But you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.”
The language is couched in folksy, almost “Morning-Again-in-America” music, which makes the ad all the more stinging to those, including me, who find it ugly. There are gay soldiers under fire in Afghanistan right now, and they don’t deserve to be undermined in political ads. Period. Anyone willing to take a bullet for this country is entitled to more respect than that.
This ad was totally unnecessary. Rick Perry could have made the same point without attacking gay American patriots. It would have taken a half-second to red-line the offensive copy:
“I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian. But you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.”
A TV spot with the controversial language omitted admittedly would draw far fewer eyes, including those of my 15-year-old daughter who volunteered to work for my campaigns this year, but is today asking why I do work for a party that includes candidates who would go this low.
I’m struggling to find an answer.
Mr. Perry may get short-term gain from this ad, but at long-term cost to his party.
Perhaps someone should let the governor know that gays are willing to fight and die for Mr. Perry’s right to disparage their willingness to fight and die for his rights.