Supporters moving on from MoveOn?
September 25th 2007 02:11
MoveOn.org, the liberal political action group, has been lambasted for their ad accusing General David Petraeus of betraying the country during his recent testimony before Congress. Granted, there has been plenty of criticism from Republicans, but the ad has also drawn derision from Democrats as well. A Senate resolution denouncing MoveOn passed last week by a 72-25 vote. The last time I checked, there weren't 72 Republicans in the Senate. Clearly, the action by MoveOn struck a nerve with folks on both sides of the aisle.
In terms of citizen support, MoveOn has been a favorite among the Hollywood crowd:
Now, though, it seems that even Hollywood is having second thoughts about their support of MoveOn:
Did MoveOn go too far? Clearly, many think they did. Not supporting the war is one thing. But when you accuse a popular, decorated soldier of betraying our country, you've crossed a line. The members of our military are far from perfect, but they are willing to stand up and fight for this country when others won't. I realize that we're in the middle of a presidential campaign season and I realize that politics is a rough sport, but MoveOn badly miscalculated with their ad. However, they did state that they wanted to get people's attention. At least THAT part worked.
In terms of citizen support, MoveOn has been a favorite among the Hollywood crowd:
IT looked for a while as if MoveOn.org had become one of Hollywood's favorite liberal advocacy groups, especially for those looking for a place to express their antiwar sentiments without incurring a lot of unfavorable publicity.
Directors and celebrities lined up to help the Internet-based organization formed in 1998 in the wake of President Clinton's impeachment. Oliver Stone directed an antiwar ad for the group, as did Rob Reiner. Moby offered his musical talent, rallying other artists like Michael Stipe and Eddie Vedder to get involved. Director Richard Linklater and writer Aaron Sorkin produced a series of anti-Bush ads in the run-up to the 2004 election. Producer Robert Greenwald and actor Mike Farrell organized celebrities on behalf of the group before the war even started.
Directors and celebrities lined up to help the Internet-based organization formed in 1998 in the wake of President Clinton's impeachment. Oliver Stone directed an antiwar ad for the group, as did Rob Reiner. Moby offered his musical talent, rallying other artists like Michael Stipe and Eddie Vedder to get involved. Director Richard Linklater and writer Aaron Sorkin produced a series of anti-Bush ads in the run-up to the 2004 election. Producer Robert Greenwald and actor Mike Farrell organized celebrities on behalf of the group before the war even started.
Now, though, it seems that even Hollywood is having second thoughts about their support of MoveOn:
But last week when MoveOn ignited controversy by issuing an ad attacking Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the American troops in Iraq, entertainment industry politicos began to wonder if the group had gone too far and in fact become a liability for the largely Democratic Hollywood crowd.
"Most people saw it as a mistake that really hurt progressive candidates," said one Hollywood insider, who asked not to be named because he continues to be involved in fundraising efforts. "We just handed the Republicans a gift. It's like MoveOn has become tone-deaf. I think people will be more cautious and careful about what they do with MoveOn in the future."
"Most people saw it as a mistake that really hurt progressive candidates," said one Hollywood insider, who asked not to be named because he continues to be involved in fundraising efforts. "We just handed the Republicans a gift. It's like MoveOn has become tone-deaf. I think people will be more cautious and careful about what they do with MoveOn in the future."
Did MoveOn go too far? Clearly, many think they did. Not supporting the war is one thing. But when you accuse a popular, decorated soldier of betraying our country, you've crossed a line. The members of our military are far from perfect, but they are willing to stand up and fight for this country when others won't. I realize that we're in the middle of a presidential campaign season and I realize that politics is a rough sport, but MoveOn badly miscalculated with their ad. However, they did state that they wanted to get people's attention. At least THAT part worked.
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