9/11 victims angered by bush ads

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CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Gaard
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

I'm sorry, If you answered, it was lost on me. Think you could shrink it down to 2 or 3 letters? ;)

Nope - This is your answer.
I think that Bush is doing exactly as he is allowed - to showcase his leadership during his time as President. You can try to say that these ads were about 9/11 but you'd be missing the point of them. Their point was leadership - not the tradgedy. Again - there is a fine line to walk but so far Bush hasn't come close to that line of "politicising" the events of 9/11 for political gain.
Sorry if you can't see the distinction - I'm not sure how to explain it further.

CkG


Are you sure your real name isn't Ari? ;)

Ask the question specifically then. Trying to use a generic question to get specific questions doesn't work in a lot of situations. This being one of them because I have no clue what your angle is.

CkG
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
0
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG
 

Gaard

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
8,911
1
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

I'm sorry, If you answered, it was lost on me. Think you could shrink it down to 2 or 3 letters? ;)

Nope - This is your answer.
I think that Bush is doing exactly as he is allowed - to showcase his leadership during his time as President. You can try to say that these ads were about 9/11 but you'd be missing the point of them. Their point was leadership - not the tradgedy. Again - there is a fine line to walk but so far Bush hasn't come close to that line of "politicising" the events of 9/11 for political gain.
Sorry if you can't see the distinction - I'm not sure how to explain it further.

CkG


Are you sure your real name isn't Ari? ;)

Ask the question specifically then. Trying to use a generic question to get specific questions doesn't work in a lot of situations. This being one of them because I have no clue what your angle is.

CkG

I have an angle?

I think my question was pretty clear..."Are they doing what they said they wouldn't?"

I think I understand your hesitation. What does the word 'doing' represent? I think, and let's assume, that it means "using the 9/11 attacks for political gain". So let's add them together...

"Are they using the 9/11 attacks for political gain?"

Is that still too generic?

I at least give you some credit CAD. You still come back...Ari would've just moved on. ;)
 

Chris A

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
1,431
1
76
Heinz Foundation Bankrolled Group Protesting Bush 9/11 Ads

The group Peaceful Tomorrows, which bills itself as an independent group of 9/11 victim families and whose members have led the charge to force the Bush reelection campaign to yank ads citing the Twin Tower attacks, has direct financial ties to the Heinz Foundation, the charitable trust administered by the wife of likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

Found here.


 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
There is always an "angle".;)

IMO, no Bush isn't "using the 9/11 attacks for political gain". He is advertising his leadership during a difficult time. There is a difference between exploitation(using the 9/11 attacks for political gain) and reminding people of your leadership during difficult times. His ads weren't about 9/11 - they were about leadership. Leadership not only during that difficult time but also since then.

But again - I think distiction has been lost to some, and I think some people want this to be a case of all or none. I think it'd be irresponsible of Bush give in and "forget". Remember all the "We will never forget" setiment? Well.....? Seems that some are saying we should forget - and forget everything surrounding it.

CkG
 

CaptnKirk

Lifer
Jul 25, 2002
10,053
0
71
There is a point to where those who would use this type of campaign - that content which has a very sensitive nature,
have a 'Tin Ear' - it doesn't do any good to tell them anything, they don't want to hearit, as they are too goal driven to have it
other than their way - insensitive recipients of a cultural warning, where they go forward just to please their base.

 

Gaard

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
8,911
1
0
Ok CAD, I'll accept your opinion that Bush's ads aren't doing what they had previously said they wouldn't.



(Gaard wonders to himself what kind of ads would be guilty of using the 9/11 attacks for political gain.)
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
0
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.
 

DealMonkey

Lifer
Nov 25, 2001
13,136
1
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
There is always an "angle".;)

IMO, no Bush isn't "using the 9/11 attacks for political gain". He is advertising his leadership during a difficult time. There is a difference between exploitation(using the 9/11 attacks for political gain) and reminding people of your leadership during difficult times. His ads weren't about 9/11 - they were about leadership. Leadership not only during that difficult time but also since then.

But again - I think distiction has been lost to some, and I think some people want this to be a case of all or none. I think it'd be irresponsible of Bush give in and "forget". Remember all the "We will never forget" setiment? Well.....? Seems that some are saying we should forget - and forget everything surrounding it.

CkG

So Cad, in your opinion, a political ad for Bush's re-election -- an ad that has no other purpose besides politics and features images of 9/11 (ground zero, firefighters carrying coffin out of ground zero), etc. -- IS NOT using the 9/11 attacks for political gain?

Wow, I don't know how you can say "no" with a straight face. There is NO "distinction". Facts are facts.

Now, I don't necessarily care one way or another if Bush uses it, because opening up 9.11 for political discussion can go both ways for the president. My issue is that they said they would not do so, and now they clearly are, and yet we have spinmeisters like you claiming they're not.
 

Gaard

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
8,911
1
0
Now, I don't necessarily care one way or another if Bush uses it, because opening up 9.11 for political discussion can go both ways for the president. My issue is that they said they would not do so

Me too.
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
0
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG

So when was bush leading. If he was just hiding on september 11th. Bush could have sent the one of the other 15 or so people that would be come president if he and dick had been killed to go hide in the corn fields. If bush hiding in the bunkers was showing leadership and that is what you claim the ads are about why are their no pictures of the fearless leader sitting in his bomb shelter like a good leader would do?
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG

So when was bush leading. If he was just hiding on september 11th. Bush could have sent the one of the other 15 or so people that would be come president if he and dick had been killed to go hide in the corn fields. If bush hiding in the bunkers was showing leadership and that is what you claim the ads are about why are their no pictures of the fearless leader sitting in his bomb shelter like a good leader would do?

You are quite the tool today aren't you? What would possess you to think that he was "hiding" in some bomb shelter? Do you have any clue as to his travels that day? Do you realize that his was about the only plane in the sky? Do you not realize that he moved from secure location to secure location? He most certainly was conducting business that needed to be done during this timeframe instead of "hiding" in a bomb shelter like you seem to think he was.

Oh, and you're still talking about the event.;)

Take your ~! trash elsewhere.

CkG
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Gaard
Ok CAD, I'll accept your opinion that Bush's ads aren't doing what they had previously said they wouldn't.



(Gaard wonders to himself what kind of ads would be guilty of using the 9/11 attacks for political gain.)

OK smarty:p - present to me your take on this then. You seem to want to question things but yet say little. Do YOU think Bush is doing what you think he supposedly said he wouldn't do? What do you think his previous statements meant? What did he really say? Do you think these ads are distasteful? Do you think he shouldn't be able to say he led the nation through a difficult time?

CkG
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
0
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG

So when was bush leading. If he was just hiding on september 11th. Bush could have sent the one of the other 15 or so people that would be come president if he and dick had been killed to go hide in the corn fields. If bush hiding in the bunkers was showing leadership and that is what you claim the ads are about why are their no pictures of the fearless leader sitting in his bomb shelter like a good leader would do?

You are quite the tool today aren't you? What would possess you to think that he was "hiding" in some bomb shelter? Do you have any clue as to his travels that day? Do you realize that his was about the only plane in the sky? Do you not realize that he moved from secure location to secure location? He most certainly was conducting business that needed to be done during this timeframe instead of "hiding" in a bomb shelter like you seem to think he was.

Take your trash elsewhere.

CkG

So what was bush doing on 9/11 to show that he was a leader?
 

nutxo

Diamond Member
May 20, 2001
6,832
514
126
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG

So when was bush leading. If he was just hiding on september 11th. Bush could have sent the one of the other 15 or so people that would be come president if he and dick had been killed to go hide in the corn fields. If bush hiding in the bunkers was showing leadership and that is what you claim the ads are about why are their no pictures of the fearless leader sitting in his bomb shelter like a good leader would do?

You are quite the tool today aren't you? What would possess you to think that he was "hiding" in some bomb shelter? Do you have any clue as to his travels that day? Do you realize that his was about the only plane in the sky? Do you not realize that he moved from secure location to secure location? He most certainly was conducting business that needed to be done during this timeframe instead of "hiding" in a bomb shelter like you seem to think he was.

Take your trash elsewhere.

CkG

So what was bush doing on 9/11 to show that he was a leader?

He was probably doing exactly as the secret service told him to do, as any standing president would.

 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG

So when was bush leading. If he was just hiding on september 11th. Bush could have sent the one of the other 15 or so people that would be come president if he and dick had been killed to go hide in the corn fields. If bush hiding in the bunkers was showing leadership and that is what you claim the ads are about why are their no pictures of the fearless leader sitting in his bomb shelter like a good leader would do?

You are quite the tool today aren't you? What would possess you to think that he was "hiding" in some bomb shelter? Do you have any clue as to his travels that day? Do you realize that his was about the only plane in the sky? Do you not realize that he moved from secure location to secure location? He most certainly was conducting business that needed to be done during this timeframe instead of "hiding" in a bomb shelter like you seem to think he was.

Take your trash elsewhere.

CkG

So what was bush doing on 9/11 to show that he was a leader?

rolleye.gif

AGAIN - you are talking about the event. What do you think he should have been doing if you think he wasn't leading? Was he not doing what is set forth for a leader to do in a situation such as that?

Anyway - I'm done with your trash. If you really think he was just "hiding" then you are about as ingnorant as they come. Good day.

CkG
 

Spencer278

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 2002
3,637
0
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Spencer278
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
That they wouldn't use the attacks for political gain.

^that's not an exact quote...I'll look it up but you get the gist.

Then you already have my answer. Now if you think they said that there would be no references to that time period and their actions and leadership - I'd like to see it.;)

CkG

Leadership? You mean running and hiding in some bunker?

You are talking about the event.

Oh and BTW - There isn't a choice in that - it's the way our system is set up to maintain the gov't.

CkG

So if he had no choice that makes him a follower and not a leader.

No - leaders make sure there is continuous gov't - which means he has to do what was set forth. If he would have pranced around then he would not have been leading because we didn't know how bad the threat actually was or if there were more.
Nice try though.

I'll get to the rest of you after I get back from Mel's movie.

CkG

So when was bush leading. If he was just hiding on september 11th. Bush could have sent the one of the other 15 or so people that would be come president if he and dick had been killed to go hide in the corn fields. If bush hiding in the bunkers was showing leadership and that is what you claim the ads are about why are their no pictures of the fearless leader sitting in his bomb shelter like a good leader would do?

You are quite the tool today aren't you? What would possess you to think that he was "hiding" in some bomb shelter? Do you have any clue as to his travels that day? Do you realize that his was about the only plane in the sky? Do you not realize that he moved from secure location to secure location? He most certainly was conducting business that needed to be done during this timeframe instead of "hiding" in a bomb shelter like you seem to think he was.

Take your trash elsewhere.

CkG

So what was bush doing on 9/11 to show that he was a leader?

rolleye.gif

AGAIN - you are talking about the event. What do you think he should have been doing if you think he wasn't leading? Was he not doing what is set forth for a leader to do in a situation such as that?

Anyway - I'm done with your trash. If you really think he was just "hiding" then you are about as ingnorant as they come. Good day.

CkG

If were not taking about the event then bush should be using images of him being a "leader" and not picture of firefighters if he wishes to show that he is a leader. I'm sure bush wasn't just hiding I bet he was also fixing enviromental studies and writing speeches or praticing the speech he had someone else write.
 

Shad0hawK

Banned
May 26, 2003
1,456
0
0
Originally posted by: Spencer278

If were not taking about the event then bush should be using images of him being a "leader" and not picture of firefighters if he wishes to show that he is a leader. I'm sure bush wasn't just hiding I bet he was also fixing enviromental studies and writing speeches or praticing the speech he had someone else write.


is that anything like kerry using sounds and images of warfare and the events that caused those deaths for his political ads? YOU BET IT IS! but oh let me see that is somehow "different"...hmm... you know what? it IS different!

bush was using one attack, kerry is using a whole war to promote himself!

"look at me!! i am the war hero! i got medals for scratches to prove it!"

i await the dem bush bashing reply that does nothing to address the fact john kerry is using a war and the deaths of thousands of americans to promote himself for political purposes.
 

Gaard

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2002
8,911
1
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
Ok CAD, I'll accept your opinion that Bush's ads aren't doing what they had previously said they wouldn't.



(Gaard wonders to himself what kind of ads would be guilty of using the 9/11 attacks for political gain.)

OK smarty:p - present to me your take on this then. You seem to want to question things but yet say little. (1)Do YOU think Bush is doing what you think he supposedly said he wouldn't do? (2)What do you think his previous statements meant? (3)What did he really say? (4)Do you think these ads are distasteful? (5)Do you think he shouldn't be able to say he led the nation through a difficult time?

CkG


1. If he actually said that he wouldn't use the 9/11 attacks for political gain, then yes. I don't see how anyone can see them in the ads and yet say "No, he's not using them." It seems kind of illogical to say that he isn't when they are right there. I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how you can say that he isn't. ;) (I say IF because I can't find the actual quote. All I can find are lots of articles that say "He has said for 3 years that he wouldn't use the attacks for political gain." I'd offer to link to a few but I'm pretty confident that you'll concede the fact that there are lots of articles that make the claim.

2. Which statements are you referring to? The one where he (allegedly) stated that he wouldn't use the attacks for political gain? I'm tempted to remind you that, in the past, you've been a stickler for exact wording and 'this is what he meant' hasn't flown well with you. Unfortunately, I failed to vault any examples...so unless you'll admit to the fact, I'm sorry to say I can't use that point. ;)

3. I can't say for sure because I can't locate any documentation of his statement...only articles claiming that he said it.

4. So far, I've only caught part of an ad that showed a gutted WTC building, and I think a picture of an old man (did he have a tear?) . But what I've seen so far doesn't appear to be distastful at all. The portion I've seen actually appeared to be very well done. Is it exploiting 9/11? Of course it is. Is that a bad thing? I guess it depends on who you are. Some widows and widowers are upset...accusing Bush of using 9/11 for political purposes (which of course he is) and mentioning the fact that ground zero is, in fact, a burial site for many. And I've read where a great many FDNY members are upset. I guess it's a little too personal for some to have somebody use it for political gain...maybe they think it somehow minimizes it.

5. Of course he should be able to. He should be able to say whatever he pleases. If 9/11 and his war(s) are the points of his presidency that he wants to stress, that's his choice.

My personal opinion...you can find it if you look up a little bit. But to save you some time I'll just repeat - It doesn't bother me that he's using 9/11 in his ads. What I find disturbing is the fact that he seems to be doing exactly what he's accused of saying he wouldn't. If he has changed his mind...he should say so.




 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Gaard
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Gaard
Ok CAD, I'll accept your opinion that Bush's ads aren't doing what they had previously said they wouldn't.



(Gaard wonders to himself what kind of ads would be guilty of using the 9/11 attacks for political gain.)

OK smarty:p - present to me your take on this then. You seem to want to question things but yet say little. (1)Do YOU think Bush is doing what you think he supposedly said he wouldn't do? (2)What do you think his previous statements meant? (3)What did he really say? (4)Do you think these ads are distasteful? (5)Do you think he shouldn't be able to say he led the nation through a difficult time?

CkG

1. If he actually said that he wouldn't use the 9/11 attacks for political gain, then yes. I don't see how anyone can see them in the ads and yet say "No, he's not using them." It seems kind of illogical to say that he isn't when they are right there. I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how you can say that he isn't. ;) (I say IF because I can't find the actual quote. All I can find are lots of articles that say "He has said for 3 years that he wouldn't use the attacks for political gain." I'd offer to link to a few but I'm pretty confident that you'll concede the fact that there are lots of articles that make the claim.

2. Which statements are you referring to? The one where he (allegedly) stated that he wouldn't use the attacks for political gain? I'm tempted to remind you that, in the past, you've been a stickler for exact wording and 'this is what he meant' hasn't flown well with you. Unfortunately, I failed to vault any examples...so unless you'll admit to the fact, I'm sorry to say I can't use that point. ;)

3. I can't say for sure because I can't locate any documentation of his statement...only articles claiming that he said it.

4. So far, I've only caught part of an ad that showed a gutted WTC building, and I think a picture of an old man (did he have a tear?) . But what I've seen so far doesn't appear to be distastful at all. The portion I've seen actually appeared to be very well done. Is it exploiting 9/11? Of course it is. Is that a bad thing? I guess it depends on who you are. Some widows and widowers are upset...accusing Bush of using 9/11 for political purposes (which of course he is) and mentioning the fact that ground zero is, in fact, a burial site for many. And I've read where a great many FDNY members are upset. I guess it's a little too personal for some to have somebody use it for political gain...maybe they think it somehow minimizes it.

5. Of course he should be able to. He should be able to say whatever he pleases. If 9/11 and his war(s) are the points of his presidency that he wants to stress, that's his choice.

My personal opinion...you can find it if you look up a little bit. But to save you some time I'll just repeat - It doesn't bother me that he's using 9/11 in his ads. What I find disturbing is the fact that he seems to be doing exactly what he's accused of saying he wouldn't. If he has changed his mind...he should say so.

RE: 1&2
That's my point. People can go around claiming Bush said this or that yet don't actually know what was said or how it was presented. Who all was involved in such an "agreement"? Does Bush protraying himself as a leader through those times breach this yet to be determined "agreement"?
Anyway - I think that people are making a mountain out of a molehill out of this, but one thing good about it is - Bush's ads are getting alot of free press:D Maybe this will help him catch up on all the free press the other side has been snagging;)

Remember - "We will never forget"

CkG