TV station refuses NC GOP ad

Posted: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:16 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
WRAL-TV tells the Raleigh News & Observer it has rejected the North Carolina Republican Party's Rev. Jeremiah Wright ad, linking Obama, Wright and, by extension, Democratic gubernatorial candidates Beverly Perdue and Richard Moore, who have endorsed Obama.

"A spokesman for another Triangle station, WTVD, said it had not been asked to air the ad but would have reservations about doing so," the News & Observer writes.

McCain and the Republican National Committee have asked the NC GOP not to air the ad.

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Comments

E X C E L L E N T ! ! !

Lyn, MD (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:24 PM)

WRIGHT FINALLY CAME OUT AND SAID SOMETHING! I'm not normally an "all caps" speaker, but this seems important... hopefully, now that people hear the words straight from the horse's mouth, they'll take it easier on Obama and the subject of Wright and start focusing on the real issues...

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/24/wright-breaks-silence-says-attacks-unfair/

P, CA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:31 PM)

a media outlet with integrity, what a refreshing surprise.

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:31 PM)

Running the ad would have been good for Obama. Sounds
like the RNC put the brakes on the ad so they could
use it in the fall, instead of saturating the public
with it now.

The choice for President is clear:

Vote for McCain-- 4 more years of Bush
vote for HRC-- 4 years of Bush plus lies, spin and
scandals.
vote for Obama-- 4 or 8 years of changing the US in
a good way.

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:32 PM)

You're kidding! You mean the media is finally showing some morals? Now if only the rest of you would stop showing it whenever you talk about it! Maybe we could get onto the issues that really count, like gas prices, education costs, home mortgages, credit card debt and extremely high finance charges, job losses, outsourcing, global warming, illegal immigration, those two border patrol agents treated unjustly, Karl Rove, George Bush, Dick Cheney, and everyone else's arrest warrants for breaking the law multiple times especially using torture illegally. . .

New Independent (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:32 PM)

Where is the Clinton's outrage over this ad. Hillary you should "reject and denounce" this ad as McCain did. Knowning you and your minions though, you/they will most likely remain silent which will expose you for the racist you are!

Torpedoyou, Tempe, AZ (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:32 PM)

Good for them.
Say no to 'Yoda's wife', endorsing the message.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:32 PM)

So, North Carolina tv stations don't want to allow the truth to be broadcast over airwaves that are owned by the public? Sounds like censorship.

Mel Reynolds, Hamilton GA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:34 PM)

Wow! I must admit that I am extremely impressed with out triangle television stations! Go WRAL and WTVD! You make me proud to be a citizen of this great state of NC!!! We don't need this type of sliming on our airwaves in any election season.

Gaye (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:36 PM)

Good for them!

MI Chick (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:36 PM)

That's crazy. There's nothing defamatory or derogatory in that ad. It just tries to build an argument out of associations and relationships.

It may be a dumb strategy, it may be irrelevant, it may even be silly, but it is not unfair or offensive. I would like to know on what grounds the station would not air the ad.

Jon, Alliance, OH (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:40 PM)

Too late Madame Govenor, the media has already done the dirty deed, and covered themselves in filth. Eew! What's that stench filling the air? I just turned on Morning Joe.

Has anyone noticed that shortly after Joe stormed off of David Gregory's show, like a baby, (because Rachel Maddow had put him in his place), he seemed sedated on Morning Joe, even lit? He was even able to discuss Barack with a smile, and a woozy calm!

Joe, stay on your meds! (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:40 PM)

It look's like they got it right, on the other hand I saw the AD several times on MSNBC last night. Several million people must have as well. So much for the MSM getting it right.

Lee- Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:42 PM)

Yes, America is changing for the better. We shouldn't do anything for ratings.

Carl (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:43 PM)

What, the NC TV stations not fully engaged with operation chaos yet?

Ken Patterson, NYC (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:45 PM)

At last, some common sense people, with the power to do something, are acting. Well done. I hope all of the other stations follow suit, or risk boycott.

Matt, Meridian, Idaho (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:48 PM)

I'm glad to hear those stations will not be airing the ad, although everyone's already seen it.

Zelda, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:48 PM)

Thank god someone in the media has a conscience.

s (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:48 PM)

Open letter to Howard Dean,

I will not be donating until the Clintons step down. The RNC of NC created that despicable commercial using the Reverend Wright, the RNC condemned it, Senator McCain condemned it, and yet Hillary Clinton did not.

As a democratic voter and contributor, I have one question?

If candidates sign a pledge to NOT campaign in Michigan and Florida, and pledge that the votes won't count, then that's binding? is it not?

What does that say about Senator Clinton, that her word means nothing, her promises mean nothing, that she will say and do anything to win?

If you allow the Michigan delegation to be seated and counted as "certified", that would be wrong on so many levels, I couldn't begin to count them. If the super delegates overturn the decision of the voters and give this nomination to the Clintons, I will not help you, and I will not vote for her, because you will have proven that rules don't matter and integrity is not important and that is unacceptable to me. The thing is, that up until after Texas and Ohio, I would have still voted for Hillary had she legitimately won, but after watching her NOT stand up for the party during the last six weeks, I will not, and you should not support her either.

The only numbers that count are the pledged delegates, which as of this moment are as follows:

Obama leads by 134 delegates overall: 1,731-1,597.
He also leads by 157 in the pledged count: 1,491-1,334.

Anything else is just mental gymnastics and wishful thinking on the Clinton's part.

Integrity matters and the Clintons have none. For the good of the party, end this soon, please.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:48 PM)

guess you know who the owners of those stations are for. The ads are factual. What happened to freedom of speech?

NObama (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:50 PM)

It is a sad thing to campiagn in such a negitive way. To win buy tearing down the other person seems a hollow victory at best. We need a new kind of politics in America. We need Senator Obama

Darrin Simpson American falls Idaho (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:51 PM)

It should not be aired, we have had enough 'guilty by association' especially since we are talking about a minister and only a very small clip of the sermon is shown. If reporter's look they may find Hillary's campaign responsible for Rev Wright ads surfacing just before she goes to NC. It is unlikely the Republicans would care about this primary as they have no stake in who wins, their candidate has been choosen.

shirley, san jose, ca (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:51 PM)

whoever watched the interview on MSNBC with GOP Chairman would agree that Americans are getting tired of politica of personalitis to issues. America is in a recession, and it is time to take matters seriously. CONGRATS to the TV station. Let's move on from Wright. Let's put our energy on solving the real problems America is facing.

AMERICA UNITE!!!!

sem, va (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:53 PM)

Bravo! Seems intergrity in media/journalism isn't quite on its deathbed in this county after all. There are still people in the world who prefer waking up to a clear conscience.

Just Don't Get Her (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:54 PM)

I don't think the masses watch cable news. They get their tv news from hometown, and national news sources. These medias can't afford to run with the same old stories all day, every day like the lazies on cable. Most of us who tune in here, and MSNBC, etc., already have our minds made up as to our choice of candidate, so the NC GOP nonsense should'nt do any damage. If anything, they've thrown the boomerang that's homeing in on them.

pgh., pa. (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:54 PM)

Kudos to the station. They have moral integrity and would not let money blurr their vision of where the country should be or go not how it is.

Emilia Effiom, St Paul, Minnesota (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:55 PM)

Check, when are you gonna be man enough to post this. You and Andrea mitchell need to go work for Hilaroid.

Sean, MPLS, MN (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:56 PM)

Well, I guess Hillary is throwing a tantrum about now!! My deepest respects for the Republican John McCain what a man of respect and honor, and for the repuks that supported the add dont you feel small at this time!Would you dare and continue to find a station to air the column? Just how united is your party? Last time I checked this was a free country,freedom of speech,freedom of the press.The only thing that would be accomplished is just how foolish this has all become.Not clear as to who's money these people are after but im pretty sure the numbers dropped as well as a few jaws. John good luck but im still for Obama in 08.

Dream ticket Mccain/Obama or vis versa had to throw that one in from the last FirstRead!

FeedUp! in Va. (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:57 PM)

Wow! This is very encouraging! I SICK of the hateful, manipulative and inaccurate stupidity of SMART politicians trying to exploit Senator Obama in this way.
It's great that there are brave people out there willing to take a stand against this!!

Rob, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:58 PM)

Here's to you,WRAL TV for having integrity and discretion. These are rare commodities these days. You should be proud of your decision.

Mary Jane in Phoeniz (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:59 PM)

Good for them, unlike ABC they have some integrity and good judgement. They must realize what is at stake in this election and prefer to provide their readers with facts about the real issues.

Roxanne, Illinios (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:00 PM)

This seems to show that Republicans are going to have a harder time attacking Obama than some pundits and Hillary supporters think. Likability is important.

If it's Obama vs. McCain, both candidates have high likability ratings. Hard to get dirt to stick to someone that people like.

Hillary's likability??? Well . . . dirt gonna stick to that.

Allen Fund, Chicago (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:01 PM)

Finally, a media outlet with some guts.

mary (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:02 PM)

I APPLAUD THESE STATIONS. WE ALL NEED TO HELP FOCUS OUR COMMUNICATION TOOLS TOWARD ISSUE OF SUBSTANCE. WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY.

Jean LA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:02 PM)

It is refreshing to see a TV station not lower itself to ads that have no bearing on the election after the candidates have clearly stated their position.

Jim K, TN (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:03 PM)

Wow, Principles over Dollars...what is going on in America.....

Kudos!

Wale (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:04 PM)

Finally brains and guts, WRAL-TV shold be commended for its ethical stance to the harmful, hateful garbage that the NC GOP intends to air. It is hurtful to everyone, no matter what race, gender or religion. Thank you WRAL-TV for having the strength to refuse such a horrible ad. More people and businesses should step up to the plate and do the same. This is a great Country, why hurt all that are in this country in attempt to smear one individual. Concerned PATRIOTIC citizen

Debbie Austin TX. (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:04 PM)

Now that's a classy, ethical network. If I lived there, that would be the only news I watched. I applaud their ethics and courage to speak out. Wouldn't it be great if all networks were modeled after them? How pleasant would it be to not have to watch that tabloid trash!

Aspen Jayne (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:04 PM)

More conscience than most of the mainstream media - save an occasional voice of conscience at MSNBC -

Zachary Marcus (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:05 PM)

This is great! All Americans need to get past this foolishness and get to the business at hand by fixing all of America's real problems. These old tactics and gutter politics are played out and have caused our country a GREAT deal! I am proud of this television station....regardless of what candidate I choose, I wouldn't want any of the candidates to be thrown in the gutter mill by these 527 organizations who call themselves politicians!

Bonnie, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:05 PM)

Aspen Jayne (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:05 PM)

Finally, someone has the decency to do the right thing. I wonder if Rev. Wright would have a justified lawsuit for slander/libel against these organizations and individuals. It is clear that the ads are meant to destroy a person's reputation. Maybe Rev. Wright needs to obain legal counsel concerning these types of ads. What he said was wrong, but repeating it is just as wrong.

Just a thought (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:05 PM)

wow the ad must have bene bad then. Has it been leaked onto youtube yet?!?

sweeetback, london, uk (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:06 PM)

They don't need to, the media has done it for free for them. This is how the call went: Sorry guys, but instead of paying you 30 - 40 thousand to air the ad, all we had to do is leak out that we had a inflammatory ad about Obama and Write, and guilt by association, (you know, good old McCarthyism stuff), and wait. And guess what, well, we saved a bunch of money because the media decided to carry this and broadcast it way more for nothing, vice the limited amount of air time we could have purchased. In fact, we think that this is probably the best way to go with ads like these. This way your advertising department doesn't need to worry about being tied to the ads, and we save money for additional ads to be shown later. Sweet deal. All it took was a media environment where the latest racially charged, controversial ad is grabbed onto by rating seekers faster than stink on poo poo.

Larry (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:06 PM)

Chuck!If your staff can please investigate the story that the Clintons sought counsel from Jeremiah Wright when they were having marriage difficulties about Monica Lewinsky. This was brought up by Michael Moore, when he was describing how decent Barack was for not throwing this in their face. This story would stop Hillary from constantly hounding on this.
This needs to break!

N. Harris Southport CT (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:06 PM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Will someone tell these clowns that they are irreleveant. If America really wants to know what's going on they go online.

twocanpete (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:06 PM)

If the ad was about Hillary, it would be aired immediately. It is apparent that Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi as well as Harry Reid are for Obama or they would not be pushing for Superdelegates to vote.
If Obama gets the Democratic Nomination , I will vote for McCain after voting Democrat for over 30 years.

John Cannon, PA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:07 PM)

This just goes to show how the Republican party of 2008 is utterly out of step with the true American values of today.

They have devolved into a band of hawkish racists....they should be very very worried about November 4th.

The party of abolition is now the party of shame (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:09 PM)

It doesn't matter if this is spin or not it was a stand up decision by the tv station. Everyone will run the ad as "news" anyway and they could have made a buck out of it. their company is going to look very good

Maurice BKFLD CA (Sent Thursday, April 24, 2008 6:11 PM)

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