Liberals go up with ad on budget

Posted: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:11 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Congress, Economy, Ads, The First 100 Days

From NBC's Mark Murray
Firing their shot in the current battle over the budget, the liberal group Americans United for Change has launched a six-figure ad blitz (likely to exceed $700,000) that will run in states that just happen to be represented by some of the more conservative Democratic senators -- including North Dakota (home to Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad), Nebraska (Ben Nelson), Virginia (Mark Warner), Indiana (Evan Bayh), Arkansas (Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor), Louisiana (Mary Landrieu), Alaska (Mark Begich), North Carolina (Kay Hagan), and New Hampshire (Jeanne Shaheen).

The ad also will run on cable and broadcast in DC.

Largely repeating President Obama's message from last night, the ad goes: "For eight years, the Bush administration turned our economy into a house of cards. Last fall that house came tumbling down. Now President Obama has drawn up a budget blue print that will rebuild our economy on a solid foundation."

Said Tom McMahon, the group's acting executive director: "This ad is designed to engage the American people in the process of bringing about the transformational change they voted for in November by contacting their elected representatives and asking for their help in putting our country on the road to prosperity."

The script:
ANNCR: For eight years, the Bush Administration turned our economy into a house of cards.
Last fall that house came tumbling down.
Now President Obama has drawn up a budget blue print that will rebuild our economy on a solid foundation.
Jobs, health care, education, clean energy – reform.
On this foundation we can build real, long term economic prosperity – for all Americans.
Call Congress. Tell them you support President Obama’s budget. Let’s all get to work rebuilding America.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

Blue Dogs:Don't cut off the hands that rock the cradle, feed you, nurse, and provide for your lively hoods.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:19 AM)

I am enraged that after 12-16 years of trying to get the right thing done with our healthcare, energy, tax reform, etc., I have to fight my own political party. Obama was elected to chanage the direction of our country, not to balance the budget. Conservadems: get out of the way!

Linda Hansen, Sayner, WI (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:22 AM)

That's all Democrats know how to do. "Bush's fault! Bush's fault!!"....attack ad, attack ad....bush's fault!!...attack ad.....and "oh now, you can't show that movie about Hillary - it's an attack ad!!"

Self-Serving Hypocrisy (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:22 AM)

If it is such a great budget, Obama wouldn't be trying so hard to convince us of that.

KLM in MI (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:26 AM)

I love that as a group we are showing great message discipline. Definitely beating the Republicans at 'their own game'. I think they are so frustrated with the multi-tasking president because they can't get a cohesive complaint out timely enough to have any impact. As Pat, Boston said earlier - they are simply out of their league.
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no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 9:25 AM)
Riddle me this nj – why is healthcare tied to employment? In what genius scheme of life does that make sense? When the economy tanks and jobs are lost – we have an influx of UNINSURED people. At average COBRA rates are over $1,000/month – most people opt OUT of coverage. Then, when they need services, they show up at the emergency room, where costs are highest. We are ALL paying for the Uninsured, Under Insured and even the healthcare of Others with Insurance. Insurance is a hedge. We pay premiums IN CASE something happens. Nationalizing health care attempts to equalize the hedge so that Small Businesses have a chance to compete for the best and brightest talent (hopefully NOT Wall Streeters, ). This irrational fear of reframing the health care paradigm has got to stop so that we can move the discussion forward. If we can address this in a constructive manner, I personally believe it will be equivalent to a MASSIVE tax cut for business owners. The cost of health care in this country has been unrestrained for over two decades. It is at least partially as much to blame for the weakened auto industry and economy as any other major contributing factor. Don’t be short sighted, think about this from a MACRO perspective.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:27 AM)

Bush was an idiot for ever trusting New York Liberals, and leaving them unwatched to do this to our country.

Dave, Tn (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:27 AM)

Beverly, you know I love you; but I just can't resist:

What exactly is a lively hood? (I think the word you want is livelihood?) Imagery was funny. thx,

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:28 AM)

Evan Bayh is too dumb to get it. He does not understand that no matter how conservative he acts, the republicans will run a conservative against him and republicans will vote for a republican. He does not understand that Hoosiers are losing their jobs and the Obama budget will help Indiana. Universal health care is needed in Indiana...and throughout the country for that matter. He does not understand that it was the Obama ground troops that moved Indiana 25 percentage points into the Obama column. I wonder if he is pissed because he did not get the VP nod...or is he just plain dumb.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:32 AM)

We now have a President who is Smarter than a 5th Grader. Obviously you and your bankrupt of ideas repuglican part are not.
Glenn
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Ok, I'll give you that one. Barry is AT LEAST as smart as a 6th grader. But acting like a spoiled 3rd grader.

N. Pampers, DC (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:34 AM)

We need to continue to keep "we the people" engaged in the process of government. This is our revolutionary war against those who wish to destroy the very ideals this country was founded on...that we are a fair and just nation, that we hold high the fiber of human worth, and that we are a responsible community driven to progress and achieve.

The GOP must realize no tax will keep us from these ideals...for they are priceless.

The last 50-70 years we have spent ourselves into holes, disintegrated our health access, and became dependent on an energy source that not only destroys ecology, but is finite.

Continuing on that path, we as a country have a lifespan that is accelerating to its end. With President Obama's policies, we at least have a chance to turn it around.

Yes the pricetag is high...but that's the price for waiting all these years. This is something that has been suggested and debated for decades, but stifled due to business interests.

Now we don't have a choice...we can cut spending, and programs to develop our nation...therefore dropping out of existance as the japanese and chinese continue to develop and run circles around us. Or we can do what I know america is known for:

Compete.

GP NW Indiana (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:36 AM)

This is a "gentle" reminder shot across the bow. It is progressives who elected you into office, or our influence who made people pay attention. We (and I mean progressives) gave the money, and we are solidly behind President Obama.You want our money, you'd better do our bidding. That's the way it works, folks. Tag, you're it.

LB, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:37 AM)

If it is such a great budget, Obama wouldn't be trying so hard to convince us of that.
KLM in MI (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:26 AM)
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It takes the american people threating to vote those out of office that normally follow advise of lobbyists to get the point across.

That's what we did with the grass roots movement to get our current president elected...that's what we must do now...

The lobbyists will spend millions upon millions to fight regulation, and block any program that would show success and keep Obama in office.

GP NW Indiana (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:40 AM)

The bushies who complain about blaming bush seem to have forgotten how the bushleague used clinton ad nauseum for their 8 years....heck they even tried to pin 911 on clinton instead of the chickenhawk that was flying around hiding on air force one that fateful day...hmmmmp

Rick, NC (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:40 AM)

We (and I mean progressives) gave the money, and we are solidly behind President Obama.You want our money, you'd better do our bidding. That's the way it works, folks. Tag, you're it.
LB, Virginia (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:37 AM)

__________________________________________
No, LB, I don't want YOUR money. I want the chance to earn MY OWN money and not be punished for it. I want the freedom and liberty that this country was founded on. But Obama is taking that all away.

Keep the Change (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:44 AM)

I was really worried when I heard about this, but thankfully they don't mention the names of the Conservative Democrats or show their pictures in the ad. I think this budget is very important and I would like to see it passed, but I don't think we need to go attacking each other when we should be targeting obstructionist Republicans. At least the Conservadems are offering alternative plans and not just saying no. Hopefully their constituents call them and they get the message--on both sides of the aisle.

Brian Crooks, Naperville, IL (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:47 AM)

DSR Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:47 AM)

I cannot support this budget due to the amount of borrowing.

It's that simple.

Alan, NJ (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:47 AM)

Know what? If all these crap programs of Obama pass, we're not paying our taxes. We'll just all stop. We'll quit our jobs, we'll claim 23 exemptions on our W-2s, we won't file tax returns. Put us in jail. We're already treated like criminals. Let the bottom 50% of wage earners pay THEIR fair share of taxes if they want all these programs.

Tea Party Is A'Comin (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:57 AM)

It is progressives who elected you into office, - LB Virginia

"Progressives". Also known as thieves.

Johnny Steele, MA (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:58 AM)

I have no problem with democrats having different opinions and certainly welcome the concept that unlike the GOP, they don't march in lock step. But I am glad to see these ads. The America people voted for what Pres Obama said: health care reform, energy, education. All three play an important role in America's future and they do mean future jobs. The conservadems need to wake up and remember that IF the voters had been against Obama's ideas, he would not have been elected. Rachel Maddow had a guest last night who explained why some of the democrats are against certain parts of the budget. The irony is that it boils down to who gave them money. One senator is against the $4 billion cost paid to banks for student loans; now that makes no sense except the banks gave the senator campaign money. The $4 billion could be saved by the Government which would provide more funding to students who need it.

Guess we democrats better get busy with e-mails to these folks and remind them why we voted for President Obama and it wasn't because we wanted business as usual.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:00 PM)

The republicans need to stop with this name calling - communist, socialist, communist, socialist, european. Meaningless epithets that raise the hackles of the uneducated. Last I saw 96 republicans voted to tax executives who got bonuses 90% and Obama was against such a measure. This childish name calling is why republicans like Jindal will never go far. More critical thinking is needed.

"I want the chance to earn MY OWN money and not be punished for it. But Obama is taking that all away."

No Bush took the first part away in 8 years. Obama is trying to set the country back on the path of growth similar to the Clinton years. Better to have a job and pay Clinton era tax rates for the most wealthy (the rest actually pay less under Obama) than no job at all. If that is punishment, Ireland beckons you. The country has to pay its bills and taxes are part of that. We cant just fight wars and enjoy services and build a framework (educated workforce, security, police, military, fire service) for us to earn OUR OWN MONEY without someone paying for it.

J. Richter (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:43 PM)

I recently went to the ER for a broken leg. They x-rayed it, put a soft cast on it and referred me to an orthopedic surgeon. For most of the hour that I was there, I sat in a wheel chair waiting to be x-rayed. The bills for this are over $1,000.00 and counting. What do people do who have no health insurance? It is long past time for a change in the nation's health care system.
DSR Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:47 AM)

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Let the bottom 50% of wage earners pay THEIR fair share of taxes if they want all these programs.
Tea Party Is A'Comin (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 11:57 AM)

Somehow DSR I guess you must be in the bottom 94% (not 50 - makeup the statistic to fool the people Tea Party!) I gues this view stands until an ER visit happens. The selfishness that is not American nor makes common sense. Meanshilw MEdicare continues to grow at 20% a year hence the projected deficits (in addition to those already created over the past 8 years).

J. Richter (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:47 PM)

Keep the Change-Do you have any idea what you are talking about. Give me a specific situation where Obama is going to punish you for earning money and take away your freedom/liberties. These are just Conservative talking points that are not based in reality. Are you one of the priveleged top 1% of Americans who earn more than 250k a year whom Obama wants to let the tax code resume to charging 39% instead of 36%. What freedom of yours is he proposing to deny you?

As for Mr. Tea Party-Get a grip. I mean what do you have against better education, better healthcare and investment in energy independance. These programs aren't crap and unless you are part of the lucky top 1%, Obama isn't asking you for a dime more than you already pay. A true Patriot pays his taxes and conforms to his governments rule when he has been Democratically outvoted. Otherwise your just a spoiled insurgent who doesn't deserve to be considered an American.

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:52 PM)

Pat - Huntington, NY
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Did you get a copy of Mark Levin's "Liberty and Tyranny: A Conserative Manifesto" at his book signing in Huntington this past weekend? I sure hope so.

Ron Lincoln - Tulsa, OK (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:57 PM)

In my 50+yrs of voting, I have never been more pleased with my President! It is so very encouraging to know he can walk & chew gum. He has my full support and I will be calling the appropriate reps from my state to relay my request they support the new budget. We hear the comments about his doing too much too soon - how great for our country he can multi-task! My kids and grands multi-task daily & I would expect nothing less of my President. I am convinced if we do not get cracking on health care, energy and education we will be even further behind with each year to come.

G'ma/NC (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 1:27 PM)

Tell Congress to hold Barack Obama in contempt for bankrupting America and outsourcing more jobs to China.

Obama also is prejudiced against the wealthy and promotes "class envy."

Polythene Pam (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 1:31 PM)

I didn't vote for Mark Warner in November. However, seeing him being targeted as opposing the budget makes me have a new respect for him, and I'm much more inclined to vote for him in 2016 because of it. This is a ridiculous waste of $700,000.

Virginian (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 1:39 PM)

To J. Richter:
No, I am not in the bottom 50% of the population. I have very good health insurance. For your information, any time there is a medical emergency most physicians' offices will tell a patient go to the ER rather than wait for an appointment. At least I am compassionate enough to hope that you never face a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment.

DSR Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, March 25, 2009 2:09 PM)

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