Democrats' Political Ad Includes Flag-Draped Coffins
(CNSNews.com) - Republicans say Democrats ought to be ashamed of themselves for using the flag-draped coffins of U.S. troops who died in Iraq for political gain.The coffins -- and other depictions of violence in Iraq -- are among the images featured in a new political ad produced by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a group that raises funds to elect Democrats to Congress.
"It makes my stomach turn to see National Democrats so blatantly exploit the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces," National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Reynolds said in a press release.
Rep. Reynolds (R-N.Y.) called it "sickening" that Democrats would try to raise money off fallen heroes.
"Nancy Pelosi, Rahm Emanuel, and Steny Hoyer should be ashamed of themselves for appearing in this video," he said in a press release.
"Furthermore, I am shocked that Rahm Emanuel would authorize the release of such a revolting display. Emanuel, the U.S. representative from Illinois, chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
"Things have taken a turn for the worse," the DCCC political advertisement says. The printed words appear over pictures of violence in Iraq, pollution, high gasoline prices, flag-draped coffins, and reminders of Hurricane Katrina.
"Washington Republicans have sold America out," say the next words on the screen -- over pictures of President Bush, former Rep. Tom DeLay and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
"American families are paying the price," the video says.
"But America is strong enough to change," say the words printed over images of Emanuel, Pelosi, and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer.
The only spoken words in the ad come from former President Bill Clinton (for whom Rahm Emanual once worked). Clinton says, "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."
The ad's final words say "It's time to do your part. Help Democrats turn America around. Sign up to join the fight for a Democratic majority today."
The RNCC's Reynolds said the ad crosses the line, regardless of one's views on the war. "Rahm Emanuel owes our troops, their families, and the families of the fallen an apology," Reynolds said.
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