November 13, 2007
Posted: 05:13 PM ET

Watch Tancredo defend his controversial ad in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer .

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican presidential candidate Rep. Tom Tancredo is standing by his new television ad depicting a terrorist attack on an American mall, saying it portrays a real threat.

"Yes, they are coming, they are coming through our porous borders, and yes, they are coming to do us great damage," the Colorado Republican told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday. "I don't know why anybody would not think this is true."

The 30-second ad, set to begin running on Iowa cable stations this week, depicts a hooded man walking into a crowded mall with a backpack. Over the sound of a ticking clock, the man abandons the backpack at a bench, and an explosion is heard.

"There are consequences to open borders beyond the 20 million aliens who have come to take our jobs," the ad's narrator says. "Islamic terrorists now freely roam U.S. soil. Jihadists, who froth with hate, here to do as they have in London, Spain and Russia."

Full story

Earlier: Campaign defends ad depicting terrorist attack

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Tom Tancredo


CIA=therealthreat   November 16th, 2007 3:41 pm ET

An interesting note. Al Qaeda was the name of a database good ol' CIA used to track names of members in the mujahideen fighters. Hmmm its good to know Al Qaeda keep tabs on the CIA. Or maybe the other way around. Is there a connection there? Hmmm I wonder. Just some food for thought. Wouldnt surprise me if the CIA funded and trained Al CIA Duh. read between the lines people and wake up. We are not a world police.

Andy, DeKalb, IL   November 15th, 2007 12:24 am ET

That comment about the likelihood of being struck by lightning being greater than being killed by a backpack bomber; I started to laugh my butt off. That was until I thought back to 2004. I dare you to pose that comment to someone who lost a loved one during the 2004 Madrid train bombing. Somehow I don’t think they will see it that way.

Not meant to be funny, and not meant to degrade anyone's individual loss, but seriously, there are more than 6 billion people in the world. The chances a terrorist is going to kill any one person has to be pretty slim. I am more afraid of visiting Chicago.

Claudette, Tyler TX   November 14th, 2007 11:39 am ET

History DOES repeat itself no matter how hard we try to stop it. This all sounds like a 21st century version of "The Bay Of Pigs". Look it up…the similarities are uncanny.

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   November 14th, 2007 10:40 am ET

Tancredo must be a total right wing nut job.

I mean, Islamic terrorists would NEVER attack this country, right?

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 14th, 2007 8:25 am ET

Rhonda Nelson Sugar Land, Texas represents those who would have us hiding in our bunkers, surrounded by duck tape … if the current GOP hadn't spent trillions of dollars in Iraq our own country could be safe.

Byron, Tulsa, OK is just as bad … no rational thought … just a chicken-little supporting the chicken-hawks …

Ignorance can be cured but stupidity goes on forever.

Simon Templar   November 14th, 2007 5:59 am ET

That comment about the likelihood of being struck by lightning being greater than being killed by a backpack bomber; I started to laugh my butt off. That was until I thought back to 2004. I dare you to pose that comment to someone who lost a loved one during the 2004 Madrid train bombing. Somehow I don’t think they will see it that way.

Is Tancredo’s ad a scare tactic? Most likely. Should we be living in fear that something like this will happen, no. Are there other important issues to discuss, yes. But with our borders being as porous as they are it probably merits a lengthy discussion. An incident such as this is improbable but not impossible. Nothing is impossible. To think that something like this can’t happen is being naive. There are a lot of people out there that hate this country and want to kill Americans, and Sept 11, 2001 is a prime example of that hatred.

The day we fall asleep at the wheel is the day something else tragic will most likely occur. The price of Freedom is eternal vigilance. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Michael Sheridan, Grand Rapids, MI   November 14th, 2007 5:49 am ET

I've been reading other comments made here and I couldn't help remembering the old ostrich with his head in the sand. He felt safe because he refused to see the danger coming. How can anyone believe it won't happen to us? It has happened to us. September 11, 2001. That's proof that it can. Ask England, Spain, anywhere in Africa, anywhere in the Middle East and New York and Pennsylvania.
Posted By Rhonda Nelson Sugar Land, Texas : November 13, 2007 4:36 pm

Anyone who fails to see the reality the terrorists still pose to us is either very naive or so absolutely determined not to answer the call to arms that was sounded 6 years ago. Believe what you want - maybe the bad guys won't bomb us again. Hope you're right. Keep making this a problem created by conservatives - that really keeps us safe. Idiots.
Posted By Murray Jones, Deployed : November 13, 2007 6:08 pm

The attacks on Madrid and London (not to mention Bali) prove conclusively that fighting "terrorists" in Iraq doesn't prevent other terrorists from wreaking havoc elsewhere. But you'll notice that those attacks didn't bring those countries to their knees and cause them all to convert to Islam, any more than the attack here on 9/11/01 did. This idea that we're engaged in some sort of existential struggle against a few thousand guys hiding out in Pakistan is flat-out ridiculous.

It's also ridiculous to believe that any government policy will be 100% effective against terrorism - unless you advocate 24/7 real-time surveillance of every person in the US. I could almost guarantee you that somebody will bomb something somewhere in this country in the next 10 years in a terrorist act, regardless of who the president is, because it's impossible to monitor 300 million people.

Terrorism won't go away until the hatred that drives it goes away, and we can't solve that by shooting people, or by building fences on the borders. People claiming otherwise are the ones with their heads in the sand.

mark wilkes barre pa   November 14th, 2007 5:37 am ET

We cant live our lives with blinders on. terror groups are taking our freedom away day by day and one act of terror at a time. Any attempt at solving this problem is welcome to me, especialy when a leader is willing to endorse it by attaching his name to it. I don't know or claim to know what will solve this growing problem but we all should be willing to entertain the thought of what would happen to our freedoms if terrorist goups wre to make a real stand in this country. Just a few sucessful bombings and all of you that think guys like Tancredo are stupid and over-reacting would be screaming the loudest to how could this happen and who's to blame,, yeah yeah I know it would be bush and cheney's fault

Francisco, Yakima WA   November 13th, 2007 11:43 pm ET

Posted By Richard, St. Paul, Mn :

I worry far more about Illegal Aliens, i.e. Criminals, overrunning our country than I do terrorists.

While I sense your frustration, you are also unfairly demonizing "the illegal alien criminals."

As a child of parents who partook in the 1986 registration and regularization law [achieving first provisional legal resident status ~7/31/89, then many months later permanent resident status]. I submit that not all men women and families who break or broke U.S. immigration law are a threat and/or undesirable community members.

Given the lack of coherent and cogent arguements against LEGAL AND FAIR admittance of people and good honest families to do MOSTLY labor intensive and low wage paying jobs. One gets the notion that the real hysteria is the whim of "brown hordes" and self-serviving sissyfits of an "inferior racial stock". Of "gook-spanics, latino-mexican indian mestizo hispanoliaans".

Most of these people are seeking work, a better life, a fuller stomach and opportunities for their children in exchange for sacrificing their own earthbound expectations and decades of taxing and tiring labor.

For the drug dealers, gangbangers, shiftless and trifling schemers and scammers, yes 'f-yeah' weed them out!

That is the whole idea behind earned and merit based legalization. Is there any room in our country of allowing for legal immigrants? Are you a qualified applicant that is worthy of being granted an opportunity to redeem yourself? You haven broken a serious international barrier law? If not sorry, but we can't allow everybody in.

No terrorist! Only good honest hardworking people who contribute richly to our economy can be given a second chance, disregarding their one significant traspass. This person being identified gainfully employed, tax paying and otherwise law revering along only with his/her spouse and biolgical children.

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   November 13th, 2007 11:09 pm ET

Tancredo isn't going to do any better job protecting us from a second attack than Bush did protecting us from the first attack.

It is absolutely delusional to think Tancredo (or anyone) is going to keep terrorists (foreign or home-grown) from attacks in malls, government offices, stadiums, bridges, schools, or anywhere else. It is also delusional to think that the security we have is necessarily going to protect us since security personnel would be the first targets.

All those who talk about how people criticizing Bush are aiding the enemy should give some thought to how much Tancredo is helping the enemy. Osama bin Laden would probably be thrilled to know than Tancredo is trying to get America paranoid and terrified. Between this Republican fear-mongering and Bush breaking our country financially, bin Laden's wildest dreams must be coming true.

Charles   November 13th, 2007 10:42 pm ET

Just another politcal repug scare tactics ,the more that ad runs, the more pressure and crime build, dont we have illegals here already wacko, this is a fruitcake canidate.

Mary, Cambridge, Massachusetts   November 13th, 2007 10:10 pm ET

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

Joe B.   November 13th, 2007 9:43 pm ET

Seriously,
This ad could almost be an SNL spoof ad. Tom, give it up. It's obvious that you'll go to any extreme to get peoples attention, but your scare tactics are played out. Only the biggest cowards will heed to your "warning." Your warning is about as credible as the intelligence that declared Sadam was harboring WMD's. The narrator in your ad says, "Islamic Terrorist NOW freely roam US soil." What does that mean? It's too late? They're already here? Well if that's the case then what are you going to do to prevent anything from happening? Will you protect us better than any of the other candidates? Do you have a greater ability to seek out and capture the roaming Jihadists that "froth with hate?" Give me a break.

Hey Tom try this one. Warn everyone that a meteor is going to hit the Earth. You don't know when, but it's going to happen and it's too late to do anything about it. BUT, we should vote for you because…?

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 13th, 2007 9:33 pm ET

He's right. You might be safer in a mall in Iraq than here. All our military is in Iraq protecting Iraqi's on Iraqi soil. We all secure our private homes when we leave to avoid intruders coming in and when we're home we set security alarms. Americans know how to protect themselves, all that's needed is for government to do their job.

Moe, NY   November 13th, 2007 9:08 pm ET

More Republican fear tactics. I would think by now the Republicans would know that fear tactics are no longer working on American citizens. American citizens have been lied to too many times by the GOP. The Republicans are like the boy who cried wolf…now they are no longer taken seriously. Could the senario in the ad happen, sure…anything can happen, but I still refuse to let the Republicans use fear to get my vote.

Kim, Dallas, TX   November 13th, 2007 8:57 pm ET

I am really tired of living my life in fear. I refuse to let this mentality change the way I live and I would prefer that the country I love so dearly be allowed to be that country. The country I grew up with, knowing there were many freedoms I could count on. I don't doubt that a terrorist action could happen like this. Copycats will most likely buy into this ad and make sure it happens this way. However, I have a bigger concern regarding the safety of our citizens here. For one of the most powerful countries we have a population that is more violent than many other progressive nations. Our gun concerns here will cause many more deaths than a single act of terror like this. Do the republicans do anything about that? Are they concerned at all? Or does the NRA lobbyists run that part of our country? Look at Virginia Tech last spring. That kind of terrorism is very real here. Yet, nothing changes to make sure something like that doesn't happen again. Columbine changed nothing. We have a higher percentage of deaths due to guns than most other nations.

Fear causes many in a population to live under a shelter needing protection and then they so easily buy into politicians like Tancredo. I choose to live my life no different than I did before 911. I will respond so much more positively to someone who offers hope, than to someone crazy about making me feel afraid. Tancredo's thought process regarding Islam is nothing short of ignorant. To bomb their holey sights as a sign of aggression is very much a terrorist mentality. I don't believe it is affective at all to go to war with a country simply because we fear what they could possess.

No thank you Tancredo. To everyone else, be brave enough to live life knowing a threat might be inevitable, but to live scared everyday is not worth the stress that it causes. And the comment about Bush saying we have to fight there so that they don't follow us over here, that is a completely ignorant mentality. I do agree with Tancredo as far as the reality is, it could happen here. I support those who offer positive change and put the focus back on our country and not a constant fear of terrorism. Go Obama!!!!!

Michael Minorgan Montreal Quebec Canada   November 13th, 2007 8:56 pm ET

Who is Tom Tamcredo anyway??

Big Ben   November 13th, 2007 8:48 pm ET

At the risk of revealing my age I must say in my life time I have gone from a great president, Franklin Roosevelt, who in some of this nations blackest days inspired us by saying “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” to a president, George W Bush, and a republican party that has nothing to offer but fear.

Paul Allen, Menlo Park, CA, USA   November 13th, 2007 8:37 pm ET

The comments here are hilarious. Do all of Tancredo's detractors, who are so quick to label him a scare monger, ignorant, or xenophobic, actually believe that radical Islam (which is quite mainstream, and not radical, actually) is NOT a threat to the security and way of life of the United States and to the West in general? I agree that Iraq was a mistake in hindsight, however that does not mean that Islamic radicals don't want to kill and/or convert every last one of us, and are willing to put thought to action if so enabled. If you wish to play the ostrich, be my guest, but I don't appreciate that you do so at your peril as well as mine. If you don't believe me, then I suggest you supplement your MSM news with a bit of targeted research, and you might get a sense as to what is happening in the world.

Mark Columbus, Ohio   November 13th, 2007 8:21 pm ET

I'm from Columbus, Ohio where they caught a Muslim extremist that was planning to blow up the Polaris mall. They caught him…so yeah, I believe the Islamic Facist are a threat!

WatchingHillary.com

J. Williams, Baltimore, MD   November 13th, 2007 8:15 pm ET

So, here's what this amounts to. Most Americans, and I would like to think, most Republicans are (at least nominally) against terrorism, and the terrorists' influencing our way of life. However, if we want to maintain our way of life, we have to vote Tancredo! Otherwise, the terrorists win (and by "win", see bloodied children's bodies in Tancredo ad.) Essentially, Tancredo is using the fear factor he and others denounced, to try to win this election. Come on, this is past hypocracy, now. It is downright insulting, and as un-American as it gets. Any candidate who uses terror threats to get your vote is extorting you.

LeGay Sheridan   November 13th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

Would it have mattered if Obama was a muslem? As I remember, our nation evolved specfically as a land with freedom of religion. Let us not forget why we came in the first place.

Peggy Lambert   November 13th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

Of course a free society brings dangers. We simply must be vigilant - but not give up the very society of freedom that the so-called jihadists would like to annihilate. A vote for "tough guys" like Tancredo are suicide pacts for a free future.

Kevin, Burnsville MN   November 13th, 2007 7:31 pm ET

"Islamic terrorists now freely roam U.S. soil. Jihadists, who froth with hate, here to do as they have in London, Spain and Russia." So does this say Preident Bush and his band of merry men have done nothing but lip service since 9/11, I just can't beleave it, no way would Preident Bush be so far off the mark that someone could slip in and bomb a mall. Remember "if you not with us you agin us" What does Karl Marx I mean Karl Rove have to say about this.

Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN   November 13th, 2007 7:29 pm ET

Tancredo - Now available in EXTRA-Retarded!

Vince, Phoenix AZ   November 13th, 2007 7:28 pm ET

So…. let me get this straight… The argument is that Democrats won't do anything about terror? So when you vote for this guy Tancredo, AND IT HAPPENS ANYWAY… THEN what will you say???? PEOPLE.. no matter WHAT PARTY is in office, the goal of some is to do damage to us. Tancredo won't be able to stop it any more than Bush was… (unless he actually READS his briefings…) The Saudi's would have moved forward with 911 even if President Gore were in office. (of course, it probably would have been stopped)

Sharon, Littleton, CO   November 13th, 2007 7:28 pm ET

I'm ashamed to say that this man represents my congressional district in Colorado. He's a fear-monger and a racist, whose off-the-wall suggestions like nuking Mecca are inflamatory. He has no solutions to our economic, social or international problems. A Tancredo presidency would be disastrous for the United States. I, for one, can't wait for him to leave Congress!

Anonymous   November 13th, 2007 7:18 pm ET

The Govt was aware that Sept. 11th was a VERY real threat, and yet THEY did nothing to make the public (you and I) aware. No safety precautions. Nothing. What makes anyone think this won't happen again? It's all in the grand scheme of how the "new" Govt works.

I am a white, female, American Muslim, and I am about sick to death of having my religion hijacked by crazies overseas and crazies here at home. I am tired of it being "okay" to hold conferences on Islamo-facism (essentially anti-Islam/anti-Muslim), yet if the same were done to Christians or Jews, there would be a huge uproar. Because the hijackers were Muslim, well….now we're all suspect. I am as against terrorists and terrorism as any other American, but I am afraid to do anything, because I am looked at differently now. I saw someone's big inflatable snowman blown over the other night, and wanted to pull my car over to fix it, but then thought, "They may call the police on me if I'm in their yard with this scarf on." so I didn't stop. This is really a shame.

When will people wake up and think for THEMSELVES? Find out what Islam is really about, not to become Muslim, but for goodness sake, at least get your information on your own from a reliable source!

NP, Ridgefield, CT   November 13th, 2007 7:09 pm ET

"His low rating does not mean he's no good, it just means he's not being supported by the governmental elite, which probably means he's not a crook!!

To Andre Talbert,
…Or it could mean that when presented with this fool's fear-mongering the people/ just decided they didn't support his policies. The market is speaking loud and clear Andre! What's happened to your Republican values?

Sam, Austin, TX   November 13th, 2007 6:57 pm ET

lol Loony toon. This tactic has been used for over a thousand years . . . "watch out for the boogyman!!!!" Now vote for me.

There are ALWAYS going to be boogymen. It's only the sad and pathetic that use fear to get votes. Of course, it's only the sad and pathetic that vote for them.

Phil, San Jose, CA   November 13th, 2007 6:18 pm ET

I love how all of these candidates circling around the anti-illegal immigration banner try to tie it to 9/11 just like the current administration tried to tie Iraq to 9/11. Fifteen of the 19 hi-jackers had visas obtained trough our "friends" in Saudi Arabia. Maybe we should talk them into having stricter requirements for obtaining visas. If you're going to talk about immigration, at least do us the courtesy of relating it to issues that actually involve illegal immigration - and national security certainly isn't one of them.

Scott, Madison, WI   November 13th, 2007 6:16 pm ET

I find it completely mind-boggling that a percentage of the American public still buys into this fear-mongering crap. I believe it to be naive and unrealistic to think that there will never be another terrorist attack on our soil regardless of the perpetrators being legal or illegal, the state of our borders, or which political party is in office. Especially now that George the Dictator and his own terrorist fleet has ruined our security in the world for many, many years to come. Trust me on this one, the revenge factor has been ratcheted up thanks to all the wonderful pseudo-diplomacy (read: lies, deception, saber rattling, and premptive war tactics)practiced by this stealth administration.

Vance, Lansing, MI   November 13th, 2007 6:13 pm ET

Vote for this candidate,
or the Terrorists win.
It's just that simple.
OK, I will vote for him;
but just what will he do different from any other candidate about terrorists?

Andre Talbert, Vicksburg, Miss.   November 13th, 2007 6:09 pm ET

Mr. Tancredo seems to be addressing issues that we as a nation need to be concerned about.
Weather you believe it is the terriorists who are bombing our country or our own government, it is still an area we need to be aware of and defend ourselves.
As far as his 1 to 2 percent rating, you and I both know it's nothing more than public access to the people.
The more money in the bank, the more adds, comericals, trips to major cities etc., and your name becomes a common in the American household. His low rating does not mean he's no good, it just means he's not being supported by the governmental elite, which probably means he's not a crook!!
Vicksburg, Mississippi

Murray Jones, Deployed   November 13th, 2007 6:08 pm ET

Anyone who fails to see the reality the terrorists still pose to us is either very naive or so absolutely determined not to answer the call to arms that was sounded 6 years ago. Believe what you want - maybe the bad guys won't bomb us again. Hope you're right. Keep making this a problem created by conservatives - that really keeps us safe. Idiots.

Jason, Phoenix, Arizona   November 13th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

That's right, give people ideas as to what to do to malls. It's that simple. And, by the way, the boogeyman is coming to get you. I will not live in fear, because there is no more of a threat to me now than anytime before. Also, I will not give up my liberties for "protection" from said boogeyman. Give it a rest people, we've all seen what has come of that boogeyman mentality.

char downers grove, il   November 13th, 2007 6:05 pm ET

Thank you Tom Tancredo for bringing the tough issues to the forefront. Terrorism and illegal aliens are the biggest concerns for the American people.

Richard, St. Paul, Mn   November 13th, 2007 6:00 pm ET

I worry far more about Illegal Aliens, i.e. Criminals, overrunning our country than I do terrorists. The Republican spin-doctor machine is just rattling the cages again and I'm so sick of their lies I could scream.

Don - Ohio   November 13th, 2007 6:00 pm ET

People that still buy into the political scare tactics and allow our freedoms be taken away are the ones we shuld send to do the fighting "over there"!! And your pretty little kids too!

Andrew Socorro NM   November 13th, 2007 5:57 pm ET

"Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death."
- James F. Byrnes

Skeeve, NYC   November 13th, 2007 5:55 pm ET

Those of you who are somewhat older I am sure remember this : "The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!"
To those who don't I suggest to find out what happened immediately after this phrase was first uttered in USA :))

J Houston, TX   November 13th, 2007 5:55 pm ET

Wait, I thought this ad was supposed to be comical…seriously? The solution is obviously to fight terror in it's home, not destroy civil rights at home. However, if it has a bill attached to it that looks expensive, lets all pretend the war on terror isn't worth it until another building gets destroyed.

Wayne, Greenville TX   November 13th, 2007 5:53 pm ET

Let's see a show of hands - all those in favor of deporting Tom Tancredo say "AYE"…..

Mike, Eugene, Oregon   November 13th, 2007 5:50 pm ET

This is sure to win the votes of the bed wetters and the security moms, but what about actual American's? You know, those of us who still believe in and act like this is the land of the free and the home of the brave?

David B., Sterling VA   November 13th, 2007 5:48 pm ET

When you have no chance to be the candidate of your party, you'll do any dumb thing.

Edward Mares, Rio Rancho, New Mexico   November 13th, 2007 5:44 pm ET

When it happens , and it will eventually happen. All the Dems who are know in denial will say "Why didn't someone warn us? Why did the presidents office keep this vital information from us so we could at least look out for and be aware of terrorist?"

Bet ya nickels to dollars it will happen.

Jim, Luther Iowa   November 13th, 2007 5:43 pm ET

If you weren't going to vote for Tancredo before, you're not going to after seeing that commercial.

Betty W., San Francisco, California   November 13th, 2007 5:38 pm ET

Mr. Tancredo is way out of line in this message. There are terrorists from any religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Lets not forget Timothy McVeigh among others. Every country has the right to protect its boarders, but taking advantage of the past tragedies conducted by Godless individuals and singling out a group of people for the political gain is just low. Especially for some one who is running for a presidency.

Thomas, Sacramento, Ca.   November 13th, 2007 5:36 pm ET

He's got a couple of things correct. Our borders are porous and our immigration policy is broken. I am more worried about the looming social, environmental and population bombs than I am of terrorists.

Andy, DeKalb, IL   November 13th, 2007 5:36 pm ET

head in the sand
That's right, refusing to live your life in constant fear is burying your head in the sand. I pity those who let fear rule their lives.

P J Evans, Los Angeles, CA   November 13th, 2007 5:32 pm ET

The ad is *so* scary. Not.

(The major cities aren't the places that are most worried about this kind of threat. The people who worry most are in the areas *least* likely to have foreign terrorists.)

Jason C. Ward, Illinois   November 13th, 2007 5:29 pm ET

The politicians and terrorists who both use fear as a weapon aren't worth listening to. My vote goes to a candidate who offers an enthusiastic vision of what we can do; not to the candidate who uses fear as a weapon.

David, Roseburg OR   November 13th, 2007 5:26 pm ET

as to "One's visa had expired and another did not meet the condition of his visa by becoming a full-time student. That qualifies as being in the U.S. illegally."
the original comment was most of them did arrive here legally, meaning they entered the country legally. It was after they got here that they became illegal by not following up on the agreement for being here.

Andrew Cone   November 13th, 2007 5:23 pm ET

Tom Tancredo has the same message as all the other Republican candidates: be very afraid of terrorists, against whom my election is the only defense.

What's different about Tancredo is that he's more direct and honest. Rather than couching his fear-mongering in vague platitudes about homeland security, he shows us a picture of what he means.

If we don't like it, we should question hawkish attitudes toward terrorism, not Tancredo's portrayal of them.

David G, Bossier City LA   November 13th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

GOP had 8 years to fix our security problems. Do you think they have anything on their minds other than making money?

Stan from Canada   November 13th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

I wonder when I see ads and rhetoric like this why Americans haven't had a huge collective heart attack yet….how can you stand this stuff without losing it? When are the republicans going to get tired of the FUD. All it is doing is heightening an already alarming intolerance for people of other cultures, spending much needed dollars in useless 'feel good' ventures like the no-fly list. Face it folks anything can happen at anytime anywhere…that threat has always been there since the inception of the country and always will be…9/11 didn't change that. Tancredo should have his ad pulled….first becuase what the ad says needs proof…where are all the jihadists? second becuase it is tasteless in it's message and tasteless to try and rule by fear.

D, Jax   November 13th, 2007 5:20 pm ET

This is just the type of fundamentalist thinking that is going to destroy our country.

Darin, Norman, OK   November 13th, 2007 5:16 pm ET

Our jobs, huh? I didn't know that millions of Americans wanted to scrub toilets and pick vegetables. If Americans were taking these jobs instead we would be paying $5 for a hed of lettuce and double the price of hotel rooms. When will Americans understand that our economy is dependent on these low-paid aliens?

Sara, NJ   November 13th, 2007 5:15 pm ET

so stupid! Does he think Americans are fool or what? We are sick of these lies. Lets find out the real problem THAT POLITICIANS/ACTORS DON'T WANT US TO SEE!

Brian, Bronx, NY   November 13th, 2007 5:13 pm ET

One of many things Tancreaten got wrong. In both England and Spain the terrorist were there legally. The most recent incident in England, the terrorist were native Brittons, protesting against the overbearing restrictions and oppression of Muslims.

P.S. about all terrorist being Muslins; wasn't Terry McVie and Olympic Park Bomber both devote Christians and both American Citizens?

NYC   November 13th, 2007 5:07 pm ET

Never heard of this name before; Ttherefore, he's going to be another nonfactor.

TR   November 13th, 2007 5:06 pm ET

No more than the Moveon.Org Petraus Ad.

james bobaganoush   November 13th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

FEAR FEAR FEAR! BE AFRAID! vote Tancredo :)~

Joe Hash, Sacramento CA   November 13th, 2007 5:04 pm ET

More politics of fear. When are the people going to tell candidates…Democrats and Republicans alike…that enough is enough? I hope it's at the polls.

Dave N Providence RI   November 13th, 2007 5:04 pm ET

Unfortunately, more terrorist acts by Islamic radicals will occur in the US because of suicidal immigration policies and restrictions on law enforcement. When that happens, all of you critics of Tancredo will be singing a different tune, that is, after you pull your heads out of the sand.

Hank, Fort Myers, FL   November 13th, 2007 5:02 pm ET

No one is talking about putting our head in the sand, nor is it ignorance of the need to secure our borders. But truthfully, the biggest issues w/ our borders are mexicans crossing illegally–no Al Qaeda. And I believe most of them are trying to find jobs–not people to kill. We're more likely to have a terrorist attack from a cell already here legally, or from a citizen who becomes a collaborator. Either way–uses such way-off-the-wall means as this video to anyway relate to our biggest border issues–is ludicrous. Even a Republican could see through it. So if it isn't informational–the graphical video must be designed to instill fear..and influence us all to run out and elect Tancredo the protector to make us safe. Give me a break!!

Jo R, Buena Park, CA   November 13th, 2007 5:00 pm ET

That's right I remember when a 911 terrorist was issue his legal status like half a year after 911 that's funny would you say all of those GOP against all illegal immigrants and I'm sure you want to round up all 12 million illegal immigrants and send them back to their country, maybe a NAZI style way of hunting 6 million Jews will do it.

Kevin, Ames IA   November 13th, 2007 5:00 pm ET

People should not speak badly of Tancredo. He understands that he can run a campaign on fear and a few Americans that lack free thought will support him. It's just an ego trip. Seriously, we should feel sorry for the guy. I mean what if he actually believed what he says? Poor guy…

Axel, RKDA, California   November 13th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

I know common sense is in short supply these days, but if you were truly worried about terrorist attacks, why would you ever vote for a Republican? Do you think the answer to insanity is more insanity?

Lance in Monrovia CA   November 13th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

There's a book called the Shock Doctrine that details out how the neocons wait around for a major disaster or war event to push through their whole agenda while people are too shocked to do anything about it. They did it after 911, they did it after Katrina. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. There's a short film on the website as well created by Alfonso Cuaron, director of Children of Men. It's brilliant and you can see it at this link.

Go to this link its worth a few minutes of your time. Serious.
http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine

Ron Pittsburgh PA   November 13th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

In 2001 some 40-thousand people died in car-related accidents. About 20-thousand died from the flu.

But those statistics don't create fear, nor do they get you elected.

9/11 didn't "change the world," but it did change the degree to which fear and loathing is used by the GOP as a campaign talking point and tactic.

What I have to ask "Apocalyptic Tom" is this; why are the borders so porous? Haven't the Republicans been in charge, more or less, for the last eight years?

Ivan, Chicago, Illinios   November 13th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

And just who since September ii, 2001 failed to stop people from crossiing our borders? Bush and the Republicans in Congress that's who. A little Fear here, a little Fear there, ever where a little Fear. That is the message of the Republicans.
George Orwell's timeline was just a little early.

Loren, SF Bay Area, CA   November 13th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

In a town near where I live, seven people were wounded by a drive-by shooter yesterday. And there are Christian terrorists who bomb abortion clinics and things like the Federal building in Oklahoma City; tougher immigration laws won't do anything about *them*. Let's do something about the criminals we already *have*, rather than bankrupting ourselves on the ones who *might* come here someday.

Scy, Dallas, TX   November 13th, 2007 4:41 pm ET

WHO . . . I mean WHO would vote for this nut ball????

Phil, Baltimore, Maryland.   November 13th, 2007 4:40 pm ET

I think the Tancredo ad is very appropriate and may help focus more attention on the imigration issue. Unfortunately, as we know from history, nothing of substance gets done in this country until it becomes a crisis. The next terrorist attack in this country is probably the only thing that will motivate our representatives to do something about closing our borders to illegals.

Ken From Washington, DC   November 13th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

Tancredo: noun "threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons."

Rhonda Nelson Sugar Land, Texas   November 13th, 2007 4:36 pm ET

I've been reading other comments made here and I couldn't help remembering the old ostrich with his head in the sand. He felt safe because he refused to see the danger coming. How can anyone believe it won't happen to us? It has happened to us. September 11, 2001. That's proof that it can. Ask England, Spain, anywhere in Africa, anywhere in the Middle East and New York and Pennsylvania.

Kathy, Tyler TX   November 13th, 2007 4:35 pm ET

We're to worry or fear about a terrorist carrying a backpack of explosives into a mall when kids are carrying guns to school in backpacks. One is, as of yet, an unrealized threat while the other is very much realized in our country and hometowns.

Job 3:25 KJV
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

MediaJunkie, Washington, DC   November 13th, 2007 4:34 pm ET

I don't know about all the 9/11 hijackers, but some were definitely not here legally. One's visa had expired and another did not meet the condition of his visa by becoming a full-time student. That qualifies as being in the U.S. illegally.

Doug NYC   November 13th, 2007 4:33 pm ET

Proaction is always better than reaction…

Darth Vadik, Glendora CA   November 13th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

Is this still working, the scare tactics.

The only thing that scares me today, is the cowardice of the right wing republicans, whatever happened to "give me liberty or give me death".

Oh yeah, that only applies to other people's kids that republicans like to play war with.

Go to daddy Bush he will protect you and make you feel all good and cozy, where nobody will ever harm you.

And now uncle Fred can take care of you, or maybe the crazy cousin Tancredo, or maybe the Old Mad-der McCain. Or maybe Mits magical underwear, or that blood sucker Vampire Giuliani. They will all keep you nice and safe and cozy where no islamofacist can ever touch you.

Oh for the love of God, wake up people.

Anthony, Beverly Hills, CA   November 13th, 2007 4:31 pm ET

Why don't they talk about the gas prices and how it is going to affect every thing we do. From taking vacation to buying food. they are going to creat more crime and he is talking about backpacks

sgtlejeune   November 13th, 2007 4:29 pm ET

Remember when politicians used to garner votes based on issues, beliefs, and good old-fashioned mud-slinging? This reminds me of the old Italian mafia - "Vote for me or these people will kill you"

Anthony, Beverly Hills, CA   November 13th, 2007 4:29 pm ET

It is two completely different issues.
Darko.

Rhonda Nelson Sugar Land, Texas   November 13th, 2007 4:28 pm ET

I love Tancredo's ad. It's about time a politician cared about American citizens more than anyone else. We pay their salaries. We elect them to serve us. No one else. Us. U.S.

Hank, Fort Myers, Fl   November 13th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

This guy is a nut! Let's not forget that one of the most horrific terror attacks on our nation..was inside our borders, from an American, and a veteran. We've got just as much to fear from nuts like Tancredo stirring the far right wing wacko's as we do from Muslim extremists!

Karen Schweiker/AZ   November 13th, 2007 4:24 pm ET

Tom Tancredo is the only candidate with the guts to tell it like it really is, and if you want to live in a state of denial about the dilemmas are country is facing, that's your choice, but it would be better if you got off your couch, or out of your bed and hit the deck running.

Tom Tancredo did not cross the line with his ad. He is walking it and talking it, and the ad is effective in getting the point across about our weak and porous border–not only for illegal alien crossers, but for islamofacist crossers bent on destroying our country.

This man is faithful, loyal and has put his life on the line for what is right for this country, and he has the proof and legislative history to back it. He has an A-A+ rating from every conservative group out there, and he is willing to help us take our country back and return it to normalcy. If you want that, then he's the guy. If not, go for more of the same with unsecured borders and threats of REAL jihad any place, any time, in any number of places in our country.

As he would say, this is your country, take it back! This may be one of our last chances to do that through a leader such as Tom.

The critics can boo-hoo this man all they want. He is still the last best hope for this country.

Jonathan Hattiesburg, MS   November 13th, 2007 4:23 pm ET

Well, I guess Tancredo is causing one last stir before he takes his rightful place in political history as an "also ran" marginalia.

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA   November 13th, 2007 4:22 pm ET

are we scared yet, you know this right wing macho types sure are cowards.

Whatever happened to give me "liberty or give me death"….

No no, now its the islamofacists are coming, the islamofacist are coming, and the only ones saing it are the "MACHO" conservatives.

What a bunch of pathetic cowards they are. I'm not and never will be afraid of "islamofacists", what scares me is that so many Americans seem to be acting like cowards.

boooooooo, boooooooo, look behind you, there are ghosts too, booooooo

Dave, New York, NY   November 13th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

Tancredo is an idiot.

Every single 9/11 terrorist came in using legitimate or forged papers.

Real terrorists come in using real visas so they can blend in. There is no evidence at all of terrorists coming across the mexican border like undocumented workers.

What a moron.

Len, Fort Collins, Colorado   November 13th, 2007 4:15 pm ET

It must be getting close to election time….The fear factor is starting again.
Instead of fear, why shouldn't we enforce the laws for border control. We need more border control personel. Oh sorry we can't, we need the money for the war in Irag!!

therealist   November 13th, 2007 4:12 pm ET

Tancredo is a nobody. If he can't even bring up the subject, how are we suppose to address it? Everyone needs to wait up and be more aware of their surroundings at all times. Let's just call it common sense.

braini , wilmington nc.   November 13th, 2007 4:11 pm ET

Tancredo is showing a problem facing this country . What's wrong w. that ? Anyway, you all are aware that Iraq is succeeding of late… MSLSD and Communist News Netwk not showing the good news?

Cherri Brown, Fayetteville, GA   November 13th, 2007 4:11 pm ET

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,"~FDR at some point when fear could have gripped/paralyzed the nation and when true leadership prevailed to lead a nation into war as a nation of one. Tom Tancredo is not about leadership or unity. 'nuff said.

Alan, Bonita Springs, FL   November 13th, 2007 4:10 pm ET

What happened? Did Tancredo hire Karl Rove? Guess we should open this kind of campaigning up to ALL the fear strategies…like failure to breathe, dying of old age broke in the streets, all our bridges collapsing, oil costing $20 per gallon.

As Karly-boy knew all too well, when you can't argue the facts, it's time to crank up the fear machine.

Rob Wilms Los Angeles, Ca.   November 13th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

Tom Tancredo is a symptom of what is wrong with the American political system. This sort of fear-mongering has to be discredited, and he needs to resign in disgrace.

Dan Seattle, WA   November 13th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

People like Byron get me so scared. I better vote for Tom.

Islamofascism is a complete oxymoron and your use of the word Jihad shows you utter ignorance of Islam. I don't excuse Islamic extremists and their deplorable actions.

Rather than spewing fear and uneducated drivel, why don't you pick up a book and do a little reading.

Catherine Saint Paul Mn   November 13th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

Remember when everyone wante to come to America to LIVE the American Dream.. Not Blow it up……

-Refuse to live in fear!!

Russ, Columbia Texas   November 13th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

It's amazing using terror to terrorize voters into voting for them. I use "them" because Giuliani uses the same tactics. Giuliani unfortunately was in the wrong place at the right time and is using the horror of 9-11 to promote his campaign. What about all the graft and corruption which stemmed out of his term as mayor and is now being brought to light. A lot will be introduced to the campaign as it continues on.

Dave, Austin   November 13th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

Things will not improve, no matter who gets elected. Mark my words.

John Atlanta, GA   November 13th, 2007 4:03 pm ET

Byron: 1) stop repeating the rhetoric you hear on talk radio, it really doesn't make you sound more intelligent. 2) stop using catch phrases: "Islamofacists" makes no sense because the terrorists do not have authortarian control of a government or nation…if anything, people should be afraid of the current administration and it's abuse of power, secret operations, propaganda and corruption. Actually, they can be called "Conservafacists", because they are facists, and represent the real threat to our freedom.

And what's with "- The Mgmt"?

aj huntington ny   November 13th, 2007 4:03 pm ET

Yes, "erika morgan" another timothy mcvey could come along and bomb your kids' school. But why don't we tighten our immigration policies just in case?…

C. Lynch, Los Angeles, CA   November 13th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

Why sneak across the Super hot or Super cold desert border when you can get a VISA and get in Legally… You known like the 9/11 Hijackers did… Tancredo is an idiot!

JD Rugby ND   November 13th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

Fear, fear, fear. And don't forget to mention that this guy wants to continue Bush's war terror in Iraq just like Giuliani, Clinton, Thompson, Obama, and McCain.

Shirley, Dickinson, ND   November 13th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

I agree wholeheartedly with Byron and Sophie. The threat of terrorism is so real and the attacks will become more frequent as this country gets weaker and weaker and more vulnerable every day. I think Mr. Tancredo is exactly right when he says they are here and more are coming to do us great damage. Al Qaeda is just sitting back and laughing at how the stupdity of this administration is running this country into the ground, giving them all sorts of options to do great harm to us.

Steve Driscoll. Columbus IN   November 13th, 2007 3:56 pm ET

All I can say is Wow, I give the man credit for sticking his neck on the line, but using a scare tactic when we know that 9-11 was caused by terrorists that came here legally. If I remember correctly some hijacker green card/citizenship visa was ok AFTER 9-11. The only thing we have to worry about in the south is an unskilled labor force and thats it for the most part. I have a real issue in this country about HEALTHCARE! Republicans have had 8 years to fix the border and havent done squat, lets fix something that will help us on this american soil, i dont give a toot about who gets what outside of the USA!

Gary Frechette Palm Beach Gardens Florida   November 13th, 2007 3:55 pm ET

Being involved in the mall security field and law enforcement for over 30 years this ad is completly out of line…What is this guy thinking. True or not we don't need this type of hype.

Steve, Detroit, MI   November 13th, 2007 3:55 pm ET

Any one sick enought with a backpack can explode a mall, or a school. We are all responsible watch, detect and catch them before it happens. I don't see how one or other politician could make a real difference here at home. Maybe bringing back our troops and stopping alienating the world.

Alan, San Angelo Texas   November 13th, 2007 3:49 pm ET

What does Tom Tancredo froth with?

JB Boston MA   November 13th, 2007 3:48 pm ET

If it's even partially true, then what is so wrong about it? Are we not supposed to discuss anything that scares people?

Nobody can argue that this is at least partially true.

This has been something that Tancredo has been talking about for six years. This isn't a bandwagon he has jumped on. And it is a shame that we stil have "porous" borders this many years after 9-11.

Darko, New Orleans LA   November 13th, 2007 3:47 pm ET

Wow you are ignorant, the people from 9/11 were here legally, at least most of them or they came in legally.

Which is a problem in itself wouldn't you say?

Raymond, El Paso TX   November 13th, 2007 3:45 pm ET

So we've come full circle now have we? What happened to fighting them over there so we don't have to fight here?

Could it be Republicans are admitting they were wrong? It'll be interesting to see how they spin this one.

Ashley T., Seattle, WA   November 13th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

This fearmongering tactics won't work for any republican candidate. If this is true, then why not bring all our servicemen from Iraq and elsewhere and place them in malls and Wal Mart and grocery stores? According to Bush, we are fighting the war there so that these jihadists don't come here and blow up our malls. These phony Karl Rovian tactics can only be shown on FOX.

Anthony, Beverly Hills, CA   November 13th, 2007 3:38 pm ET

Wow you are ignorant, the people from 9/11 were here legally, at least most of them or they came in legally.

erika morgan black dimond wa   November 13th, 2007 3:36 pm ET

"THE HUN ARE COMING, THE HUN ARE COMING TO GET YOU" This was a paper tiger in 1000 as it is today.

PS1 I'd rather die an honest person, then live a worry driven shell of what I could be.

PS2 Shakespeare has Julius Caesar say " A brave man dies but once, a coward dies a thousand deaths."

PS3 I live by Caesars code.

Flagship, Hartford, CT   November 13th, 2007 3:36 pm ET

Nice… set the stage for home grown copy cat terrorist!
500 police in every mall?
Search every single back pack in public?
Tom Tancredo is another sick GOP wacko.
They must be breeding like roaches in the trash bins of society.

Steve, Huntington Beach CA   November 13th, 2007 3:34 pm ET

Fear, what a great distraction from the real issues.

Max, Boston, MA   November 13th, 2007 3:33 pm ET

Fear mongering is stupid, but I do respect that he holds to what he believes in. At least it's fear mongering with his name on the line. If people don't like it, then it's at his own risk.

Matt, Chicago   November 13th, 2007 3:33 pm ET

anyone who believes the following:

"Tancredo caused a stir in August when he said bombing holy Muslim sites would serve as a good "deterrent" to prevent Islamic fundamentalists from attacking the United States."

…is totally detached from reality + obviously doesn't know the history or philosophy behind recent terrorist attacks.

This is typical alarmist BS that is fairly amusing coming from an irrelevant, ignorant xenophobe such as Tancredo. What's scary is that it's essentially the same message being used by Giuliani.

As a Chicagoan, my fear will be saved for the excessive Chicago sales tax, eventual cuts in public transpo, and a destructive continuance of the 'politics of fear,' led by long-time fraud, and probable pres. Giuliani.

Andy, DeKalb, IL   November 13th, 2007 3:31 pm ET

You probably have a better chance of being hit by lightening than being killed by a backpack bomber. The fear strategy is so 2001, there has to be something better. Somehow, this must be Bill Clinton's fault.

Former US Army Officer, Kansas   November 13th, 2007 3:29 pm ET

No more, this guy is totally undeserving of any more time or effort.

brandi , ny   November 13th, 2007 3:29 pm ET

Totally cracking up at Byron from Tulsa's warning from "THE MANAGEMENT" Tooooo funny !

Tim, Seattle   November 13th, 2007 3:29 pm ET

When your party is on the ropes, always go to the fear mongering card. Its the only card the GOP has left to play. Just ask the one-trick 911 pony Ghouliani.
And hey, isn't playing on the nation's fear considered terrorism? Just checking.

Ben Allbright, Little Rock, AR   November 13th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

Yes, they are coming so hard and fast that they've managed to attack our malls exactly zero times.

Tancredo is a flagrant xenophobe, and his campaign should be treated as seriously as an Amway convention–stay away at all costs.

Trollmaster, CA   November 13th, 2007 3:26 pm ET

There was a Republican majority for years after 9/11 why didn't they do anything about it then?

Let's be real, Republicans value cheap illegal immigrant labor over national security. If they really cared they would have done something about it on 9/12/2001 not use it as an election issue in 2007.

James Golden, New York   November 13th, 2007 3:23 pm ET

Of course Tancredo is right. Only the most dense left wingers suffering from bush derangement syndrome actually believe that there is no threat from terrorism (or believe Bush is more of a threat than the terrorists).

Tancredo is right to remind Americans that we still face a serious threat. Sure, some politicians have beat the 911 drum into the ground. But 9/11 did happen, and there are plenty more people out there who are just as willing to give their life so as to take a few of us with them. I just wish candidates that actually stood a chance of winning the white house echoed these concerns. Oh wait, they do, at least the GOP ones. Guess who I'll be voting for in 2008!

C_Munkie, Nashville Tennessee   November 13th, 2007 3:20 pm ET

Don't you just love the usefulness of fear? I just don't think it works when it comes to elections.

Vote for me or you could quite possibly die.

Not too catchy.

Sophie, Baton Rouge, Louisiana   November 13th, 2007 3:20 pm ET

He's right. It's sad he has to defend this ad. God forbid we step on anyone's toes.

Byron, Tulsa, OK   November 13th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

A vote for anyone but Tancredo is a vote for letting your children get murdered by Islamofacists and your wife raped by Jihadists. You have been warned.

– The Mgmt

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