(CNN) - The Republican National Committee Friday unearthed one of the most controversial political ads in American history to take aim at President Obama's decision to close the detention center in Guantanamo Bay.
Called "Daisy," The RNC's new 30-second Web ad uses footage of the now-infamous 1964 Lyndon Johnson commercial by the same name that showed a young girl picking off the petals of a flower as a nuclear explosion is heard in the background.
That ad, which only ran once but was widely criticized as being extreme, ends with the image of a mushroom cloud and Johnson declaring, "We must either love each other, or we must die."
The New RNC ad splices the image of the girl with Obama's earlier declaration suggesting that closing Guantanamo Bay is "easy." This time the girl asks "To close it? To close it not?" as she picks off flower petals.
It also shows Senate Democrats - including Majority Leader Harry Reid - appearing to take issue with proposals to relocate current Guantanamo detainees in the United States.
The new iteration, which forgoes the original's dramatic mushroom-cloud ending, comes days after RNC Chairman Michael Steele declared an end to the Obama administration's "honeymoon" and pledged more aggressive opposition from the GOP.
From CNN Politics
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Their desperation is showing...the Republicans are coming unhinged! Cheney looked a bit deranged yesterday...a combination of fear, evil, and madness. Pathetic if it wasn't so degrading and dangerous.
FEAR MONGERING? Well it worked for them well in the 2008 election. Oh wait...
Is this the 'new' face of the GOP? Seems like more of the same.
If this ad was being run against a Republican President the lame stream media would be cheering for it. It is nothing compared to the ads against President Bush.
Good!
Obama needs to understand what a sorry, stupid, and naive idea closing Gitmo is.
His speach yesterday was pathetic. He knows nothing about National Security and his ultra Liberalism is going to get people killed.
Republicans trying to gain an edge by trying to get everyone to soil their pants....
...what else is new?
What a despicable way to express a partisan opinion. May the republican party self-implode. Fear never wins over minds, it opens them up to the real threat:: Fear makers.
Who is editing this stuff?
"image of a mushroom crowd"
Does the RNC ever have an ORIGINAL idea?
Guess not.
What load of crap. Some old attacks. Will we ever get the GOP and democrats to work together. The GOP used the same tactics during the election and lost badly. Do they ever learn.
Oh this ad. BIG FAT FAIL . Why are they doing this to America . I am telling you my heart is broken on this one i'm taking it very personal and RNC great to scare the people who love America
It's sickening to see Gitmo closing. Sickening....
So...CNN...please explain what flower "pedals" are...
That's what happens when you have frikkin' illiterate high-school graduates write your stuff.
The RNC is offering our country nothing but fear and hate. This is simply more proof.
it's petals, not pedals
whoaa.. here we go.. fearmongering and b.s. all in one.. this is downright the worse of the worse.. please my fellow Americans be clear thinking and principled but please don't be asinine!!
The GOP should remeber that this type extreme fear mongering tactics will backfire. Americans are smarter than falling for this type of fear mongering.
Shocking! But CNN will defend anything Obie does. I think CNN is afraid of him. Why?
All the republicans have-scare tactics. And stale ones at that. Fear mongerers all.
I was in college when the original ad ran back in the '60s. Now the GOP wants to "dust it off" and air it for their own purposes? Can't they get the message from 2006 and 2008: THEY LOST BIG TIME! Go back under the rock you people have scampered under and die.
Republicans are scum bags.
Where are the useful smart republicans? The ones that can actually contribute to society. Inject intelligent insight to the opposing side. If this is the new direction, sorry to say, this party's time is up the way of the Whigs, Bull Moose and the likes.
So what was the point in this ad? Does the RNC really think that they are relevant anymore?
It's time for the scare tactics to stop.
I don't believe it was an image of a "mushroom crowd". Amazing how little proof reading goes these days.
Proof again that the republican party has no new ideas.
"most controversial political ads in american history" C'mon, there is nothing controversial in this ad at all. Closing GITMO was a stupid idea in the first place and was nothing more than political pandering.
So nothing has changed with the republican party. Still the party of fear and impending doom. So much for them reinventing themselves.
You need to learn how to spell.
Looking back to 45 years ago? Yes! That's the forward thinking RNC. .
People! You are a World-Wide news website.....the word is spelled "PETALS" not "PEDALS"!!!! Can't anyone spell anymore?
I guess the repuplicans are going to use this as their platform ha ha ha
Bicycles have pedals; flowers have petals. What *is* the world coming to?
These are the same people who said "It's un-patriotic when you don't support the president" when GW Bush was in office.
"mushroom crowd", "pedals of a flower"
Doesn't anyone edit?
So much for "new ideas" from the RNC. Stealing from an ad run over 40 years ago and originally by a Democrat. Way to steer the ship, guys. Typical.
Well, I guess this just proves there is no bottom for how low politics can go in this country. It's all rhetoric. Neither Rs or Ds can prove one way or another how "safe" we are in this country. Didn't we all "think" we were safe on 9/10/01?
Here we go again, the Republican using scare tactics, and I bet the american people are stupid enough to believe it.
It's sad to see how CNN can misspell a basic word like 'petals'. Bicycles have pedals, not flowers...
Unbelievable. Are they *trying* to self-destruct? We need a valid second party. Libertarians need to get up and running!
Someone at CNN needs to learn how to spell. Flower petals vs. bicycle pedals. Is this the best our education system can do?
Once again the Republicans prove they have no new ideas.....they have to go back 45 years for a retread commercial. No wonder people are leaving the party in droves........
How fitting. It was all bull way back then and it's still bull today.
Spread the fear vote Republican!
This ad just proves that the GOP is in the toilet.
So this is all the GOP has to offer u snow. No constructive proposals, no real debate on policy or morality or how to make America better just fear mongering.
Pathetic.
There is a VAST difference between "aggressive opposition" and "stupid opposition" and this falls into the latter category!
Great ad!
What would you expect from desperate people. Now they go back to 1964. Can't these people ever come up with anything new?
It's the only game left to play – they have really ran out of games. They need to just watch the NBA playoffs and go to bed like me.
The RNC in one word (DESPERATE)
Where are the solutions RNC or "Party of No!" The RNC is good at railing and very poor at bailing.
Nothing new from the Republicans...
Maybe one day they'll wake up and decide to do what's best for America,
but I doubt it.
So we're supposed to...what? Detain them indefinitely without charging them with any crimes? Just keep them til they die?
Okay Dick Hitler. Whatever you say.
Extreme leaders call for extreme measures. CNN wants to force-feed the fairy tale that Obama is selling. Go for it, RNC!
Here we go again, the Republicans are using scare tactics again.
Why does this not surprise me? I must say that it saddens me how many people are influenced by fear mongering in this country. I really thought that we had risen above that
What a waste of time and money. RNC, get a grip, America needs solutions to healthcare and the economy and there you are misrepresenting what you were sent to Washington to do by the people. You should all be fired.
seriously, this is ridiculous. the gop is falling apart before my eyes. it's amazing how pitiful and pathetic they are. the extreme-right-wingers are scary, and it's a good thing they are a dying breed.
This is, quite simply, fear-mongering and propaganda at its most heinous level. Republicans should be ashamed of themselves.
THIS dog won't hunt. GOP-tuck your tails, go back into your dog houses until you can come up with something positive to say and do that will benefit our country. I refuse to be afraid.
21 percent of americans identify themselves as Republicans.now you know why, no ideas..
They don't have anything to actually contribute to the foreign policy discussion, so they fear-monger. This is really low...
Just when you think they can't go any lower...
Why the headline, Shocking Ad unearthed? May Americans feel strongly that the Gimo Prisoners need to stay there!
It is "shocking" to me to think we might bring them to US Prisons.
proof positive that the GOP has absolutely no new ideas!!!
Fear mongering!
FEAR FEAR FEAR!!! The sky is FALLING!!! Run for your LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!
I dont know who's more pathetic, the RNC for using these tired old tactics, or the dolts who buy into them over and over again! Please! Use your brains people and know you're being played if you believe a SECOND of this BS.
Wow,
The Daisey Ad.
Talk about "New Ideas" ?!?
Ah, the Republicans, such a air of working together and helping our country move forward.
Too bad they cannot put aside their meaness. Same old. Same old.
Apparently the RNC can't come up with something unique and think for themselves, huh?
Can anybody spell any more? 'Pedals of a flower'? 'Mushroom crowd'? Have you no editors? Have America's educational standards really slipped this far? Sorry, but I'd expect better from CNN!
Happy to offer my editing services any time.
Gregor
When you stand for nothing, you resort to fear.
Q: Is anybody really "shocked" by the GOP and its bag of dirty tricks anymore?
A: No.
Q: Will this hurt or help the Obama administration?
A: Help.
Q: Has the party of "no" become the party of "no chance at re-election"?
A: Yes.
Same old Cons at it again...use FEAR to govern the people...
I'm not as "shocked" as the title of this article suggested I would be. Hmmmmm...
Once again the repuplican party is falling back on fear tactics. The least they could have done is be orriginal and that seems to be hard for them to handle. Maybe you should try debating facts not instilling fear in the american people.
Correct...the honeymoon is over. Now it's time for a divorce. Impeachment anyone?
BA HAHAHAHA!
I love the ancient GOP tactics. Yes, the terrorists will all escape and kill little girls.
Are you surprised...the GOP has nothing ! just negativism, repression, hatred, and bigotry......not a single constructive idea to be found....
They're gonna use even our kids to imprint fear in public's hearts. What a bunch of haters!
The RNC is imploding!!!!!
Fabulous!
Does CNNPolitics.com have an editor? Isn't it "mushroom CLOUD", rather than, "mushroom CROWD"?
why does the GOP hate America?
Way to look forward RNC! They'll never admit it, but it appears more like the Republicans are HOPING for another terrorist attack rather than trying to discourage one.
Just when you thought the Republicans could not demonstrate better the philosophy of "win at all costs", they trot this out. Republicans aren't interested in what is best for our country, they only want to destroy the opposition.
IT's an all out assault on Obama, or "anti-Obama Offensive." Smacks of desperation to me. Will most likely backfire eventually.
Mushroom crowd?
This is typical Repub FEAR, SMEAR propaganda... to attack a noble president and make the American populace still more FEARFUL... with the Audacity of hope that we will now all rush out – because of fear – and vote for those torture crazed Repubs...
Yeah, that will work!
Having a plan in place before the annoucement would have been a good idea. Sounds too much like the last administration.
Well, there's the Republican Party using its characteristic fear tactics again. Nice.
lol this merely shows how out of touch the RNC is with todays youth and voters.
'...ends with the image of a mushroom crowd' CROWD? How about CLOUD Mr. Web Editor! Pitiful
Please excuse me while I throw up!
Apparently the RNC missed that whole "We must either love each other, or we must die" quote from former President Johnson. On the other hand they spliced it and dubbed it to maintain their astute abilities of manipulation . . .
... Are you kidding me? This is the new party direction?
How extreme can they go? I don't think there was a honeymoon for the desperate RNC.
One huge flaw. Nothing here correlates. The message doesn't add up.
This is politics of fear and is very disgraceful. This party or what remains of it should be ashamed to call itself conservative. It's time to stop this craziness.
This is a desperate act by a political party without any ideas. The GOP sold out to the evangelicals, whose goal of establishing the Christian equivalent of sharia law in the U.S. is far outside the mainstream, and that has left the Republicans in total disarray.
This is truely pathetic, even for the RNC. We cannot hold detainees forever, on foreign soil, without charges, without trials, without justice, but the Republican fear machine just keeps up the drumbeat. What are their ideas, solutions?
Just another example of the GOP's lack of creativity. They can't come up with anything fresh.
I guess 1964 was the last time the GOP had a good idea that worked. At least Republicans believe in recycling something.
They'll do anything to discredit the President. Why not build a maximum security detention facility in Crawford TX and move them there. After all it will soon be the Republic of Texas run by Chuck Norris.
Fear tactics. The RNC and others of thier ilk are still trying to hold the American people hostage with their threats of terror. That makes THEM terrorists.
The RNC continues with their its tactics. Once a Republican, I will never again vote for this party whose base is fear. Fear mongering is a third-world tactic that is being used to make not only President Obama fail but for the U. S. to fail. Fear is the RNC's only hook to get attention, again justifying the label of the "party of no."
I wonder if the former Vice President know, there are already harden terrorist in federal jails (IN THE UNITED STATES.)
This is what an opposition party does. It was easy for the democrats to be extreme three years ago as well. This is just part of the political power cycle.
I think closing Gitmo is a good idea. It's kind of difficult to say you want to bring "Freedom and Justice" to the world when you're not even following your own ideals. We have several tough maximum-security prisons here in the US.
Maybe the RNC should have left in the mushroom cloud?
despicable.
Its all the GOP knows – scare tactics. According to them we should trash our constitution and values and become a lawless banana republic. I never realized the gun totting whip snapping republicans were such bed wetters.
CNN,
I think you mean mushroom cloud, not mushroom crowd. Unless, of course, you're referencing followers of the left. You know, kept in the dark and fed a bunch of ...
I truly wish the GOP would simply SHUT THE HELL UP.... Do they really think this sort of treasonous action wins them any converts? If anything all they do is empower the enemy to actions they can then blame Obama for. This sort of crap is based on NOTHING but hate.
First was Bush and Cheney spreading fear that we were going to be attack, not the RNC is following the same tactics. Do they actually think Americans, could possibly be this stupid?
Hmm, seems to me that we need to stop little girls from picking flowers. Evidently doing so will cause the world will blow up. Darn kids.
Closing a facility that participates in violating our countries values (torture) is going to make the world hate us a little less – where is the logic of an oncoming attack due to this? Have some class GOP. It's no wonder you're not taken seriously anymore.
Why not superimpose the destruction of the Trade Center Towers that occurred during the Republican's watch?
TRY as you my (RNC) it only makes you look even more STUPID and out-of-control, but then this is the only thing GOP'ers have to offer America and the WORLD more and more LIES and DENIAL.
If they did that, they might as well use a fake Dukakis to play as my boy and be in a tank, LOL!!!
Wow, there so tough now...geez GOP, no offense but come on!! LOL!!! Is that all you got?? LOL!!!
Wow...
When they will stop complaining and offer solutions to the problems they created and the Obama administration is trying to fix?
Just some more nonsensical fear-mongering from the Republo-Fascist Party....when will America finally purge themselves of this party of hate.
Fearmongering and hate is all the RNC has to work with these days. Shouldn't be surprising.....that's all they've worked with for the last 8 years.
Thank heavens there are cooler, calmer heads are now involved!
I saw that ad! Fear Mongering! This ad is outrageous!!!!
Here we go again!!!!!
A new low for Republicans. What is the purpose of doing this? They are doing more to compromise our nationa's security by demonstrating the division between the political parties–a sign of weakness in the eyes of our enemies.
Despicable.
When will the GOP learn that their message of hate and feer is exactly what got them into their current predicament. The American people have been intimidated, scared and lied too by the GOP for too long. We are scik and tired of it!!
This just proves that there's no level to which the GOP will not sink to spread hysteria amongst the easily-brainwashed.
The only mushroom cloud is the Republican Party imploding. They are a bunch of jerks and America sees them for the pathetic warmongering hate spewing fear instilling idiots they truly are. Obama is right and has my full support.
Sick...sick..sick. How low are we going? The GOP is in a lot of trouble if they are continuing using the tactics of fear. They used fear to torture; commit crimes against humanity and now instead if rising to the occasion and pulled together they go even lower. Most people with enough sense will see thru this…
Typical Republican fearmongering. Honestly, don't these guys EVER have anything positive or productive to promote their position with?
Hey guys, America is sick of it. The last election proved it.
Keep digging, GOP. Keep digging.
the republican party is antiquated and irrelevant. won't they just go away???
I have never met a more cowardly group than repubs. Is there anything they aren't afraid of?
My goodness...Republicans are so predictable. They are so void of original and creative ideas that they are digging up old ads to use against Obama and the Dems. I am soooooo glad that I am no longer a Republican. Republicans aren't even worth responding to anymore. Their so ridiculous.
I would think that Mr. Limbaugh and Mr. Steele could come up with something more original and up to date than an ad from the early 60's.
PLEASE...closing Git-Mo will cause bombs to go off in the USA?? GOP really needs help!!!! we went to Iraq because they had WMD'S.. have we found them yet?? the GOP should be put on the show Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader!!!!!!!!
Stop wasting time. Prosecute Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld and ALL the rest immediately. Stop playing with the law.
Old. Just old. Same old scare tactics. Same old fear mongering. More of the same old rhetoric. Priceless.
Ah yes... the image of a mushroom crowd would scare the bejebus out of me too. Gotta' be 'afeared of those crowds of mushrooms.
Come on CNN, get some real editors there to catch this stuff. I don't know which is the bigger crime–that typo or the GOP (Got 0 Plans) use of such a twisted commercial.
Yeah, that's a good way to get through to a new generation; recycle fear propaganda from the 1960's. Good luck with that RNC. And good luck in 2010.
Fear-mongering at its finest. I'm actually surprised they went with "this decision will result in terrorists detonating a nuclear bomb in our backyard" as opposed to "this decision will result in terrorists kidnapping your little white children," my first assumption. Nothing is below these people.
When are the republicans going to realize that they lost and most of us do not care what they say. All they seem to be able to do is attack, attack, attack and the only ones who care about what they have to say are the right wing extremists who try to shove their lifestyle down everyone elses throats. The press does not help with all their attention to the losers such as Cheney and Palin.
Don't they get it? The majority of Americans simply refuse to live a life in fear. We're over their tactics of the last 8 years.
Chaney is a disgrace – he should retire and continue to slobber out of the side of his ugly mouth
RNC, I'm an upscale, white, suburban, Southern voter – and after the last several months of watching your tactics like this, on top of the last eight years, I can safely say that I will never vote for your party again. Does that disturb you? It should...
so what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is there no depth that these jerks cant sink too?? Is there anyway for the evangelical-republicans to learn how to unify instead of splinter??? I would say absolutly NOT! This is unbeleivable and just plain awful!!! Just more distraction deciet and lies. Cant they just go away to maybe hell?
Fearmongering as usual.. Scare the populace to come to your side. that strategy worked well in November 08 didn't it?
I think the RNC's approach to our national security is a lot like Cheney's approach to hunting.
Glad to see the GOP not resorting to fear mongering. Way to come up w/ some new ideas. Jeez.
AMAZING AD. It's time Americans stand up to this wreckless joke of a president.
The Republican party has hit "rock bottom" in their tactics. Their attacks on a sitting President of the United States is boardering on treason. They will stop at nothing to bring him down no matter what the cost to the country.
Remember how Dick Cheney used to say people shouldn't criticize the President during wartime?
Remember that?
What a hypocrite. The GOP can't possibly sink any lower....can they?
They now stoop to a new low... I can't believe these people are Americans. This would be a far better country if this so-called Party just disaooeared from the scene. They offer nothing but hate.
I am so sick of these FEAR tackics is just sickening!
How can these Republicans stoop to such a level. Their spin machine is ramped up way too high right now. They are actually trying to justify the use of torture and there is nobody censuring this nonsense. It seems like the American people are more adamant about the humane treatment of dogs than they are about the treatment of people.
This is rediculess, Terrorists wouldn't do that to a little girl..
Me thinks Michael Steele is a closet democrat. No republican in their right mind would do something this ill advised.
The GOP is taking the PERFECT approach. They are going to engage their party and 2010 will be a MAJOR setback for this terrible administration and this immature democratic 4 year congress.
like this is surprising coming from the party of NO?!...we've had this argument before and the American people resoundly defeated it!
NEXT?
what's a mushroom crowd?
The GOP really is becoming the party of fear and inflexability. Each day I get a little more appalled and dismayed by their actions and comments. First it's condoning tourture and now it is instilling the fear on annihilation. Just what exactly has the the GOP become under the RNC?
Ah, symbolism, half-truths, broad generalizations, demonizing, and opportunist stances. The GOP is on a come back.
Don't forget to "duck and cover" under your school desk when the former Gitmo detainees drop the bomb.
Forget the "Cold War" antics of the party who drives Lincolns, welcome to "War OnTerror 2.0: The Fear Of Fear Itself."
It's like these people are hoping, and calling, for violence against this Country just so they can save face and prove a point. How unamerican is that? Why do these news stations have to broadcast each and every hateful thing these republicans come up with? President Obama is an amazing president and we need to let him do the job the American people elected him to do. Newt, Rush and even Cheney do NOT hold any office so let them go. PLEASE!!!!!!!
war mongers.....fear mongers.....
is this really the face of the republican party???? and do they really think normal people will be affected by this?? do they really think anyone that can actually think will be swayed by this type of BS?????
I really thought the repukes were at the bottom of the s**t pile....this just proves they are willing to dig them selves even deeper....
these people are discredited and disgusting; they can't control themselves even as their party continues it's path to obscurity.
LOL....GOP that's all you got . It is really sad that GOP has not given America any solutions to our problems. However they surely make news for negative comments.
The Party of NO has now become the party of Hell. The GOP is dead!
This sort of hate- and fear-mongering by the RNC is unconscionable.
And I'm sure CNN will air it, have roundtable discussuins about it and beat it like a dead horse as they always do. Geee, why not get Dick Cheney and his family on to discuss it.
Fear mongering; that's how bush campained and I guess that all they can think of. Totally discusting.
The RNC is sick and dangerous and should be ashamed. Where are the moderate voices that the people want to hear. I am embarrassed for them that their attacks have become so vicious and their ideas and policies are MIA. Makes me glad I switched to the Democratic Party in the '90's. If I hadn't then, I would now!! Ugh!
Has it really come to this? Really?
Really low blow, but then again what would you expect from Republicans?
I tell you what..The Republican Party is already in a deep hole, and they just keeping digging and digging it deeper and deeper.
Repulsive ads do nothing but show the desperation the Republican Party has right now..bunch of losers while you were in office and still a bunch of losers out of office.
Poor taste. So if we put these supposed terrorists in maximum security jails here in the U.S. then a nuclear bomb will go off? I don't think so. Fear is the neo-conservative agenda.
Republican fear-mongering at its very worst.
Will these people stoop to any means to save their dying party?
Influencing people through fear – isn't that terrorism itself?
The stink of desperation is all over the GOP these days. It's gone from amusing to outright pathetic.
Is this the best they can do? Another fear tactic? Shouldn't these guys be focussing on something more constructive? I am so pissed with these old bums.
Ridiculous – Do people really believe that Obama is going to release these people on to the streets of the US. WHen Cheney said we will have to support these detainees with TAX payer money – what are we doing now? Turturing people so that he could prove he was right about Iraq? Cheney could care less about protecting the country – he is just trying to protect his legacy – are people really stupid enough to believe this drivel?
It would be funny if the DNC did the same ad, but flipped it.
Guantanamo Bay is the terrorist best selling point, and we gave it to them!
How many American soldiers do you think have been killed by people recruited using images of Guantanamo Bay?
It's the same negative mindset that lost them the election. Guess they will never learn.
"We must either love each other, or we must die."... the RNC is depressing. No new ideas, no new adds. Just the same old rethoric and blah blah blah as before. All they do with these adds is scare the living hell out of ultra nutjobs who believe the world is after them. Maybe by closing Obama we're moving close to the "We must either love eachother" part of Lindon's comment. The ultras idea is "We Must Die".
Reaching back 45 years and appropriating someone elses idea for a spark of creativity – does anyone need more proof the republicans are the party of old/no ideas?
Hey, next we'll probably have Steele on a hillside with Cheney, Rove, Boehner and McCain singing about how "It's the real thing".
If we c lose it, we will all be "pushing up the daisies"
am sure cnn loves it...ratings...why else would they post this on their site?
Republicans love to try to win Americans over with fear and if they do, then they lead with fear tatics. That is what they did to get us in Iraq and now they are trying to use fear again because the nation has chosen a different direction from the ways of the Republican Party.
This is the most PATHETIC add that I have ever heard of from either poitical party.
How are those who would support such an add deny that this is "fear mongering"?
And I'm no liberal,...and the GOP wonders why young people voted en masse for Obama?
Baseless fear-mongering is all the GOP has to offer. Sad.
The implication is there. Anyone who is old enough to remember the ad, or has heard of the ad, is hopefully baited into the belief that we all will die if GITMO closes.
Tired ad for a tired tactic, I say.
Again the RNC show that they have no new ideas to deal with the problems facing our country. Recycling old, fearful ads....RNC what a joke.
Once again, the Republicans are showing that they are the party of the Devil.
The RNC has lost their minds.
Obama is not strong enough to tackle terrorists. He gives in so that he can remain popular. America will likely be attacked on Obama's watch. Obama is more concerned about playing basketball, golf and working out then he is about keeping us safe or creating new jobs.
RNC – How many nails does it take for you to realize that your coffin is now shut tight?
Here we go with the politics of fear again......Must we torture, kill and invade to preserve who we are? Is this really America?
Well since nothing else is working for the Republicans, I guess they have no other recourse except to use their fear tactics, which are worn out. They just make me laugh.
This is utterly disgusting...the GOP has really hit bottom... Truly sad, especially with the Memorial Day weekend here. Are they THAT desperate???????
President Bush planned to close Gitmo, this was supported by Mcain, James Baker, Henry Kissinger, etc.... Use of this advertisement, during this weekend could only be supported by the most hateful and unpatriotic people around.
The RNC is over the top. This is absolutely disturbing and intended to incite fear. Not buying it!
Just another disgustingly, sick, cheap shot by the GOP. Digging themselves deeper into their hole.
Disgusting. Republicans are pigs. They are the "national socialists," not the Dems.
I have voted republican many times in my life but I will never do so again.
Republicans are just the lowest of the low.
I'm wondering why Obama is being targeted in this way. Maybe because he is not part of the "establishment?" Maybe because he is addressing our fundamental values? Maybe because he is addressing the nation in a healthy and direct way?
If Cheney et al were truly invested in America's safety he would not be undermining the President of the United States in this way.
I didn't know Obama had a honeymoon, what with the solid Republican wall of opposition he has encountered thus far. The ad is just another sign of Republican desperation. Pathetic.
Ahhh, the outrage the left will have with this one. I guess LBJ decided to take the death option...in Vietnam, at least.
I can't wait for in 3 years, when nothing has happened in the US, to see what the republicans can say then? I mean seriously, I don't know of a better example of ruling (or trying to) by fear. wow. This crap should be outlawed.
in desperate efforts to justify their crimes against humanity.
not gonna happen this time around, losers.
Fearmongering at it's best.......To all out there who seek truth over tales of destruction.....Please note that Obama has continued all of Bush's policies on terror, except torture.
I can't wait until 2010, and 2012, to smack down this hateful regime, once and for all.
Listen up Reds, get working with the Administration and quit being the problem. WORK TOGETHER!! This method is counter productive and it is part of the problem, your attitude is part of the problem.
You are not allowing us the people to progressive with these backward antics. Knock it off and work together!!
More hate and fear..... next they will threaten beheadings....
Unbelievable. Rebuplicans are still trying to scare the public into their corner. They have no plan or solution to the nations problems, so they just bully the weak and frightened. This is the same method the Taliban uses on the people in Afghanistan and Iraq. Simply terrible.
These Cheney neo-tardals have shown time and again they will stoop to any level to acquire/maintain power and suppress dissent. I can only hope the masses have smartened up by now...
But, on a more serious note, the tone of the Republican rhetoric makes me concerned for the safety of our democratically-elected President.
a cornered, ignorant, and dying animal will lash out at anything
Absolutely ridiculous...
Will these guys ever learn?
The desperation of the GOP has reached a new level. That sort of sensationalism smacks more of tabloid journalism than what we need to have running this country. Shameful and disgusting.
Dear GOP,
What is WRONG with you?!!!
The Party of Fear strikes again. I guess were not a nation of whiners after all. We're a nation of cowards. How pathetic.
Roger Ailes, who has also given us FOX news, was the man responsible for the ad. It should come as no suprise that the GOP and the man who established their unofficial propaganda arm are joining forces to hastily update a 45-year-old ad in a pathetic effort to slow Obama down. What's next, witch hunting in Salem, or retrying Galileo?
So much for looking forward, guys. Can't you come up with anything new?
The behavior of the Republicans gets more disgusting ever day. They're like a bunch of whiny children that need to get slapped.
The rethuglicans set new limits on 'how low can they go'. NO solutions, NO ideas, just tear people down instead of trying to rebuild this country they helped destroy.
i'm sure there are better things for th RNC to be doing than digging up things that can't be changed. The party itself is self destructing and they have time to attack the president over something from the 1960s. Somebody please tell them that they should be working on the man in the mirror.
Haha, The GOP is in such disarray, they are pulling from each and every angle possible just to be heard.
I love LBJ! His Daisy Ad was fitting for that time. LBJ was the best!
This just goes to show that the GOP has NO new ideas to reform their party and they are now just taking old adds, and remaking them.
BORING!
THOU SHALT BE AFRAID!!!! Stop going about thy everyday lives to cringe and cower and wet thyselves!!!! Thou shalt spend thy time soaking in a puddle of thine own fear and dismay and turn only unto those who have instilled this fear for thy succor!!!
Seriously. I'm almost upset that there's really nothing any of us can come up with to say that can make the GOP's behavior sound more insipid and laughable than the reality of it all. It speaks for itself.
ROFL.. as if we needed any more proof that the only tool the RNC has is fearmongering.
CNN you should be ashamed of yourselves! Doesn't anybody proof-read the articles before they are uploaded? Flowers have petals, bicycles have pedals.
This is too comical for words.
sounds lame, they better run a study.
repugs, the party of no "new ideas" . Retreads, nothing more. they are truly pathetic! Got to get the fear going again. that's what they pander to in the american public ,be afraid, be very afraid.
so if you are a coward at heart , listen to the GOP.
This is what happens when you rush through important decisions! Doesn't matter what your political views are, doesn't matter what race you are. Obama should've made a plan regarding what to do with the terrorists before he jumped to close Gitmo
"We must either love each other or we will die"......so aptly describes the loathsome republican party.
Love is not in their vocabulary. The only way they know anything about the word Love is to use it in a dispicible ad...but then they're republicans what do you expect.
THEY ARE THE ONES WHO SANCTIONED TORTURE AND ARE NOW TRYING TO ESCAPE FROM THEIR ACTIONS, by trying to throw the blame on Nancy Pelosi.
The Republicans including FORMER VP Cheney need to take a step back and let our President try and fix the extremely disfunctional situation that they have single handedly put this country in. They had 8 years to do what they wanted and oh did they ever. Now the people of The Untied States of America have spoken and we chose CHANGE, we chose OBAMA.
Really? Why are politicians so caught up in pointing fingers and trading jabs?
With all the challenges our nation faces, I wish they'd spend a lot less time trying to make each other look bad and a lot more time working towards resolution. Throw out BOTH the GOP and Democrats and let's get some people in there that actually want to do some work for a change.
It's just pathetic grade-school bickering. Grow up and do your job already.
This is why I am a FORMER republican.
What is so controversial or shocking about that?
GOP to America: Alright, you've tried hope. Want fear again?
OMG! Fear, fear everywhere. Oh where oh where are the Republicans? They'll save us for sure!
UNbelievable! I guess I shouldn't be shocked they would use this... Why must the right use fear? Americans aren't stupid!
Flowers have petals, not pedals.
I'm embarassed for and of the GOP.
Seriously....who are these people???? All that they know is scare tactics....it worked before and resulted in GB being elected the second time. Will it work again? That is a truly scary thought.
pedals should be PETALS
Mushroom crowd should be mushroom CLOUD
Where are CNN's copyeditors lately? It's be atrocious reading the site of late! Splurge a little, get a proofreader!
Obama never had a honeymoon and these Republicans will stop at nothing to try to discredit him. They are the ones that are risking National Security. They are absolutely hidious!!!! Realistic Americans can see through their partisan, ugly Bull! That is why Obama is President and they are where they are. "No where"
And we would expect anything less from the GOP? Political fear mongering no longer serves them well. The democrats should encourage them to keep spewing their drivel as it is getting them nowhere
Doesn't that figure. GOP = All Fear, All the Time.
It seems to me it was the GOP in power on 9/11. They didn't protect us so well then did they.
Jerks.
Yeah, let's take gloves off & take it up Steele's & the GOP's derrieres!
It was WMDs that we invaded Iraq! Now, closing Guantanamo endangers US soldiers abroad? It's our military superiority that kept Al Quaeda on the run - not Guantanamo! The enhanced interrogation techniques are torture. They don't work (ask John McCain)! Someone should be responsible for approving these techniques - and it's Cheney and those who voted for these gangsters.
Fear has no place in the post-gangsters (Bush/Cheney) era!
Let's go & get them, Obama!
The RNC seems to love trying to instill terror in the American people ... doesn't that make them terrorists?
What the RNC still fails to understand is that Americans are not looking for just 'opposition' but viable solutions to the issues that impact our country. This action only concretes the belief of over 75% of Americans that the GOP is only a cancer on our country.
More Aggressive opposition from GOP?? Really I thought they were pretty aggressive already, didn't Limbaugh say he wanted him to fail? Isn't Hanity railing against Obama everyday? How much worse can it get. What is wrong with these people? Instead of blaming everything on Obama why don't they take a long hard look in the mirror and fix themselves! Well i guess they are going to make it easier to win in 2012!
Can't wait to read the slams from the Libs. Just remember when you do the idea came from Johnson....................a Democrat
Oh My,
That is funny.
Just another case of Republicans recycling ideas from the 1960s.
yaaaawn, how predictable
Divisive propaganda from the dinosaur party? Shocking!
Will the GOP's hatred of Obama never end?
If there are any citizens of America that still want to affiliate themselves with the Republican Party I suggest that go find a hole to hide in.
The Republican party does not know how to lead only to destroy, distract, and rob the country blind. They do this under the guise of "conservative moralism". The "morals" of this party are nothing I want to see represent the United States.
I see, so the RNC bottom line message is to keep torturing indefinitely because it saves lives.
What kind of bizarro world do you live in when you believe torture = saveing life? Orwellian double-speak if I've ever heard it.
That's the GOP for you– living in the past.
Leave it to the Republican party to look back 50 years, to Lyndon Johnson, to attack the Obama administration. Not only is the Republican party unable to envision the future...they are unable to see the present! And they obviously live in the past.
I am proud to see America changing. I am 40 yrs old and couldn't be happier that the generation right behind me has voted for change and for the ideas of the future that have a chance to turn our nation around.
America wants a bright future...not a blast from the past!
If there was any ad like this made in the first few months of the Bush administrations first term the GOP would've raised holy hell. Typical republican fear tactics, tried & true. They are the biggest hypocrites. They have no desire for bipartisanship, to unite the American people, only to manipulate and control. Modern conservatism has proved to be intellectually bankrupt.
This is just another example of the fear mongering that is the trade mark of the republican party.
They have nothing to offer of substance so they just pander to fear and paranoia.
What I am about to comment on is not relevant to the subject of the topic....rather the way it has been edited. Off late, I've noticed several errors in spelling in the articles posted on the CNN website. Case in point is this particular topic, where the word "petals" has been written as "pedals". Considering the scope and popularity of CNN, I think that these errors should be addressed before they are published on the site.
RNC demonstrates just how desperate they are !!!
So this is thr new face of politics? Non stop campaigning? Give it a freaking rest already!
This is about as shocking as a dog going to the bathroom. Sensationalism much?
ENOUGH! I got tired of hearing the Dems talk about Bush NOW I am tired of the RNC and Obama
They are truly Pigs. The RNC and Steele are disgusting in their attempts to smear the President and terrorize the country. Absolute Pigs.
Leave it to the RNC to continue to be nasty and divisive. They can't come up with their own ideas, so just try to tear down other's. I think their time as a viable political party is at an end.
Didn't the republicans get it that they can't scare the american people
anymore I thought we voted that out last november .
This is SAD!!!!!!!!!
The only thing to fear is the desperate and diseased Republican Party.
they will do anything to reclaim power, including destroying our once great nation.
Close it. Also close our military base on the island of Cuba. How would we feel if Cuba had a military base in the USA?
Wow, fear-monger much?
As for the GOP, so much for looking forward. How can they be expected to have any new policies when they can't even come up with new ad ideas?
I think that it is rather a symbol of our crumbling education system and reliance on spell check that the word "pedal" is used by the author of this piece instead of the correct spelling "petal" for the segments of a flower.
Is it not sad that the RNC is repsonsible for the division over the last eight years, the torture, the Katrina bungling, the lies about Iraq, The loss of Billions, allowing our economy to fail. Yet, they think they can continue to pump out the same division., hatred and ignorance.
Cheney and the RNC are trying to change public opinion with their statments and ads. They both know that the US and International govermental bodies are going to prosecute who was responsible for war crimes and that is Cheney. His daughter knows it, so does the RNC.
Keep trying Dick, but there is justice in this World and will rain down upon you!!!
Cheney and the other Stalinists who run the GOP have no other program...except to create United Soviet of America where the rule of law is unknown and torture in concentration camps is the norm.
Not very surprising that the RNC returns to its core – fear. The only way they feel they can win is to scare the nation. Not bring new ideas to the looming issues of the day. Not opening its doors to listen to Independents and moderates. But run back to fear. And have Cheney as its mouth piece. President Cheney (yes the real president of the last 8 years)
What is wrong with the RNC. Have they completely lost their minds? Evidently they have been taken over by mindless idiots. Why can't they accept the fact that Americans are sick and tired of RNC standing for Rich National Committee. Didn't they suck enough from the middle class under Bush and Congress. I think those in charge have just completely lost a sense of reality. Both parties better start working together or they will all be gone from politics.
[Quote] – That ad, which only ran once but was widely criticized as being extreme, ends with the image of a mushroom crowd [sic] and Johnson declaring, "We must either love each other, or we must die."
A mushroom CROWD? For God's sake, you people are in MEDIA. The conveyance of information is your profession. PLEASE learn how to proof-read, so that you stop making the members of your profession look like idiots.
Obama has already made it clear that we will see 30 second political commercials to make Americans fearfull. He understands that, and so do we! It doesn't work.
I don't understand why we wouldn't want these prisoners in US prisons and on US soil. At least then, we'll be able to track them and know where they are. Who cares if they are on US soil, if they are sitting in a maximum security prison? I would rather that, then ship them to another country that may or may not release them.
The pary of fear believes if you can win with the better candidate any means will do...no matter how dishonest and slanderous. After all, isn't that what Jesus would do?
Cool! New Republican mantra, "Pander to the base, pander to the base". That'll get us elected! Did they not hear the cries against that type of politic in the last two elections? Of course, all the better for the Democratic Party who will probably be able to muster up the twenty million votes it will take to win the next election too!
Seriously really are they going to go there. For once if they are going to attack him lets us something with substance instead of trying to scare everyone into the idea that Obama is going to be the end of the world. And Steele so glad you are openly stating that the Republican should oppose Obama on everything hummmm doesn't sound like this party really wants to fix anything just more of the old same tricks.
If those who elected Obama wanted Hope, they were greatly mislead by the Obama Smoke Screen, Look what his stimulus TAXES have done for you, NOTHING. GM bankrupt and laying off, Chrysler bankrupt and laying off, American Express lay off of 4000, Bailout Banks in the 785 Billion, TAX CHEATS running Washington, Unemployment on its way to 10%, States going bankrupt and ELKHART, IN broke and in trouble but now they see Obama LIED.
The Republicans just dont get it and never will
these ads will just reflect what they are really all about!! *DIRTY POLITICS* at any cost!!!!
They are sinking in Quicksand and they just keep sinking *deeper*
Maybe one day some intelligent in person in that party will get them out of the muck and mire!
The American people spoke loud and clearly in the last election
and it was NOT for the republicans or for your Rove- Cheney brand of politics
Fear the greatest motivator in America. Why not keep America running scared it has worked for years and will likely keep on working for many more.
The Repugnicans are up to their old tricks again. Dirty as usual!!
Common knowledge that the Republican Party is in serious trouble.
If this is the best they can do, using parts of this old campaign video, then they truly are in critical condition.
Sad.
Members of the GOP are heartless, fear mongerers and punks.
They should round up Cheney, Limbaugh, Bush, Steele, Palin, etc...and ship them all to Gitmo.
Someone can bring a bucket and I'll supply the water.
The GOP is disgusting. This really takes it. When all else fails, resort to fearmongering.
Gee, fear mongering from the GOP? I can't believe it!
Fear mongering only works on those who can't think for themselves. That's why it plays great to their base, but no one else
The leaders of the GOP become more despicable with each passing day.
If we don't agree with the RNC , we must die.
what kind of message is that, about as outdated as the RNC
This is just ridiculous... but not surprising. Sure looks like the GOP has a lot of growing up to do. With all of this pro-Gitmo talk coming from the right wing it sounds like they dislike due process almost as much as they dislike Obama.
Totally disgusting. The GOP is continuing its vile campaign of..........
hate........ lies............ fear.......... and division.
If the RNC thinks this will fly in 2009, then they are an even more embarrasing bunch of amateurs than previously thought. The existence of Gitmo, and the fact that people have often been held for years without charge, only to be released, is a shocking stain on the image and integrity of the US.
sick.
just sick.
One party system = tryanny. Hail Hail the 2 Party system. Slug away GOP
this would have to be one of the sickest things the GOP would dig up and use . they are so sick and stupid
just shows how dirty they will play
sad thing is ..it isn't a gome anymore it is serious and most americans are tired of the petty crap thatthe republicans are pulling
they are pretty much at the bottom of the pond scumming and slumming their way lieing and ..cant think of any words to describe this kind of crap
LOL–the new GOP? Using an ad from the '60's? How progressive and forward thinking. And as an aside it back fired then and it will now.
Bush's "Cloud of Mushroom" was the twin towers, the Pentagon and a field in Pa.
What did bush and cheney do to prevent this from happening?
The repubs want you to live in fear with Obama but we still would live in fear under repubs administration. They would ensure this fear by using "cowboy" tactics to control the world. They do not want to listen to the changes of the world. Hell they do not want to listen to US citizens.
Do I hear Taliban ideas whispering in my ears?
Just another nail in the RNC coffin.
Haven't they figure out yet that negativity just isn't going to work anymore?
How about something positive that the RNC can do to help the country, not just make themselves feel better?
The Know Nothing Party is at it again. It seems that they are not marching to oblivion but rather they are running to oblivion. The have nothing to offer the American people other than who to blame and what to fear. We, the people, will not buy into the comments from the dark side. If they have nothing positive to offer, they should get out of the way and let the President govern and clean up the mess that the Republicans created over the past decade.
Didn't Condi Rice also theaten a mushroom cloud if we didn't invade Iraq?
Add this to the list of things that will backfire on the republicans.....
So sad, you almost feel sorry for them......almost......
That ad, which only ran once but was widely criticized as being extreme, ends with the image of a mushroom crowd and Johnson declaring, "We must either love each other, or we must die."
What's a mushroom crowd?
I would certainly expect a CNN reporter to be able to spell "petal" correctly. I guess that is setting the bar to high.
Steele, is a very funny guy. The GOP never gave Obama, a Honeymoon. The GOP attack Obama on Jan 19 2009, and never let up.
But, Bringing up a 1964 ad, stays right in line with the Rep's calling Obama a socialist, Just as McCathy in the 50's called all Dem's Communist. Can't wait till the REP's start airing ads from theh 70's. By 2010 the REP's ads, should be from the 80's. What a old thoughtful group these rep are.
The decision to run this ad makes total sense, being that these types of spots worked so well against Obama in 2008, much like McCain's "Dr. No" ad
Please, RNC, continue to ressurrect iconography from the 60's; THAT'LL get your message across :/
The RNC just continues to go lower and lower – they don't get the fact that the American people soundly rejected their fear tactics in the last election. We had 8 years of fear tossed at us constantly, they abused their power and we grew and learned.
Their politics of old is just that – old and worn out just as their ideas are.
More despicable cowardice from the RNC.
Okay–my face is a little red...I do know how to spell. I meant "that is setting the bar TOO high."
Republicans have shown that they have a fundamental problem telling the truth. They pretend to be Christians and patriots while helping the insurance industry, big pharma and the oil industry rob us blind. Republicans had to become masters of deceit to get people hurt by their policies to vote for them. Foghorns like Rush are expert at mixing bits of truth with lies to deceive people, and that's how the Bible describes Satan.
I seriously hope these are the death throes of the Republican Party. Otherwise, I'm not sure what to make of the people who would still support them after something like this.
Excellent ad...
This is absolutely sickening.
The RNC should be ashamed of themselves.
I plan on turning the station if I see this commercial, and not supporting the network that airs it.
Republicans will soon join whigs as being the largest failed political parties in US history.
oh my...let the cry babies start. how dare the republican party hit back!!
how dare anyone take issue with anything obama does!! the audacity of some people!!
I don't think the GOP could illustrate their political irrelevance any more clearly. Using a notoriously divisive ad from 45 years ago as some kind of political strategy in 2009? Who is running this party, drug addicts?
Fear, fear and fear, that's made this world
like it was. Time for change! Time for dialog,
time for peace all over the world.
An aid that turned thousands upon thousands of people off from the Democratic Party is being unearthed. All I can sat is...New Low.
all politicans are corrupted and instead of worrying about the other party why not worry about america stop fighting and do your job for once we need help and we cant get it if all u people are going to fight all the time i say grow up and do your job!!!