Kay Hagan Responds to Elizabeth Dole "godless" ad

It didn't take Kay Hagan long to repsond to the "godless" commercial I mentioned in my last blog post. Shortly after I saw the Dole ad, the online posts started cranking up.

If you've missed the commercial, Dole had a thirty second spot that said that Kagan took money from atheists - or godless Americans. The really troubling part, in my opinion, was the end. That showed Hagan's photo and a voice over saying, "There is no God." The voice did sound like Hagan. In fact, I thought perhaps it was a sound bite taken out of context. In fact, that was not Kagan at all. That's where I think the ad really got dirty. Frankly, the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth, but you just don't do a voice over with a photo when the person didn't make the statement.

Hagan was none too happy. She sent a "cease and desist" letter to Dole. Hagan is calling the ad slander. In fact, it would legally be libel rather than slander, since it's recorded. In any case, Hagan is saying the ad damages her reputation. In North Carolina, being called "godless" is a pretty serious charge. This is the South and the Bible Belt.

Dole refuses to can the ad.

Hagan now has a rebuttal ad out in North Carolina.



Frankly I think that the godless ad will hurt Dole. It's very down and dirty, and that doesn't play well in North Carolina.

Dole should be focusing on the issues and not leading a witch hunt.

Godless American Smear on Kay Hagan - Wow - I Don't Know What to Say About That Mrs. Dole

Politics do get dirty, but I was really shocked at the TV commercial this evening that basically called Kay Hagan the daughter of Satan.

The commercial said that Hagan takes money from a group called Godless Americans PAC and suggested that she supports a number of changes that would not fly well in a conservative state like North Carolina. This was done indirectly by simply linking her to the group and then having quotes from members of the group.

The commercial ended with Kay Hagan saying something that sounded like, "There is no God . . ." (big voice taper . . . clearly cut short).

I don't know the context of the quote that sounded like it came from Hagan. I do recall that once, long ago, the preacher at our church quoted scripture, "A fool hath said, 'There is no God.'" My little brother was kind of tuned out (as younger kids may be at church). My Mom asked him what the message at church had been. He, at the age of around 6 or 7, said that the sermon was about how there's no God. So, context makes a big difference.

When I saw this commercial, I thought it must be supported by a radical group (and certainly not part of the main campaign). It simply didn't sound mainstream or very professional. When the piece ended with, "I'm Elizabeth Dole, and I support this commercial" (or whatever the wording is on such commericals - sorry I have no TiVo), I was frankly speechless. Was it some kind of Halloween joke? If so - not funny.

The race in North Carolina has been hot and nasty, but someone better show me some darn sure proof that Hagan is the anti-Christ before putting a one minute sound blurb on TV that totally trashes her. That was wrong on some many levels that I'm still shaking my head.

I'm one of those up-in-the-air voters. Frankly, I'm not impressed period. It would suit me to wipe the slate clean and get a whole new batch up there to vote on, although I know that's not going to happen.

The new Dole commerical is the lowest blow I've seen from any candidate in an election that has been riddled with nasty jabs.

I've always known Elizabeth Dole to be a classy lady and from this county (though does not hang here much). She did fund and build out local Red Cross building. I can't imagine that she put her verbal stamp on such a horrible body slam commercial on another candidate. I'd hate to think that Dole would go that low even if Kay Hagan is the daughter of Satan (which she obviously isn't).

I would never talk that ugly about my own worst enemy. And, I am disappointed that Dole would do so. In fact, I think that ad helped me make up my mind about my vote.

Update:

Kay Hagan didn't think much of that "godless" commercial either. The News & Observer covered a press conference this morning:

"State Sen. Kay Hagan says she'll go to court to seek a cease-and-desist order against U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole's campaign if the "godless" TV spot isn't pulled in the next 24 hours."

The godless Kay Hagan commercial is on You Tube. Readers can watch and make up their own minds.