Barnes’ use of rape images exploitive
It’s October, and as the leaves begin to turn, the nights start to cool, and Halloween and November draw closer, the political ads become more and more nightmarish.
For the last week or so, for example, Democrat Roy Barnes has been banging on his Republican opponent, Nathan Deal, about a bill that Deal sponsored in the state Senate almost 20 years ago.
According to Barnes, the bill would have seriously weakened the rape shield law in Georgia that protects victims from being hauled into the witness stand and forced to recount their sexual histories. According to Deal, the bill would have brought Georgia law into line with the federal government’s tough rape shield law and strengthened it against legal challenge.
So who’s right? Well, back in 1991, opposition to Deal’s proposed change in state law snowballed so quickly, particularly among women’s groups, that nobody — including Deal — was willing to stand in front of it and try to stop it. He was forced to rewrite the legislation.
That doesn’t mean he was wrong as a question of law, or that he really was trying to undercut protection for rape victims, as Barnes now alleges. I was covering the state Legislature pretty intensely back then, and my admittedly vague recollection is that knowledgeable, well-intentioned lawyers were saying at the time that the changes proposed by Deal would have been fine. But they were saying it quietly, off the record, because public opinion had coalesced so powerfully on the other side and nobody wanted to get tagged as being pro-rapist. That happens sometimes; good legislation gets a bad rep, and everyone decides that it’s not worth the political capital needed to rescue it.
Fast forward almost two decades, to a hard-fought gubernatorial campaign in which the women’s vote might prove decisive. Under the circumstances, it was probably inevitable that Barnes would resurrect the issue. Again, I think Deal is probably right, now as he was back then, but Barnes at the very least has what you might call “a lawyer’s case,” with enough facts and statements on his side to put forth a plausible argument. In politics, that’s more than enough.
But a campaign can choose to make its case on such an issue responsibly, or irresponsibly. As the images here demonstrate, the Barnes campaign has taken the second course, the irresponsible course. When I saw them last night popping up on my computer, I was honestly offended and began taking them as screen grabs.
Good ads are supposed to make an impact, and this one surely does. But it does so by sensationalizing rape and by implicating Deal as — at the very least — a co-conspirator in sexual assault. It provokes revulsion and horror, and it attempts to pin that revulsion and horror on a candidate for public office. Regardless of the merits of the legal debate that inspired it, the ad is grossly unfair. It exploits rape and its victims for political gain.
I’ve documented my problems with Deal’s candidacy, and won’t reiterate them here. It’s also true that Barnes himself has been the target of some brutal advertising, most notably the King Rat ads of eight years ago, which he clearly has neither forgotten nor forgiven.
But there ought to be some places you won’t go, some things you won’t do. This was one of them, and I very much hope there aren’t more to come, from either side.
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223 comments Add your comment
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
10:40 am
md – “And can you tell me what is false about that statement??????? There are 2 sides to EVERY story……………………”
wow. so a woman who is attacked on the street, hit on the head and raped … there’s another “side” to that story?
a woman who is drugged at a party and raped … there’s another “side” to that story?
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
10:40 am
I’m popping some popcorn.
md
October 21st, 2010
10:41 am
usuk,
Your problem seems to be reading comprehension and assumptions – never did I say what you are trying to put into my mouth……………..EVER
jm
October 21st, 2010
10:41 am
meanwhile….. the economy burns….
Thank you China. Does anyone else think it’s crazy to try to engage in free trade with a communist-corporatist country?
md
October 21st, 2010
10:43 am
“a woman who is drugged at a party and raped … there’s another “side” to that story?”
Absolutely……………I never said either side was true or false, just that there are two sides. That is why we go to court in the first place………………….
jm
October 21st, 2010
10:43 am
md – liberals are hard of hearing…. probably best to give it up (no pun intended)
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
10:43 am
md – you have just said … TWICE, mind you … that there are 2 sides to every story.
EVERY story.
that’s not an assumption – that’s a statement you seem to stand proudly behind
Pull My Finger
October 21st, 2010
10:43 am
Oh, my goodness……..I agreed with Cynthia and Jay………on the same day!! Yikes!
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
10:44 am
md – “That is why we go to court in the first place…………………”
no, you go because there is an assumption of innocence unless the defendent PLEADS guilty.
Union
October 21st, 2010
10:46 am
kind of sad… dems are pulling out the punches all over the country.. almost like a struggling person fighting with the last burst of energy left… all endorsed by typical washington politics.. (the repugs dont exactly get a pass for their less than stellar track record in this matter either)
md
October 21st, 2010
10:46 am
“md – you have just said … TWICE, mind you … that there are 2 sides to every story.”
What is so hard to understand………………….there are 2 sides to every story.
No one is saying both sides are true……….or false…..but there are 2 sides……..
Why in the world do you think cases even go to court????????????????????
md
October 21st, 2010
10:48 am
“you go because there is an assumption of innocence”
Uh Huh – so he can present his SIDE of the story……………………….
Chris D.
October 21st, 2010
10:49 am
OMG! Truly pigs have grown wings and hell has frozen over! Both Ms. Tucker and Mr. Bookman today have both admitted the Left has gone too far!
Mirror, Mirror
October 21st, 2010
10:49 am
Bosch,
Do you prefer your Orville Redenbacher with or without butter?
jm
October 21st, 2010
10:50 am
Germane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ6GzmrGHOY
md
October 21st, 2010
10:50 am
You need to ask yourself this question:
Are all rape cases found in favor of the victim???????
Or maybe “Are all rape victims telling the truth??????
You seem to be saying they are.
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
10:50 am
md – “What is so hard to understand………………….there are 2 sides to every story”
let me explain this to you simply … using small words that even you will understand … when you say that rape is a matter of “2 sides to every story” or “he said/she said”, you’re demeaning one of the most violent acts a person can commit against someone else into a case of a simple misunderstanding.
now, this may not be your intent. however, when you use those phrases, that’s EXACTLY what you’re saying.
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
10:50 am
Mirror,
Without. You?
Gail
October 21st, 2010
10:51 am
I am SO SICK of these politicians….what a shame we in Georgia do NOT have anyone worthy to vote for. I feel like I am watching and/or reading some slimy person’s advertising……. I intend to vote every incumbent out and vote neither REPUBLICAN nor DEMOCRAT – I am sick of them all!!! I guess I shall just do write-in candidates…..who are worthy…..WHEN can we PLEASE have honest, professional, candidates to choose from???
ReginaJ
October 21st, 2010
10:51 am
There should be a law that candidates have to have only commercials that talk about why THEY are the best candidate, NOT why their opponents suck so bad. Yup, when these commercials come on, I turn the channel.
http://www.paragonfinancial.net/
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
10:51 am
Bosch … withOUT???
dude. you might as well eat packing peanuts.
Perimeter Progressive
October 21st, 2010
10:53 am
So….once again, the Barnes ad might be dirty, but it’s ACCURATE! Deal DID propose this law which had to be amended to make less disgusting. This is akin to blaming the messenger. Barnes is pointing out Deal’s disgusting record, and instead of blaming Deal for having a disgusting record, we’re blaming the messenger? What the heck?
Ragnar Danneskjöld
October 21st, 2010
10:53 am
Something is wrong with me, I think this is twice this week I agreed fully with the Bookman position.
@@
October 21st, 2010
10:53 am
Bosch:
That’s because I find you and AmVet to be silly. You, more so than AmVet.
You, I find wishy-washy depending on how you’re viewpoints are received, and AmVet is redundant with his overt machismo thingy.
How about you and I end this little confab, because I really have no appreciation for your debating methods. It’s so typically girlish. Keep repeating as though that’s all that’s required?
It ain’t gonna happen, girlfriend. Nothing you say holds value with me.
Can I be anymore direct? I’m not now…nor have I ever been into the chit-chat chit that you so enjoy.
I’m out, jay! No need to come in and scold.
Whacks Eloquent
October 21st, 2010
10:55 am
Jay,
How is Monds any less qualified to be governor than Obama was to be president? Just askin’
jt, keeping going with the Monds position quotes – he needs people to know what an intelligent governor would do!
Harry Callahan
October 21st, 2010
10:55 am
Jay
October 21st, 2010
9:02 am
“John Monds is as qualified to be governor as I am to bat cleanup for the Boston Red Sox.”
John Monds is AT LEAST as qualified to be governor as Barack Obama is to be president. Or, stated another way, Barack Obama attempting to run this country is much like Ray Charles trying to hit a Nolan Ryan fastball.
Mirror, Mirror
October 21st, 2010
10:55 am
Mirror,
Without. You?
I’m trying to cut back on the cholesterol so I use 50% of what I did use.
md
October 21st, 2010
10:56 am
“let me explain this to you simply … using small words that even you will understand … when you say that rape is a matter of “2 sides to every story” or “he said/she said”, you’re demeaning one of the most violent acts a person can commit against someone else into a case of a simple misunderstanding.”
More assumptions on your part…………….
Every case has 2 sides to every story………….including murder, the most heinous of all crimes.
And HELLO, when any case has no witnesses, it is a “he said she said” crime. It isn’t restricted to rape……………………basically, terminology for NO WITNESSES.
Whacks Eloquent
October 21st, 2010
10:56 am
Harry – great minds think alike! Or should that be “monds”? lol
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
10:56 am
“Nothing you say holds value with me.”
Except for the fact that you can’t help but comment on them, when nothing holds value with me, I skip it.
“It’s so typically girlish.”
Again with the vain attempts to belittle. Seek help @@, there are professionals who can help you end your self loathing.
Gator Joe
October 21st, 2010
10:57 am
Jay,
Political advertising, indeed most advertising, is designed to manipulate rather than inform. Evidence of this are the emergence of extremist candidates such as Angle, Paul, Palladino, O’donnell. Though I did vote for Barnes, I did so with the knowledge he is not the best candidate, although he is far better than Deal. I would have preferred Mr. Porter.
Mirror, Mirror
October 21st, 2010
10:57 am
Perhaps @@ should post as @butch.
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
10:58 am
USinUK,
I don’t like my fingers getting all greasy. Yuck.
Mirror,
Yes, heart health is very important — good for you.
Tamika
October 21st, 2010
10:58 am
Barnes is a sleeze bag. Always has been. This ad is not out of character, the mask just slipped for a moment. NO WAY I
md
October 21st, 2010
10:58 am
Maybe folks like you need to hear “he said he said” to figure it out…………..
Joe Frank
October 21st, 2010
10:59 am
Neither one of these candidates is fit to be a leader. Disgusting.
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 21st, 2010
10:59 am
It’s two lawyers playing silly lawyer games. How anybody could vote for either of these clowns, is beyond me.
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
11:00 am
mirror – 10:57 – did you mean to make that typo?
ugadawg2005
October 21st, 2010
11:01 am
The fifth amendment only protects you against self-incrimination. It is not an absolute protection from giving testimony. You can still be subpoenaed to appear and testify. You can only raise the fifth if your answer may tend to incriminate you (admit you committed a crime). Even then, the government can offer you immunity from prosecution and compel you testify. Failure to testify could lead to a charge of contempt of court where you could potentially be held in jail until such time as you agree to testify.
The Thin Guy
October 21st, 2010
11:02 am
It’s safe to say that neither Barnes nor Deal are in favor of rape, rapists, or humiliating the victims, etc. It’s an emotional side issue. The question is who do you want as the next governor of Georgia. The clear answer is John Mond.
Notice how most political attack ads show their opponent in black and white and moving in slow motion. My favorite was the runoff between Wyche Fowler and Paul Coverdale where Wyche used the endorsement of Paul by the Libertarians to claim his opponent favored prostitution, gambling, and legalization of all drugs.
But anything is fair game in politics. Since Barnes represented in court a guy with a chicken fetish, Deal should claim Barnes is pro bestiality.
md
October 21st, 2010
11:02 am
Or, maybe you prefer a link……………
http://users.rcn.com/jonmarin/Polygraph1.htm
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
11:02 am
Bosch – 10:58 – napkins. they are your friend. dry salty popcorn is not.
md – keep backpedalling … we’ve read what you said today …
Harry Callahan
October 21st, 2010
11:02 am
Gator Joe
October 21st, 2010
10:57 am
“Political advertising, indeed most advertising, is designed to manipulate rather than inform. Evidence of this are the emergence of extremist candidates such as Angle, Paul, Palladino, O’donnell.”
LOL…anyone who’s not a Democrat is by definition an extremist, right? If you have evidence of Angle, Paul, Palladino, or O’Donnell running a disgusting ad like the Barnes rape law ad, you should share it.
Mirror, Mirror
October 21st, 2010
11:03 am
USinUK,
Did I misuse “at” again! I should be ashamed.
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:05 am
Gail – Dubose Porter…. he’s about the only honest guy out there….
md
October 21st, 2010
11:06 am
“md – keep backpedalling … we’ve read what you said today …”
Yeh, too bad you can’t comprehend what you read………………
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 21st, 2010
11:06 am
John Monds is as qualified to be governor as I am to bat cleanup for the Boston Red Sox. Neither of us would stand a chance against major league pitching.
You could go the Ron Hunt route. Let the ball hit you and take your base.
The real world calls.
ken R
October 21st, 2010
11:07 am
It’s ok Jay we went to vote today and we voted straight Republican.
Equality 7-2521
October 21st, 2010
11:08 am
Georgia has THE WORST set of candidates from the democrats and republicans(or if you like, former democrats in recent history.
You could put an end to that, and be part of the 20% solution by voting for John Monds instead one of the two other losers, who I cannot even bring myself to mention by name.
Why is it the 20% solution? Because by voting for Monds and having him
reach 20%, Libertarians will no longer have to spend all of their time
and money gathering signatures to get their candidates on the ballot in Georgia. Then, we will have a real chance to change the direction of politics in Georgia forever
So you have a choice. You can vote for one of the two losers presented to us by the democrats and the republicans. Or you can vote for John Monds (who would be a better governor by far if he were to win), and know that you have made a valiant attempt to change Georgia Politics for the better for both your future and the future of your children and grandchildren.
The choice is yours.
You can be 20% of the solution.
…
Or 100% of the problem.
What are you going to choose?
Be part of the solution for once.
StJ
October 21st, 2010
11:09 am
The examples given are further proof that nothing is too slimy for Democ-rats to use. Not that Deal is anything near squeaky-clean…but these ads really push the “offensive” button. I’ll be glad when I don’t have to see them any more.
USinUK
October 21st, 2010
11:09 am
md – 11:06 – too bad you can’t acknowledge the facts about how using terms like “2 sides / he said / she said” are perceived –
again, I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt (10:50) … but, no … you seem determined to say that, yep, even in acts of violence, HEY, no problem! He has a “side” to this story, too … (your honor, I submit to you that she really WANTED me to use rohypnol at that kegger so that I and all my friends could have a go …)
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:09 am
Gail – and you may note, Dubose didn’t raise much money when running for nomination. Because he didn’t make a bunch of under the table deals. That’s the only argument for Monds. Maybe….
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
11:10 am
Stj,
“The examples given are further proof that nothing is too slimy for Democ-rats to use. Not that Deal is anything near squeaky-clean”
yeah, I find the “Barnes kills children” ads kind of over the top.
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
11:12 am
I wish the four heads of Barnes/Obama/Pelosi/Reid on the Roybama ads which has the script “helping illegals vote” would like float around or bobble or something. That would make it more fun to look at.
Mirror, Mirror
October 21st, 2010
11:12 am
your honor, I submit to you that she really WANTED me to use rohypnol at that kegger so that I and all my friends could have a go …
Hey! No fair entering actual court transcripts into the debate. Keep it clean.
Mirror, Mirror
October 21st, 2010
11:15 am
I wish the four heads of Barnes/Obama/Pelosi/Reid on the Roybama ads which has the script “helping illegals vote” would like float around or bobble or something. That would make it more fun to look at.
I just wish they sold the set as bobble heads. I’d love to have them in my car window.
md
October 21st, 2010
11:15 am
“you seem determined to say that, yep, even in acts of violence, HEY, no problem! He has a “side” to this story, too … ”
And that, is exactly what our court system was founded on………………….
The problem with stating that fact is you have interpreted it to mean that I favor a side, vs the fact that both sides DO get to tell their side…….
There is a difference between stating facts, and agreeing with a position………….you may want to think about that.
And I need no benefit of any doubt, as I am quite comfortable with the facts as stated……..
Bosch
October 21st, 2010
11:18 am
Mirror! Good idea! Let’s do it!
Bubba
October 21st, 2010
11:23 am
“Neither of us would stand a chance against major league pitching.”
I don’t know. The way you go after those righties, I think you might be a platoon player, anyway.
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:27 am
OF NOTE – at least a Democrat like Jay will call out Barnes for crummy behavior. I certainly feel like less has been done on the right. Given the depth of Deal’s problems, the Republican commentators out there have been taking an incredibly light hand in their criticism.
It’s all silliness. Makes me want to move to another country…. singapore perhaps. Most free market capitalistic country in the world. And wealthy too….
Jefferson
October 21st, 2010
11:28 am
Georgia did better under Barnes than Purdue, Deal can’t add and subtract.
Howard
October 21st, 2010
11:30 am
The “rape” ad is a sorry excuse for a campaign ad that is supposed to make me want to vote against Deal and for Barnes. The issue is two decades old and terribly misleading. Why Barnes does not drive home the point HARD that Deal has mislead us on his personal finances and is in debt up to his eyeballs, has engaged in numerous shady business deals that borders on being crooked and is ETHICALLY CHALLENGED at the very least….and, as such, is generally unfit to LEAD because he cannot be trusted. Barnes has run a sorry campaign and while I would NEVER vote for Deal I lack much motivation to go to the polls and cast a vote for Barnes….again….after he was such a disappoint the first time. I vote for him once, but not the second time and now….well, I don’t know if I’ll even vote.
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:30 am
Deal is beyond a dumb-arse. Its absurd this guy is standing for office. I’m more qualified than he is.
I’m not bankrupt, for starters…..
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:32 am
If people want DC to not mess things up more than they have, everyone should just vote anti-Incumbent (and when neither are incumbent, vote the party currently out of power) until they wise up….
When they all know they’re only going to serve 1 term anyway, maybe they can start to do the right thing and shrink government.
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:33 am
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-10-21-column21_ST_N.htm
a good read.
Paulo977
October 21st, 2010
11:34 am
SoCo
“form of govt dependence” Sure it is , but then is it for the WELFARE of the elites!!!
middler of the road
October 21st, 2010
11:34 am
THE GOP can say and do anything, true or not, old or not, relevant or not, inflammatory or not, and it’s business as usual. When a Democrat resorts to this bag of tricks it’s unacceptable and says something about the candidate’s character. Like the pot calling the kettle black? What’s good for one party is good for the other. The Dems have held back and tried to be “bipartisan” and gotten their butts whipped and had everything negative attributed to them. They need to man up and meet the competition’s fire with fire or the GOP and teapartiers are going to take over everything. It’s ok to yell “liar” at one president but have the real lying presidents respected in their position. Get over it!
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:39 am
What?????!!!!! I love Juan Williams. I guess he’ll get a better job at Fox….. Krike, the guy is entitled to his opinions….
NPR has the right to fire him. But I think this was a bad move by NPR.
——————–
when NPR fired commentator Juan Williams for saying he gets nervous on planes when he sees Muslims on planes “identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims.” And before that CNN fired Rick Sanchez for his comments.
Russ555
October 21st, 2010
11:39 am
Deal’s comments and positions are all fair game. Spoken now or twenty or more years ago.
jm
October 21st, 2010
11:42 am
Lord. This is why Republicans are going to win back so much of Congress despite their own dismal approval ratings. Republicans are retards. Democrats are retards. I’d like a decent Libertarian candidate….
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/10/political-correctness-america.html
mike
October 21st, 2010
11:43 am
Deal and his people have long played the negative ads. Why does he always have a problem when the other side does it. Does he and the rest of his ilk think only he is entitled to run those disgraceful ads. I like the one with the redneck and the grand dragon at the table. Fits this state perfectly. Maybe if Mr Deal did not have such a shady past he would not have a problem. But the man is basically a crook. But since he is a repubtard peole will vote for him. What a shame.
Finn McCool
October 21st, 2010
11:44 am
Which one do you want to hire?
- one guy did the work, took the test, but failed cause he couldn’t get the math right.
- one guy turned in someone else’s work and got an A.
Which one do you want to promote? The cheater or the guy who did the work even if it wasn’t perfect? That’s what Republicans have to ask themselves in November. The cheater or the bad math kid?
Swede Atlanta
October 21st, 2010
11:45 am
It is about time that the Democrats step up and campaign in the Republic style which is to lie, cheat, steal, create “facts” out of thin air, distort, misrepresent and scare.
Way to go Roy Barnes!!!!
Oh and when the Republics control the House I am all for the Democrats folding their arms and saying No and Hell No to everything Boner boy and his cadre of followers dream up. We’re just doing what the Republics have done for the past 2 years.
Fletch
October 21st, 2010
11:45 am
Call it like it is ” can’t the good people run” ? Unofortunately the “good” peole don’t have deep enoigh pockets or connections to get to the race. They’re too busy working, taking care of their families and trying to eek out an exisitence while the nathan Deals and Roy barnes of the world continue on down their well funded and well heeled merry way.
Fletch
October 21st, 2010
11:46 am
And yes, I need a new keyboard.
Paulo977
October 21st, 2010
11:47 am
Whacks
Eloquent
Obama and Monds?
Of course , both are BLACK and therefore less qualified than any WHITE !!!!!!!!
Finn McCool
October 21st, 2010
11:47 am
kind of sad… dems are pulling out the punches all over the country.. almost like a struggling person fighting with the last burst of energy left…
I agree, union. It’s about time the Democrats got off their arses. The Republicans have been flailing like spoiled children since Nov 2008 so we have some catching up to do.
~tea parties
~town halls
~carrying guns openly to political rallies attended by the President
~two years of constant whigging out
Whacks Eloquent
October 21st, 2010
11:48 am
Anyone else disturbed by the Barnes radio ad that features a woman that sounds like Selma Simpson? The ad is outrageous enough as is, but that voice just grates…
Finn McCool
October 21st, 2010
11:50 am
saying No and Hell No to everything Boner boy and his cadre of followers dream up
like tax cuts and…tax cuts
Oh hey, I have an idea, let’s have a tax cut. that’ll solve it all!
Whacks Eloquent
October 21st, 2010
11:51 am
Paulo977,
Who are you trying to call racist? Jay Bookman is liberal, but he’s not a racist…and he is the one who claimed Monds is not qualified. I asked him to clarify, but he hasn’t responded yet. Personally I think Monds would be the hands-down best choice for the state, but that L next to his name makes it darn difficult. Dream scenario would be for him to finish 2nd in votes in a race headed for runoff!
Swede Atlanta
October 21st, 2010
11:52 am
Whacks Eloquent
I haven’t heard it. Unfortunately I only listen to non-commercial radio and TV programming during campaign season because I find it so disturbing. So for me it is NPR on the radio dial and PBS and premium movie channels on television.
With our move toward perpetual campaigning in this country these may be my only choices at all times.
Randalph
October 21st, 2010
11:56 am
When Sharia Law becomes the law of the land, rape will become a moot point. I think a man can’t rape his wife and a raped single woman is stoned to death…
Randalph
October 21st, 2010
11:56 am
Hello Expat!
Whacks Eloquent
October 21st, 2010
11:58 am
Swede, I think that is why they invented Tivo!
Swede Atlanta
October 21st, 2010
11:59 am
Randalph, so is Sharia law one of the things that Boner boy and his buddies in the House are going to propose in Congress? I think this will take a Constitutional Amendment or more likely a complete re-write of the Constitution. That is going to take some time.
Randalph
October 21st, 2010
12:01 pm
It’s alive already in some parts of the US. Do a Google search and see how some judges have been ruling… Freedom of Religion and all that…
ASHCAN.
October 21st, 2010
12:01 pm
Hey,what is all the fuss about? Last i checked,90% of people who runs for office lie to get in.Just ask bush
.
Ben The Independent
October 21st, 2010
12:01 pm
This is a day of note as I agree with Jay and this agreement is rare. Barnes sees he is loosing and has gone totally ‘gutter’ in his campaign as a result. Barnes ‘gutter’ commercials have helped me decide in Deals favor, Have a good day Jay.
ASHCAN.
October 21st, 2010
12:02 pm
That should be RUN.
Paulo977
October 21st, 2010
12:02 pm
Whacks
Eloquent
Ray did not drag Obama into it!!
120
October 21st, 2010
12:05 pm
The GA governor campaign ads this go-round are especially seedy. I realize they’re created by staff and PR people and not the candidates themselves but it still reflects badly on them. I’m beginning to dislike both of these guys.
Jefferson
October 21st, 2010
12:05 pm
That would be Tom Williams.
@@
October 21st, 2010
12:05 pm
USinUK:
(your honor, I submit to you that she really WANTED me to use rohypnol at that kegger so that I and all my friends could have a go …)
I don’t know if you have children or not, but I emphasized to my daughter that she was never to drink from an opened bottle that she didn’t open herself…that she never accept a drink coming from someone else’s hand…and that she never take her eye of the drink from which she was drinking. If, for some reason, she had to, then she was not to dispose of it poste haste.
The lesson was taught early (high school)…even when it was a soft drink.
Optimam esse legem, quae miniium relinquit arbitrio judicis; id quod certitudo ejus praestat.
As a mother, it was the least I could offer in her defense.
Swede Atlanta
October 21st, 2010
12:05 pm
Randalph, please cite to a specific example(s). It is easy to just say “it is happening all over the country, just search the internet”.
The only persons advocating a theocracy in America are the social conservatives on the right which are typically part of the Republic party. They want to cram their religion, some bastardized version of Christianity, down everyone’s throat and make everyone live by their interpretation of the Bible.
AmVet
October 21st, 2010
12:06 pm
That is it!
Mr. Bookman, all you do is slam Democrats!
Unlike our conservative friends here who are MUCH more fair and balanced!
Therefore, I’m canceling my AJC subscription!
@@
October 21st, 2010
12:06 pm
Oops! …she was TO dispose of it…
JD
October 21st, 2010
12:07 pm
This; may have been the first time I have ever read all of one of your columns throught to the end. I usually disagree with most of your liberal columns and can not bear to finish them.
@@
October 21st, 2010
12:10 pm
Equality 7-2521 @ 11:08.
Best reason I’ve heard thus far to vote for Monds. They’re predicting a run-off between Barnes and Deal. At that time, I’m planning on voting against my husband choice, which will, in essence be a not vote from our household.
Maltipoos Rule
October 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
I always say in the South the Democrat who gets elected acts like a Republican.
Cissy
October 21st, 2010
12:16 pm
I seldom agree with you, Mr. Bookman, but I think you are right on the money (so to speak) here. Mr. Deal supported the federal rules of evidence (at rape trials, among others) over the Georgia rules because the federal rules essentially remove the “she really wanted it, yer honor” argument from the defendant’s defense. That isn’t the point now, of course; the exceptionally dirty, toilet-scraping, desperate methods Barnes’ campaign has employed is.
I was uncertain over whom to support, but this ad has put me firmly in Deal’s camp. Give me family money problems and arguable influence peddling any day over ugly distortions like this commercial.