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MN GOP PRESS RELEASE: “CONGRESSMAN JOHN KLINE BLASTS ASHWIN MADIA FOR USING UNIFORMED MARINES TO ADVANCE HIS POLITICAL AMBITIONS”
By Michael B. Brodkorb | October 14, 2008
“As a retired member of the United States Marine Corps, I am outraged that Ashwin Madia would exploit uniformed Marines to advance his political ambitions. By displaying footage of the elite U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team in his campaign ads, Madia implies an endorsement of his candidacy that is inaccurate and inappropriate. He should immediately pull down the ad and issue an apology to the drill team and the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps.” – Congressman John Kline
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This is a reminder that I am a part-time research consultant to Erik Paulsen for Congress. Minnesota Democrats Exposed is my personal blog and it is not created, endorsed, sponsored, or authorized by any political party, candidate, or candidate’s committee.
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54 Responses to “MN GOP PRESS RELEASE: “CONGRESSMAN JOHN KLINE BLASTS ASHWIN MADIA FOR USING UNIFORMED MARINES TO ADVANCE HIS POLITICAL AMBITIONS””
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October 14th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Yet again, the Paulsen campaign is trying to distract from Paulsen’s rapid plunge in the polls and the national Republican Party’s abandonment of Paulsen.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14552.html
The GOP must think the voters are really dumb. Watching the ad, no one would think that the Marine Corps has endorsed Madia, or any other politician.
Madia’s ad pays homage to the Marine Corps’ values of discipline and teamwork. Rep. Kline should be pleased; the only reason he’s not is because he wants to prop up empty suit Paulsen.
October 14th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hum. Kline didn’t seem to have any problem with this one. I guess it wasn’t as politically convenient for Team Brodkorb to tarnish the fact that Ashwin Madia served in the Marines. It doesn’t imply endorsement. How ridiculous.
That ad is part of who he is. I’d like to see Paulsen’s ads start talking about Paulsen.
You people are shameless.
October 14th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
For everyone’s convenience, here are the key parts of the Politico story:
“GOP ditches recruits to save incumbents.”
“Darren White and Erik Paulsen were prized Republican recruits, House candidates poised to be the new face of the GOP on Capitol Hill.
“But as the two head into the homestretch of their campaigns, GOP operatives say they’ll probably have to win — or lose — on their own. The money national Republicans earmarked for White in New Mexico and for Paulsen in Minnesota will likely go instead to protect GOP incumbents who once looked like locks for reelection.”
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14552.html
October 14th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
MinnVoter (or is it Cam?): I applaud Ashwin’s service to our country, but I think Congressman Kline raises a fair point. Let’s remember: Madia’s campaign attacked Erik Paulsen for spelling error in an advertisement. Madia doesn’t think the rules or best practices applies to him and his supporters.
October 14th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Aaron: You’re a liar.
October 14th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Here’s what a media office for the Marine Corps said about Marines appearing in campaign ads:
“‘Marines can participate in the democratic process a number of different ways, but wearing the uniform in a political setting is not proper,’ said Capt. Carl Redding, a Marine Corps media officer.” Source: Palm Beach Post, September 24, 2008
October 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Do we know if Madia has rights from the drill team to use their images in his ad or did he just find some clips on the internet?
October 14th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Uhhh…Michael? No one is “wearing the uniform in a political setting” in that ad.
The Marines in uniform were drilling on a parade ground in stock footage.
The candidate was wearing a business suit in footage taken at a different time and place.
The Marine officer’s quote is referring to a situation in which, for example, a uniformed serviceman spoke at a political rally.
Or, as another example, if Madia had his Marine buddies wear their uniforms and endorse him in an ad, that would be inappropriate.
Do you honestly not see the difference between those situations and this ad? The Paulsen campaign is truly desperate when it knocks a candidate for paying homage to the values he learned in the Marines.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
And…John Kline has an ad posted on his facebook page that shows him with two presidents and talks about how they trusted him. He implies endorsement by two presidents yet I don’t hear you (or him) screaming about that. No double standards.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
MinnVoter (or is it Cam?): You must be blind; Marines in uniform appear in an campaign advertisement for Ashwin Madia. I respect Madia’s service to our country, but Congressman Kline makes a good point.
How do you know that it is stock footage?
October 14th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
You asked about stock footage….it’s not hard to find. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/69220/silent_drill/
Publicly available. There is no implied endorsement just proof of the discipline learned in the US Marine Corp.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Where does it say this is stock footage? Where does it say this footage can be used in campaign ad? Where does it say Marines can appear in uniform in campaign ads?
October 14th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Metacafe is free video. That’s what the site is. No endorsement is implied in the video. How can Kline use photos of himself with presidents in his ad and imply endorsement without a peep from you? Madia doesn’t imply endorsement in the ad. He talks about discipline learned in the Marine Corp. Kline uses photos of himself and implies endorsement.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Madia isn’t just a dishonest, smug dink. He’s a stupid m.f. as well.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Regarding this spot of John Kline’s on YouTube, I just sent John Kline a letter:
October 14th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
WMD: You’re confused: the issue is about Marines wearing their uniforms in campaign ads: “‘Marines can participate in the democratic process a number of different ways, but wearing the uniform in a political setting is not proper,’ said Capt. Carl Redding, a Marine Corps media officer.†Source: Palm Beach Post, September 24, 2008
Marines are wearing their uniforms in an ad for Ashwin Madia. While I applaud Madia’s service to our country, Congressman Kline makes a good point.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
This is truly a sign of desperation by Paulsen. Surely Klein and Michael condemn McCain ads where he not only uses images of himself in the military but uses stock video of the military to support his campaign’s message on national security?
Tell me Michael how anything in that ad even remotely connotes the MILITARY ENDORSES MADIA? He’s talking about what he learned (ie, the qualifications) he gathered by his service. I realize that Erik struggles to do this since people don’t tend to relate to the qualifications of a career politician. Or, is Klein really such an idiot as to think that ad constitutes an endorsement by the military? Jesus, I hope Sarvi beats him if he is that stupid.
Here’s a question…. can Paulsen even make an attempt to talk about issues? Just once? ONCE?
Or, at least not attack Madia on an issue he can’t even seem to take a position on? You know, the military and its most demanding obligation right now, Iraq?
I expect Michael to go full tilt to try and crater the Paulsen campaign like he has done with so many others now that the NRCC has completely abandoned Paulsen. I’m sure Michael thinks it’s up to him to try and dig something out. He’s probably sitting outside Team Madia’s HQ now hidden in a bush with a pair of binoculars trying to catch a Madia support littering.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
For those who want to confuse the issue, here is Kline’s statement:
“As a retired member of the United States Marine Corps, I am outraged that Ashwin Madia would exploit uniformed Marines to advance his political ambitions. By displaying footage of the elite U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team in his campaign ads, Madia implies an endorsement of his candidacy that is inaccurate and inappropriate. He should immediately pull down the ad and issue an apology to the drill team and the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps.†– Congressman John Kline
October 14th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5agELKvcHw
Apparently John Klein IS that stupid if he’d attack use of people in military uniform when he himself was in ad, wearing a freaking uniform.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
“How can Kline use photos of himself with presidents in his ad and imply endorsement without a peep from you?”
WMD, I think I speak for everyone when I ask: Huh?
Said photos show the relationships Kline has had with past presidents. Are you this stupid naturally? Or do you practice with a squad.
Madia, the smug, stupid dink running in the 3rd CD used video footage of other Marines against their knowledge, and against the will of the Marine Corps.
If Madia wants to show a picture of himself in dress uniform, so be it. But exploiting video of other Marines is dishonorable.
You on the otherhand, WMD, are just plain stupid.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Another embarrassing fail for Team Brodkorb.
I thought you’d be out having steak tonight with your clients who are doing so darn well.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Tell us Michael, so its perfectly okay to appear yourself in a military uniform (especially if “wearing the uniform in a political setting is not proper”, or for McCain to use images of the military in places like Iraq, but, Madia can’t show a video of the Marines?
Who’s confused?
October 14th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
“Madia, the smug, stupid dink running in the 3rd CD used video footage of other Marines against their knowledge, and against the will of the Marine Corps.”
So, candidates that show images of soliders in Iraq are “dishonorable” now Chesty?
October 14th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
MouthDem and WMD, are you the same stupid m.f.?
“Apparently John Klein IS that stupid if he’d attack use of people in military uniform when he himself was in ad, wearing a freaking uniform.”
Klein’s photo is of himself. Madia’s exploited footage is of other Marines without their permission and knowledge.
Madia is dishonorable.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Oh, for fuck sake, now Aaron, another stupid m.f. is posting the same stupidity as WMD and MouthDem?
I guess we’ve ID’d the squad who practices being stupid together. My goodness.
Which one of you stupid m.f.’s is point guard?
October 14th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
If Kline is concerned about using footage and photos to illustrate the kind of integrity candidates have, Kline should immediately remove the ad of him doing exactly that.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Wow, this is really a sad attempt by Michael to turn the subject away from his paid friend, Republican Erik Paulsen.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
PlymouthDem: You’re confused again: It’s Congressman Kline in the pictures…of course he supports himself and his campaign for Congress. He’s can use pictures of himself to tell the story of his life. Madia has done the same thing the past without concern. While I applaud Madia’s service to our country, Congressman Kline makes a good point.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Aaron, you must be the point guard and team captain of your the stupid squad. My guess is you’re the mascot too.
You’re nearly too stupid to function, which would make you eligible for the idiot pro-bowl.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Folks, this is my blog and I expect everyone to be respectful of Madia’s military service.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
chestnut,
So you would agree then that McCain is dishonorable for using stock military footage in his campaign bio video?
October 14th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Madia’s service is honorable. His current actions, however, are not.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Mouth, you dumb ass, the McCain video FEATURES MCCAIN.
I’m constantly amazed by how ridiculously stupid you idiot liberals are. Amazed.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
IRONY ALERT CODE RED
October 14th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
You know Aaron, I’m against abortion. Even in such severe cases of mental retardation as yours.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
The fact is Michael’s best Republican hack mini emmy will be his memory of this eletion cycle. Brodkorb: Thanks for continuing to mention that your “style” of blogging is the way for nut jobs to operate … it will ensure decent people get elected in November.
Your kind should go away. The main stream media that you hammer should take a lesson: Don’t monitor this crap.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
“Mouth, you dumb ass, the McCain video FEATURES MCCAIN.”
Yes, and the Madia ad features Madia. But, what do they have in common? Lots of shots of members of the military that aren’t McCain or Madia. There are pictures of McCain with other servicemembers, stock images of the navy, marching armies, pictures of his father with a bunch of military servicmembers just to name a few.
Go ahead and say it Chestnuts, McCain is dishonorable.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Michael,
As paid staff of Paulsen, please tell us if Paulsen is as dumb as Klein and actually thinks there is anything in that ad that indicates the military is endorsing Madia. If so, please explain what exactly Paulsen, Klein, and you think at all signals the military endorses Madia’s campaign.
October 14th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
You hit a nerve with the libs again Michael. Thanks for providing us with the truth. The libs can’t resist coming back. They are like a moth attracted to a flame. Thanks for bringing the light to them!
October 14th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Didn’t there use to be a picture of Paulsen standing next to a national guard solider and humvee on his website? I’m guessing Michael quickly had that removed before this press release, but, I’m sure it will show up again.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Has it dawned on anyone that the GOP will respond to ANY MADIA AD OF ANY KIND AT ANY TIME WITH CONDEMNATION?
Ashwin could advertize that Paulsen is Superman and Ron Carey would condemn the ad!
Kline is a stooge. I am grateful that he made me laugh so hard.
Madia: Building a movement, brick by brick.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
“Yes, and the Madia ad features Madia.”
Yeah, except for the ad that features Marines Madia has never met and who have never appeared in a photo with him.
You really are this stupid, aren’t you Mouth.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
What ever happened to the picture of Erik in his Cub Scout uniform. Now surely THAT was beyond the pale!
On second thought, I credit Erik for having served his Cub Scout pack bravely.
When are you clowns going to give Ashwin his due for having served our country with honor? You should be grateful he volunteered to serve.
Madia: Courage and Honor
October 14th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I remember Madia people going bonkers when Bonoff used a background picture of Klobuchar on a mailing during the primary because they claim it implied an endorsement link.
Now, they say that a 30 second spot where all 30 seconds feature marines should in now way be taken as an attempt to link Madia with a Marine endorsement.
Laughable.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
“Yeah, except for the ad that features Marines Madia has never met and who have never appeared in a photo with him.”
OHHH.. So you are claiming McCain has met all of the people in each of the stock images used in his bio ad? Jesus Chestnut, your desperate attempts to escape your ridiculous conclusion.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Madia: Discipline and Teamwork.
Two characteristics Madia will bring to the Congress. Thanks Ash, from a grateful constituent.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
At this point in the political season I suppose it’s far too much to expect meaningful dialogue. Whining about Madia’s use of stock footage of Marines (and yes, it appears to be stock footage available in several video libraries) means virtually nothing to undecided voters. It’s pandering to the base — just like the Franken campaign calling Coleman on not showing his face long enough in one of his ads, or any of the hundreds of examples of petty sniping that has been going on for the last year.
This is the political equivalent of white noise that serves only to exacerbate the division between the parties and ensure that, no matter who ends up in office, we’ll be well and truly screwed.
And seriously Aaron? Michael? The most reasoned arguments you can come up with include the phrases “You’re a liar” and “You people?”
October 14th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
[...] Congressman John Kline issued a tough press released this afternoon blasting Ashwin Madia for using “uniformed Marines to advance his political ambitions.” I respect and appreciate the military service of both Kline and Madia, but I believe Kline is raising a very fair point. [...]
October 14th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
“When are you clowns going to give Ashwin his due for having served our country with honor?”
Who has anyone ever suggested otherwise? You’re another lying piece of shit, danbrome.
Madia: Not that bright.
Madia: A lying liar who tells lies.
Madia: Taking Minnesota campaign ethics to a new low.
Madia: Dumb shit.
October 15th, 2008 at 12:21 am
“respecting” his service and calling him a “dumb shit” in the same breath… amazing.
October 15th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Madia: Iran is not a threat, or I would have attacked it already.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:32 am
““respecting†his service and calling him a “dumb shit†in the same breath… amazing.”
The two are not mutually exclusive. Not that I’d expect a liberal dip like you to understand that.
October 15th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Chestnut is a sore loser.
Thanks for all your hard work Ashwin.
October 15th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Madia: Iran is like a Rascally Puppy, so let’s keep an eye on it.