Norm Coleman says the latest ad by the NRSC is terrible and negative, yet powerless to stop it. Why do I get the feeling that the NRSC doesn't trust Coleman to win re-election?
I have yet to see a negative ad specifically from Coleman since he made his desperate ploy to get Minnesotans to stop thinking he's a jerk. It may be too late to be seen as a noble gesture, but he has put only positive ads directly from his campaign as far as I've seen.
However, the NRSC and other groups have been putting out tons of negative advertisements since Coleman said he would stop and urged other groups to stop as well. I've seen at least 2-3 different TV spots from the NRSC alone. But now, there is this little gem as described in the Star Tribune:
A colorful campaign mailer that looks like a comic book for kids but upbraids DFL Senate candidate Al Franken for writing a racy Playboy article and "comedy routines about raping women" was roundly condemned today by state DFL leaders. Sen. Norm Coleman, Franken's opponent, called the mailer "deplorable," according to Coleman's campaign manager.
Hmm, making a cartoon to appeal to children, yet making the product inside inappropriate for them? NRSC is making the new Joe Camel. And if you think, "no big deal, it's just a clever way to reach adults, not actually targeting children..." think again. The cover of the mailer even states"Come on in kids...Senator Franken's going to tell a few jokes..."
Of course, Coleman can't do anything about it. It's not up to him. It's only his party doing it:
Cullen Sheehan, Coleman's campaign manager, reiterated that Coleman found the mailer "deplorable" and that he was renewing his call to end negative campaigning on all sides. As for making further calls that the mailer be pulled, Sheehan said that the senator had "done everything he can legally do." Federal law prohibits collaboration between campaign and party committees.
You got to love that when the Republican Party screws up, Coleman thinks "all sides" should react. Nevermind that Franken never put out an ad appealing to children, then discussing rape.
Now, I get Coleman's argument. He can't coordinate with the NRSC without violating the law. But still, if the Republican candidate for Senate makes a "call" to end negative campaigning in his race, and urges the other groups putting out ads on his behalf to do the same, why won't they?
It could be because (1) they don't trust Norm to get the job done without negative ads; (2) that the campaign wanted it this way, so that they can appear to take the high road, while other groups do the dirty work; or (3) it could be that Coleman is a terrible leader. In any scenario, it shows that Coleman is at worst deceptive, and at best incapable of leadership. Either way, I'll be proud to cast a vote for Al Franken.