Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies (Crossroads GPS), part of American Crossroads, a conservative political organization with ties to many prominent Republican leaders including legendary strategist Karl Rove, released an ad in Florida taking aim at President Barack Obama on Wednesday. The ad follows a tactic Crossroads employed last month, using a quote from former President Bill Clinton to bash Obama for raising taxes.
The ad will run over the next two weeks in Fort Myers-Naples, Jacksonville, Orlando-Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg -- where it was launched -- and West Palm Beach. The ad is also being aired in other battleground states including Colorado, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Clinton released a statement on Wednesday responding to the ad.
The Republican group American Crossroads has used a quote from me in a video opposing President Obama's jobs plan and the Buffett Rule. The advertisement implies that I opposed the 'Buffett Rule.' In fact, I support both the American Jobs Act and the Buffett Rule. I believe that it's only fair to ask those of us in high-income groups -- who have received the primary benefits of the last decade's economic growth and the majority of its tax cuts as well -- to contribute to solving our long-term debt problem, Clinton said.
What I did say was that the Buffett Rule cannot solve the problem alone. Reducing the debt requires three things: more economic growth, more spending cuts, and more revenue. Right now, the most important thing is to put America back to work. That's why I support the American Jobs Act.
Clinton offered a similar response in October when American Crossroads launched an ad using his words against Obama.
Crossroads GPS insisted their ads are effective in helping shape the political debate.
President Obama has launched a tax attack on American jobs that hits Main Street businesses, home mortgages, school- and road-repair funds and even charities, said veteran Republican operative Steven Law, president and CEO of Crossroads GPS, in a statement released on Wednesday. Former President Clinton and bipartisan majorities in Congress agree that Obamas tax hikes wont solve the problem. The ad aims to get Obama to stop attacking and start listening.
Law insisted that his groups first ad helped change the debate.
Our debt limit ads put a stop to Obamas tax hikes once before, and we intend to do it again, he said.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
