Spin Dry

The RNC tried to raise a stink to stop groups like MoveOn.org and ActForChange from spending money on (Democratic) political campaigns. Their rationale (now failed) was facetious. Apparently, Political Action Committees are okay if they're made up of the board members of fabulously wealthy (read: Republican) corporations, but not okay if they're made up of ten of thousands of poor working stiffs who only stand to benefit indirectly. (As opposed to the Republican method of benefiting, which is to add more millions to the billions you already have, and fuck the poor.)

But now, in producing a Bush campaign ad with Ronald Reagan in it, the Repugs have made a boo-boo. See, in order to use a person's image in advertising, you have to license it from the individual involved or their estate. This is a basic that every film, TV and advertising company in the world knows. Get permission (usually after negotiating a fee), and you're fine. Otherwise, you can get your ass sued off.

Guess what the Republicans forgot to do?

The Reagan family's spokeswoman said Tuesday that permission is needed for anyone to use Reagan's likeness in an ad because doing so implies that he endorsed one candidate over another. "No one has requested the permission to use his image in an ad, nor would we feel it appropriate to give such permission at this juncture," Joanne Drake said. "We protect his image very carefully, particularly as it relates to politics."

Thanks to Bartcop for this one.