Is Arlington imagery a no no in campaign ads?

Emsa

15-Year Member
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Curious what people think about this. I'm not a Republican supporter so have no drive to go to bat for Capt. Earls but I'm not sure I agree that he has done much wrong here. It might be different if he was just randomly using these images but he did serve there for many years, so it is the most accurate picture of his service and seemed genuinely really respectful. Candidates who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan often use imagery from those places in their campaigns, is this really so different. Even the interviews with his former colleagues read to me more like they just don't really like the guy than that they have a huge issue with his campaign vid. Interested to hear other thoughts.
 

Curious what people think about this. I'm not a Republican supporter so have no drive to go to bat for Capt. Earls but I'm not sure I agree that he has done much wrong here. It might be different if he was just randomly using these images but he did serve there for many years, so it is the most accurate picture of his service and seemed genuinely really respectful. Candidates who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan often use imagery from those places in their campaigns, is this really so different. Even the interviews with his former colleagues read to me more like they just don't really like the guy than that they have a huge issue with his campaign vid. Interested to hear other thoughts.
I think it’s tacky to do this especially since he separated but he probably should have known better than not to contact someone to ask about permissions.
 
I vote yes it's tacky typical of this new breed of politician who "humbly" advertises their military service in bright neon for all to see (& I am a Republican).
Ditto.

The fact that it's Arlington--and he served there--makes it all the more inexplicable/inexcusable.
 

Curious what people think about this. I'm not a Republican supporter so have no drive to go to bat for Capt. Earls but I'm not sure I agree that he has done much wrong here. It might be different if he was just randomly using these images but he did serve there for many years, so it is the most accurate picture of his service and seemed genuinely really respectful. Candidates who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan often use imagery from those places in their campaigns, is this really so different. Even the interviews with his former colleagues read to me more like they just don't really like the guy than that they have a huge issue with his campaign vid. Interested to hear other thoughts.

"His announcement, which used footage of Gold Star families burying and mourning dead service members, and close-ups of graves, was met with scorn on social media and by eight soldiers with whom he served who spoke to Military.com on the condition of anonymity."

Ick.

Perhaps not illegal but not tasteful.

I can't imagine John McCain doing something like this back in 1980 or so when he first ran for political office.

Or John F Kennedy, for that matter.

Sometimes, less is more.

Bottom line: I don't think having military service or a history of heroism in combat helps or hurts anyone running for political office anymore. It ain't 1960.
 
I believe that use of the military uniform, notwithstanding the question about Arlington, in a political advertisement is prohibited under UCMJ.
 
Yeah, anyone seen the actual ad? I'm trying to find the video and I can't find it. Watch it and see for yourself...when your campaign is platformed completely on your service in the Army and nothing else I'd say tacky is a big understatement. Its the cringiest political ad I've ever seen and its sad to see this guy try to enter the political scene looking like everything he's done to this point in his life is not for service but for his political career and punchlines for a political ad that's supposed to be his springboard into an illustrious career as a Congressman. Maybe he took the video down. When I watched it the like: dislike ratio was like 1:19.
 
I believe that use of the military uniform, notwithstanding the question about Arlington, in a political advertisement is prohibited under UCMJ.
He is a civilian so the UCMJ doesn't apply. I personally am not offended by an ad of this nature, folks should be alot more concerned about the sleazy shows that fill the airwaves these days.
 
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