"I approve of this message . . . "

[kstar]

If I see a commercial and a candidate is speaking, I am pretty sure the candidate "approves of this message".

Is there a good reason why they say this message at the end of their ads?

Perhaps there is, but is sure looks/sounds silly sometimes.

edit: Here is a good example - the Huckabee ad with the "floating cross":


Best,

Kurt

[Joe Bob]

Dickhead GW Bush started that way back when and it's been spoofed and copied ever since. I think it's idiotic....but what do I know, I voted for the loser in the last two elections....

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Came out of the last election (or maybe it was the one before, I can't remember). Basically a way of (hopefully) cutting down on negative campaign ads by making the individual candidate (and not their campaign managers) ultimately take responsibility for the ads' contents.

[1fastredsc]

I wonder if you could get away with saying some nasty things in those ads, but ending the commercial with "I'm (fill in name) and i do not approve this message". Could make for some entertaining politics.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by mikez

Dickhead GW Bush started that way back when and it's been spoofed and copied ever since. I think it's idiotic....but what do I know, I voted for the loser in the last two elections....

Are you that ignorant naturally or did you have to work at it? The disclaimer was part of the McCain Feingold Law. Yes, Bush signed it, but that was long after his first campaign for POTUS. Federal candidates have to say the disclaimer in their ads because the law has separate provisions for candidates and independent groups, which, as part of their tax status, may not be coordinated with offical campaigns.

[Don Plumley]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Are you that ignorant naturally or did you have to work at it?

LOL! That's a great line. Almost as good as "Jane, you ignorant slut."

[unimog406]

Dickhead GW Bush started that way back when and it's been spoofed and copied ever since. I think it's idiotic....but what do I know, I voted for the loser in the last two elections....

BOTH!? good god...