This is a shorter version of the Center's Stealth Campaigns piece.
Their names roll off the tongue with a patriotic cadence: Freedom's Watch, Democracy Alliance, Citizens United, Progress for America, Foundation for a Secure and Prosperous America. They're the new giants of American politics, and in one way or another, operating largely in the untested margins of federal election law, they aim to influence the outcome of the 2008 presidential election.
As 527 groups and other independent organizations spend millions of dollars on advertisements and other election activity, the Center for Public Integrity examines where they came from and why they're becoming an increasingly popular tool for political operatives.
Sara Fritz, a veteran journalist who helped pioneer the campaign finance beat, investigated these groups for the Center's Buying of the President 2008 project.
More from Center for Public Integrity
Perils of the New Pesticides
(00:03:00)
From: Center for Public Integrity
CPI examines the danger of common household insecticides.
Broken Elections
(00:03:34)
From: Center for Public Integrity
A look at voter fraud, voter suppression, and election fraud
Broken Elections--Full Version
(00:08:02)
From: Center for Public Integrity
A look at voter fraud, voter supression, and election stealing
Pushing Prescriptions
(00:02:48)
From: Center for Public Integrity
A record year for the pharmaceutical lobby
Dirty Politics
(00:04:51)
From: Center for Public Integrity
An investigation into opposition research and presidential campaigns
Dirty Politics--Short Version
(00:03:30)
From: Center for Public Integrity
An investigation into opposition research and presidential cmapigns.
Stealth Campaigns
(00:05:40)
From: Center for Public Integrity
An Examination of the Independent Committees Seeking to Shape the Presidential Race
The Longest Campaign
(00:53:44)
From: Center for Public Integrity
The history of big money in presidential politics
Great Lakes Danger Zone?
(00:05:29)
From: Center for Public Integrity
A report on a suppressed study about environmental hazards in the Great Lakes region.
The War Card
(00:06:38)
From: Center for Public Integrity
An investigative report about 935 false statements made by top Bush Administration officials.
Related Pieces
Piece Description
This is a shorter version of the Center's Stealth Campaigns piece. Their names roll off the tongue with a patriotic cadence: Freedom's Watch, Democracy Alliance, Citizens United, Progress for America, Foundation for a Secure and Prosperous America. They're the new giants of American politics, and in one way or another, operating largely in the untested margins of federal election law, they aim to influence the outcome of the 2008 presidential election. As 527 groups and other independent organizations spend millions of dollars on advertisements and other election activity, the Center for Public Integrity examines where they came from and why they're becoming an increasingly popular tool for political operatives. Sara Fritz, a veteran journalist who helped pioneer the campaign finance beat, investigated these groups for the Center's Buying of the President 2008 project.
Timing and Cues
Suggested Host Intro 0'00-0'15
Body 0'15-3'34
End 3'34-3'41
Additional Files
- Script (stealth_campaigns_short_script.doc)
Related Website
Of 1 purchasers of this piece...
- 1 also bought:
Life Stories - Families: Women and Children (00:59:04) - 1 also bought:
What is Poetry? (00:03:36) - 1 also bought:
Iron Chef Geo Beach (00:02:35) - 1 also bought:
Christmas in New York, 2001, Ground Zero (00:07:27) - 1 also bought:
Thanksgiving story (00:05:51)
James Reiss
Posted on April 30, 2008 at 11:17 AM | Permalink
Review of Stealth Campaigns--Short Version
Tired of corrupt political campaigns? Sick of ads that impugn a candidate on the basis of her hairstyle or his preference for bow ties?
My examples are ludicrous, of course. But you've seen it happen increasingly during this decade: a presidential candidate swiftboated for one reason or another.
Sara Fritz's concise description of political action committees, 527s and other independent behind-the-scenes organizations is a tad wonkish but no less must-hear material for public radio listeners this year. Full disclosure of the budget of organizations like the Foundation for a Secure and Prosperous America will not be known until after this coming November. Despite their being fined for undisclosed expenditures, indie fund-raising groupies for Clinton, McCain and Obama will continue to use Karl Rove tactics on radio and TV to undermine opponents and overtake the election.
I know, I know. This is a "free country." People should be entitled to freedom of speech in swaying the electorate. No matter that the electorate watches the boob tube and says, "Yeah!" to outrageous distortions and utter stupidities. Nobody, from our Founding Fathers to NPR's iconic no-nonsense nonagenarian Daniel Schorr, ever accused the American electorate of excessive smarts. For that matter, many if not most citizens entering voting booths this fall will punch the ballot or touch the computer screen as gullibly as kindergarten babies.
Sixth months away from D-Day, when, with luck, one candidate will walk away as President Elect, we need to know more about the smoke-filled shenanigans of our diehard compatriots in a supposedly smoke-free electoral system.
One could do a whole lot worse than exercise stealth and license this drop-in, also available as a slightly longer cutaway.