The Hiller Instinct: Ad Wars Fallout

Political Ad
"Four years ago a mistake was made. On November 2, we can correct that."

Political Ad
"Hi, you a republican? Yeah...get in..."

Some of Hollywood's brightest stars team up for the newest series of so-called "527" ads, a number that refers to their independence and tax status.

These come from moveon.org, a group that includes actor Matt Damon from Cambridge, who voices a spot…

Political Ad
"George Bush, it's his job or yours."

The ads are clearly for Kerry, but if you listen carefully, you'll notice he never says…

Kerry Ad
"I'm John Kerry and I approved this message."

Because this isn't an official Kerry ad and, legally, he can't influence it. Even though estimated 527 spending for Kerry is almost 15-times higher than for the president, a pro-bush ad has had the biggest impact...

Political Ad
"John Kerry has not been honest about what happened in Vietnam. He is lying about his record."

The ad by the group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has put Kerry on the defensive about what he assumed was a strength -- his record in Vietnam…

Senator John Kerry (D) Massachusetts
"The president keeps telling people he would never question my service to this country. Instead, he watches as a republican-funded attack group does just that."

Bush, smartly, has criticized all 527 advertisements…

President George W. Bush
"That means that ad, every other ad. Absolutely. I don't think we sought to have 527's... I can't be more plain about it."

And as Kerry continues to cite his Vietnam service, Bush can say that's not the point.

President George W. Bush
"He ought to be proud of his record. But the question is, who is best to lead the country in the war on terror."

Kerry challenged President Bush to "bring it on" and now the president's supporters are bringing Kerry down. The swift boat ads and all the stories they've generated have damaged Kerry and de-valued the four months he spent in Vietnam.

Now, no matter what the candidates do, the 527 ads won't go away, not after advocates have seen the impact they can have.