A pro-Trump group’s new campaign ad targeting Joe Biden for a middle-class hike in taxes is a no-go at CNN.
An account executive at Warner Media says America First Action’s (AFA) spot has run afoul of “fact-checkers” despite passing muster with ABC, CBS, Fox, History, Comcast, and a host of other organizations.
“WarnerMedia Commercial Clearance has not accepted America First Action’s advertisement ’We Are America’ for its networks as the ad does not meet its commercial clearance standards,” an email obtained by The Hill reads. “Specifically, the ad asserts that Biden will raise taxes on the middle class. That claim is not adequately substantiated and has been judged false by independent fact-checkers. The advertisement also mischaracterizes Nancy Pelosi as a socialist.”
An attorney representing AFA blasted the decision.
“While AFA’s opponents are, of course, permitted to purchase air time to try to rebut AFA’s claims, it is not the job of your network to censor a statement that is factually supported and relates to an important issue in the upcoming election,” Stephen Kenny of Jones Day responded, the website reported. “Indeed, every other cable network is currently airing AFA’s ad. If you continue to decline to air the ad, please let us know why the factual support outlined above is insufficient.”
Republicans argue that Mr. Biden’s vow to repeal the president’s tax cuts, for all intents and purposes, will hit middle class wallets.
The former Vice President’s campaign vows the Democrat will craft policies that shield the middle class from the economic fallout.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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