IT looked for a while as if MoveOn.org had become one of Hollywood's favorite liberal advocacy groups, especially for those looking for a place to express their antiwar sentiments without incurring a lot of unfavorable publicity.
Directors and celebrities lined up to help the Internet-based organization formed in 1998 in the wake of President Clinton's impeachment. Oliver Stone directed an antiwar ad for the group, as did Rob Reiner. Moby offered his musical talent, rallying other artists like Michael Stipe and Eddie Vedder to get involved. Director Richard Linklater and writer Aaron Sorkin produced a series of anti-Bush ads in the run-up to the 2004 election. Producer Robert Greenwald and actor Mike Farrell organized celebrities on behalf of the group before the war even started.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 2 inches; 72 words Type of Material: Correction
Petraeus ad: The Cause Celebre column in Friday's Calendar section about controversy following an ad by MoveOn.org attacking Army Gen. David H. Petraeus said the group also generated controversy in 2004 when it released an ad comparing President Bush to Adolf Hitler. The 2004 incident involved a submission by an individual after MoveOn invited parties to post short videos on the website. Amid intense criticism, the group removed the submission and apologized.
But last week when MoveOn ignited controversy by issuing an ad attacking Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the American troops in Iraq, entertainment industry politicos began to wonder if the group had gone too far and in fact become a liability for the largely Democratic Hollywood crowd.
"Most people saw it as a mistake that really hurt progressive candidates," said one Hollywood insider, who asked not to be named because he continues to be involved in fundraising efforts. "We just handed the Republicans a gift. It's like MoveOn has become tone-deaf. I think people will be more cautious and careful about what they do with MoveOn in the future."
Survival instinct is hard-wired in this town. You can push the message, but not at the expense of losing the audience. Plus, few want to be seen as wild-eyed moonbats. It's not a good career move. (Who can forget the footage of Jane Fonda cavorting with the enemy in Vietnam?)
The MoveOn ad made a play on Petraeus' name -- "Betray Us" -- as he prepared to testify before Congress. Conservative bloggers, U.S. senators and Vice President Dick Cheney denounced the ad as an insult to a leading American patriot, a man who once commanded the 101st Airborne Division. Rudolph W. Giuliani, who has found a following in Hollywood, then came to Petraeus' defense with an ad of his own. MoveOn fired back, with an ad against Giuliani.
The Republican presidential candidate told CNN's John King: "I wish MoveOn.org would do several more commercials attacking me because if they do it could get me nominated."
Giuliani took out another ad against MoveOn. And MoveOn doubled its ad buy against Giuliani.
