Roger L Simon - Krugman Needs a Cold One
According to this Hardblogger post, Paul "What Me Reified?" Krugman gave a big thumbs down on Hardball to the Anheuser-Busch patriotic Super Bowl ad, which has been a popular favorite:
KRUGMAN: We all support the troops. But this is exploitation. And it's part of the basic lack of seriousness about a lot of what's going on in this country.
Really? I don't believe Krugman at all. I don't think in his heart-of-hearts he supports the troops even one jot. I've never seen any evidence of it. He's just paying lip service to a conventional piety. But, hey, that's my opinion, just as it's Paul's that Anheuser-Busch was just trying to sell beer. Krugman's real problem is that he can't face that he may have been on the wrong side of history -- the reactionary side. The emotion that ad engendered in so many viewers is indication of that
Patriotic beer ad in bad taste?
Hardblogger - MSNBC
On last night's Hardball, Chris Matthews asked his guests what they thought of the Anheuser-Busch ad during the Super Bowl. It certainly is ranking high in "favorite Super Bowl ad" polls, including this one on MSNBC.com.
Is it okay to use patriotism and the inspiration we felt in that ad to sell beer? Paul Krugman, columnist for "The New York Times" says "no." "I mean, support the troops. Don't use them to sell beer," he said.
Below is an excerpt of their exchange on 'Hardball.':
KKRUGMAN: We all support the troops. But this is exploitation. And it's part of the basic lack of seriousness about a lot of what's going on in this country.
MATTHEWS: Could it be that Anheuser-Busch was rendering a public service by creating a stirring portrait of what might have happened?
KRUGMAN: Oh, come on.
MATTHEWS: Those were real soldiers, by the way.
KRUGMAN: Yes. Nonetheless, it's business. You don't spend money— if you really wanted to support the troops, you would just do it without making it clear that this was from a beer company.
JOHN FUND, COLUMNIST, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Chris, running the corporate name is something everyone does, including public broadcasting. There was no picture of a beer can at the end of that ad. It just said Anheuser-Busch. There's nothing wrong with letting people know that they wanted to have this sentiment. There wasn`t a beer can placed in any of the airport.
A soldier currently serving in Iraq wrote in to share his thoughts on Hardblogger, and added that Anheuser-Busch did provide the soldiers with about 2 beers each during the game:
Chris,
I am a captain in the Army and have been stationed in Iraq for the last 11 months. I watched the Superbowl on AFN and did not see the "Salute to the Troops" advertisement until you ran it on your show.
I was moved to tears by this ad and was deeply offended that Paul Krugman thought this was exploiting the troops. I also want you to know that I am not alone in my sentiment.
Furthermore, Anheuser-Busch donated enough beer to the U.S. Military that each soldier was allowed to have 2 beers during a 48-hour winzdow surrounding the game. They clearly "walked the walk" in supporting the troops.
I challenge you to set the record straight. I feel strongly on this issue and do not want to let it rest.
Sincerely,
CPT Chris Conley
Hometown: Fort Hood, TX |
