Former Obama aides criticize Bloomberg's new ads as misleading - Business Insider

[Gothmog]

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Former President Barack Obama has declined to endorse in the 2020 Democratic primary, though several White House hopefuls have sought his advice. That hasn't stopped candidates, like his former Vice President Joe Biden, from touting their connections to the popular Democrat.

But Michael Bloomberg's latest ads are raising eyebrows among Obama administration alumni, who say the spots mislead viewers into thinking the former president has endorsed him.

Bloomberg's new 30-second video entitled "Difference" strings together photos of the two politicians and several clips of Obama praising Bloomberg in an effort to appeal Obama's supporters in the Democratic electorate.

That advertisement, as well as the similar "Steady Leadership" that debuted in early February, feature swelling music, soaring praise, and photos of two politicians side by side. But it doesn't paint an entirely accurate picture of Bloomberg and Obama's relationship, former top aides say.

"They certainly weren't best buds," Obama's former senior advisor David Axelrod told the Wall Street Journal. "It does speak to the power of Obama with Democrats. Everyone wants to have an ad like this."

[PatSeg]

1. That was my take on those ads as well

When I brought it up, a Bloomberg supporter said they weren't misleading and didn't make it look like Obama was supporting Bloomberg. The ads I saw sure make it look like he was.

[Gothmog]

2. A must-read on what Bloomberg's ads obscure: the truth.

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[Gothmog]

3. @BarackObama HAS NOT endorsed Bloomberg.

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