First of all, the script from the ad:
Script for "Victory"
President Bush:
I'm George W. Bush and I approve this message.
Voice Over:
In 1972...there were 40 democracies in the world.
Today...120.
Freedom is spreading throughout the world like a sunrise.
And this Olympics... there will be two more free nations…
And two fewer terrorist regimes.
With strength, resolve and courage, democracy will triumph over terror.
And, hope will defeat hatred.
Graphic:
President Bush. Moving America Forward.
Unless the Bush campaign received an explicit endorsement from the USOC or the IOC, it would appear that they have violated U.S. Code 36, Statute 380.
The following is United States Code 36 Statute 380, which governs the use of Olympics-related terms and marks.
¤ 380. Use of Olympic symbols, emblems, trademarks and names
* (a) Unauthorized use; civil action; lawful use prior to September 21, 1950
Without the consent of the Corporation, any person who uses for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services, or to promote any theatrical exhibition, athletic performance, or competition -
(1) the symbol of the International Olympic Committee, consisting of 5 interlocking rings;
(2) the emblem of the Corporation, consisting of an escutcheon having a blue chief and vertically extending red and white bars on the base with 5 interlocking ringsdisplayed on the chief;
(3) any trademark, trade name, sign, symbol, or insignia falsely representing association with, or authorization by, the International Olympic Committee or the Corporation; or
(4) the words "Olympic", "Olympiad", "Citius Altius Fortius", or any combination or simulation thereof tending to cause confusion, to cause mistake, to deceive, or to falsely suggest a connection with the Corporation or any Olympic activity; shall be subject to suit in a civil action by the Corporation for the remedies provided in the Act of July 5, 1946 (60 Stat. 427; popularly known as the Trademark Act of 1946) (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.).
Bush-Cheney '04 sells a variety of campaign-related paraphenalia at their website. Thus, with the Victory commercial, they have induced the sale of goods without express consent of any Olympic body. This constitutes a violation of 36 USC 380.
Anyone thought about this? It only occurred to me today.
-MR