‘I’m [Insert Name Here], And I Approve This Message.’

Ever wonder why politicians say "I approve this message?"

The political ads that we see now are unbelievable. Some are mean and hurtful while others tug at our heartstrings, but they all have one thing in common. "I'm so and so, and I approved this message." But why?

The political ads years ago were so negative that the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 was amended to include the "Stand By Your Ad" provision. It's an effort to stop or discourage attack ads, and some say today's advertisements are tame compared to years ago. In layman's terms, the candidate must acknowledge and approve the tone and tenor of the ad, and accept responsibility for the content.

If the advertisement is not authorized by a candidate, then the party or committee who is paying for the ad must be stated in the disclaimer.

Here is the legal version according to Wikipedia:

The "Stand By Your Ad" provision (SBYA) of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA, also known as McCain–Feingold Act), enacted in 2002, requires candidates in the United States for federal political office, as well as interest groups and political parties supporting or opposing a candidate, to include in political advertisements on television and radio "a statement by the candidate that identifies the candidate and states that the candidate has approved the communication." The provision was intended to force political candidates running any campaign for office in the United States to associate themselves with their television and radio advertising, thereby discouraging them from making controversial claims or attack ads.

Do you think the 'Stand By Your Ad' provision is working?

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