Travelers on the highways of Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and other states have been treated to a barrage of negative political messages posted on roadside billboards.
“Stop Obama Socialism” says one. “But Who Will Pay the Piper?” another. “Now it’s personal” a third.
Those responsible for renting the billboards are not forthcoming with information, although one group, Billboards for America, was featured on Glenn Beck’s picture of the day. Photographs of their 14 by 48 foot billboards with the message “Not racist, not violent, just no longer silent!” were shared by Beck on his website and via Twitter.
The Anti-Defamation League has condemned many of the signs and their anti Obama slogans, but the advertisers are claiming free speech. Groups supporting the billboards have sprung up on social media sites. Billboards Against Obama has a page on Facebook with 1,141 ‘likes’.
The money earned from donations is reportedly used to place more billboards. Estimates state that the billboards can cost up to $3,500 per month to run.
Obama’s approval rating this month has rebounded slightly after reaching a low of 45%. Now at 47%, only Presidents Reagan and Carter have had lower approval ratings at the same point in their presidency (45% and 43% respectively).
While other presidents have all seen a decline in popularity after they took office, few have faced images of themselves on billboards combined with negative advertising. An anti-Bush billboard in Massachusetts in 2006 was ordered removed by state officials.
Obama won the 2008 election against John McCain with 365 of the electoral vote vs. McCain’s 173. He carried 28 states vs. McCain’s 22 and had 52.9% of the popular vote with 69,456,897 votes vs. McCain at 45.7% with 59,934,814 votes.
Comments
It's good to live in a free country!
How long until the next election??
Fascinating, and I am all for free speech
I'd put one in my front yard if I could!
This country didn't get this way over night, how can Obama be expected to wave a magic wand and fix it over night? He is trying different strategies. All we can do is watch and hope and pray. It seems all this negativity directed at Obama was started as soon as he was elected! I've never seen a politician that I trusted completely, but my fingers are crossed with this one!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!