same old story. take this as a sign you're doing something right Brian.

I just saw your ad while watching the Today show this morning. Whether I agree or disagree with your positions, as an America woman, I found it extremely offensive.

I find it interesting that you seem to view the President of the United States as your opponent for Borough President. Why else would you so irresponsibly slander and disrepect the leader of the free world by photo-shopping his face onto a nearly nude form?

Thank goodness Fox News isn't airing this ad. Now I'll have someplace else to watch the news, since I'm not going to be watching NBC anymore.

I saw your ad earlier this morning as well on ABC and it was highly inappropriate. I'm a Democrat and this is something I don't want my kids watching nor do I think it helps your campaign one bit. It just labels you as another one of the "Bush Bashers" and gives you nothing unique. Good luck.

I just saw your ad and say way to go! its about time that someone stood up to Bush. God knows the Democrats aren't. You have my vote and full support.

Yours,
Julie

I am glad Fox news had the intestinal fortitude to stand up and say they wouldn't air such a disrespectful ad campaign. I really wish they would reinstate the old laws regarding treason. You can disagree with your government officials without disrespecting them. I'm appalled that you think this ad is a positive image for you.
What does the President of the United States and his office have anything to do with the less significant office of Manhattan Borough president?
I have more respect for people who win elections on their merits, not by how well they put down other political officials. It's sad that Brian feels he has to or can gain popularity by putting someone else down. For a gay individual who has probably faced oppositions all his life he should have learned by now that name calling doesn't achieve anything.
I'm sure there will be people who support this ad, but it only shows me how shallow people can be in this day and age.

"No child left behind" and sending our troops to war are only two of Bush's responsibilities at this time---again, what does that have to do with being in office as a borough president? Comparing your office to that of the President of the United States is laughable.

My best wishes for a highly unsuccessful campaign.

It's hysterical to me that Brian Ellner is claiming his right to freedom of speech, but when people go to post on this site this is the message you get: Your comment has been received. To protect against malicious comments, I have enabled a feature that allows your comments to be held for approval the first time you post a comment. I'll approve your comment when convenient; there is no need to re-post your comment.

HE will APPROVE my comment when it's convenient? I don't approve of his comments regarding the President, why wasn't I consulted before he could run his ad?

Go ahead and throw stones Brian--it just shows that you have to say malicious things about others in order to gain a more positive image for yourself.

If Gay bashing isn't acceptable, why is it acceptable to bash the President?

"If Gay bashing isn't acceptable, why is it acceptable to bash the President?"

Thanks for asking Joe. Unlike Saddam's Iraq or your right-wing version of America, we are supposed to have free speech and be allowed to say whatever we want about the President as long as we don't threaten his life. I understand that you would want to outlaw any speech that tells the truth about Bush since the truth is he is all talk and photo-ops, but completely incompetent and unconcerned with real people. Face it, Joe, the Emperor has no clothes. We need local pols who do.

You are running for Borough President, not President of the United States! Your ad makes no sense.

BRIAN WITH YOU 100%.

Bush's policies of preemptive war have ALOT to do with Manhattan. Bush has destabilized the middle east and radicalized an entire generation of youth. Thus, making Manhattan less safe. Borough President's main responsibility is to act as an advocate for the borough. Pressuring Bloomberg to get off Washington/ Albany Smoke screen, and get real money to the city for police and firefighters.

And there have been plenty of ads that call Bush to task. the real issue here is Brian's last line. "... and this is my partner Simon"

to the woman who was offended? by what public gayness? or by Bush's head on a naked midriff? you must cover your eyes looking at Sketcher ads in the subway as well.

"If Gay bashing isn't acceptable, why is it acceptable to bash the President?"

Is that really the Repupublican position?

I'm not surprised. Great ad, thanks for hitting back hard against these cons.

I'm astounded by the negative reactions here. I saw nothing offensive in the least. Proudly anti-Bush, sense of humor and the random inclusion of the blushing boyfriend? "As an America [sic] woman", I thought the ad was fantastic. Best of luck to you on election day Brian!

I thought the ad was funny. At first I was bewildered thinking, "What does this have to do with being Borough President?" You got my attention. Now, I'm reading your website and finding out more about you. As Borough President you will be concerned about education. And, you are making it clear that assistance will not be coming from the White House. Taking pot shots at the president is a long-standing American tradition, harldly invented recently. Good luck on your campaign!

Yea, and Republicans have NEVER run ads that were over the top and slanderous.

BRAVO for your courage! Stop Bush, Stop Fox!

I first cuaght sight of the TV ad with no sound on. A large Bush face, then a naked body - the sound got turned up quickly enough to hear that 'the Emperor has no clothes!' and then Brian's message about 'not being afraid of a fight'. This is was music to my 'wish-the-democrats-had-a-voice' despairing heart. And then Brain introduced his partner. That made me sit up and think, this guy really has broken the mold for politicial advertising; telling it 'straight' for who he is and what he believes in.
I hope Brian makes a very successful run for this office and is successful in the future. This country needs a straight-talker who willing to stand up to the bent lies of the Bush oligarchy.

Love the ad. Good luck on election day.

To those misinformed negative commentators,

I am terribly sorry, but there is a considerable difference between gay-bashing and presidential pot-shots. Gay bashing, like any prejudicially driven violence has it's basis in mis-information and hate. People bash gays, or target Blacks because they are considered "different" and stand out from the "1940's American family/dream". You are comparing apples and oranges if you think that George W feels or experiences the same heat and hate that gays, blacks, muslims, women, etc, feel.

When people take potshots at the president or any political figure it is based on their failures and mistakes. Just because one becomes president does not give them immunity from being held responsible for their failings. It should be the polar opposite. You must be held accountable when you are in a position of power, because you have the power to influence and change. As a Canadian, I watch with mixed emotions how individual freedoms are being quashed and violated in the U.S based on this false sense of entitlement. Americans seem to hold their political figures in such high regard that they make them out to be demi-gods. There is nothing wrong with questioning and opening dialogue to discuss the nature of a questionable president, caucus, or government representative. This is how conversation and true debate begins. Let the people decide what is right for them. Censorship is used by those who are afraid of the truth or the emergence of alternative discussions. We are not sheep and we should not blindly follow and accept everything that is shoved down our throats.

Ok, I am Canadian and I will not be voting for you, or against you. But, your ad is a breath of fresh air in that you tell it and show it as it is. And if everyone read the story 'The Emperor's Clothes' they would understand the Ad.

Hope you win.

I found out about your commercial via the internet - Im at wrk now and my pc can't view it - but look forward to seeing it when I get hm tonite!!!

I saw your ad while working out this morning and it brought a HUGE smile to my face. I didn't know your name or your platform until then, but all day, I kept thinking of your ad AND your name. I appreciate how forward and honest you've been. I've never voted in any other election besides presidential, but I will be out there on Tuesday! You definately have my vote!! The bonus to Fox pulling the ad is that you're going to get unbelievable amounts of free press.

I LOVE THE AD!!!!

Best wishes to you and your partner and to your campaign. News of your courageous ad is everywhere! I wish I was a resident of Manhattan so that I could vote for you! We have LGBT people in our legislator and in our city council and elsewhere here in Minneapolis. I wish they were as open as you and would stand next to their partner like we see in so many ads from heterosexual political candidates... we are everywhere as they say and we are active in so many things, to see you out and proud and able to speak your mind about a government and president who has let down so many people, not just us, is wonderful. GOOD LUCK! BRAVO!

I'm from South Africa (Yes, we also have internet and television here), so from a political point of view this ad does not affect me at all as i cannot vote. However, seeing Mr George W. Bush like that really made me smile. I have absolutely no respect for him for what he had done in Iraq. It was all about oil and revenge. My hart goes out to all the american families who lost sons and daughters, and continue to loose them. As for the message, looking at what is going on in Louisiana and the lack of central goverment funding in the past, I can appreciate the fight Brian is going to have as Borough President. Good luck Brian. If I could vote, you would have had my one.

While I'm no fan of Mr. Bush, I really don't see the connection to, or the reason behind why, a candidate running for Manhattan Borough President would even mention President Bush in a campaign add. It's not that it's a bit of reach, it makes no sense. And it says nothing about his abilities to perform the job.

As for the Emperor has no clothes reference? Really? Ugh, DULL!

It's seems stageringly naive of Mr. Ellner to think that gay people (and straights) can't figure all this out, to say nothing of the fact that a Harvard graduate can't come up with something a little more creative and informative about his reasons for running for office. Hey, wait a minute, didn't George Bush also go to Harvard? Hmmm.

That said, Mr Ellner goes to my gym. Please tell him I think he looks good naked.

"You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.(Leviticus 18:22, NNAS)

"If Gay bashing isn't acceptable, why is it acceptable to bash the President?"

Because bashing the President for reasons such as lying to the American people is 100% different than bashing someone for their sexual identity. If a 15 year old can tell you that, you need to rethink your arguments.

Brian, as a gay teen I'd like to thank you for standing up for your beliefs and voicing what you want to accomplish. I don't live in NY, but NJ, close to the bridge. I saw your ad, and wanted to say kickass. Much luck on your campaign, and rock on.

So if I ran an offensive ad criticising your life style that would be OK? Or that would be a hate crime? Nice niche you carved for yourself. Criticize others but no one can criticize you.

There is nothing wrong with the ad. Anyone can see a waist-up nude torso on Fox television any day. It's so plainly not the image that's upsetting conservatives, it's what Mr. Ellner is saying! The federal government is being run--if that's the right word--by an individual both frighteningly incompetent and out of touch with most Americans. Fox's pulling of the ad is hypocritical and, thus, perfectly in keeping with their pro-administration stance to date. This is a free speech issue and I hope that Mr. Ellner fights the good fight all the way.

Heard all about this on the internet. Bravo.

Having your partner in the ad is the kicker. Very human moment. God Bless America.

Do not trim off the hair on your temples or clip the edges of your beards. (Leviticus 19:27 NLT)

To Whom so ever recieves this.
My Name Is Jason, And I Am A College Student In Missouri, And I Came Across The Ad On 365Gay.com
And What I Have To Say Is That hat Brian Is Doing Is Not Only The Right Thing, But The BEST Thing. I Am Not Only A College Student, But I Am Also Gay. Seeing People Like Brian Who Aren't Afraid To Be Loud And Proud, Only Shows Us That We Don't Have To Hide Anymore. I May Not Be Able To Vote For Brian, But He Has Mine And Everyone Of My Friends Support.
"A Single Grain Of Rice Can Tip The Scale, One Man Can Move A Mountain Of People"
I Hope That Brian Wins, And Is Succesful In Moving The Mountain Of America.
Thank You.

First, great ad. It is sparking thought and debate - a good thing.
However, I feel that the real reason that some people are up in arms about this ad is not the whole George Bush segment, its the fact that conservatives still get all "uncomfortable" seeing to men openly express their devotion for each other. Which as crazy as it sounds, still happens in Manhattan. Perhaps, they should walk around the various neighborhoods of this borough and see the real demographic profile of this city, not the convoluted conservative vision of a city that only exists within their apartment walls, and on the FOX network.

Brian, Brian, Brian--

Here is how you were quoted in the NYT: "This is censorship and it's un-American. ... It's either anti-gay because I introduce my partner, or it's anti-free speech because I criticize the president."

Come on, Brian, you're a lawyer. You know better than that. Sure it’s censorship . . . by a private entity—NOT the government. Fox’s actions are not even close to being anti-free speech. If it were the government censoring you, that would be a different story. But it is not.

It seems that those of you on the left don't understand that free speech includes the freedom to criticize. Criticism also includes the choice not to air something that one, as a private actor, does not want to air. If I wanted to air an ad recruiting for the Ku Klux Klan and the local Fox affiliate declined, would that be anti-free speech?

In other words, the local Fox affiliate, by choosing not to air your ad is not being anti-free speech. THEY ARE EXERCISING THEIR RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. No one has a right to have their messages aired on the television stations owned by a non-governmental entity.

We hear it again and again from the left: Free speech for me but not for thee. Come on, Brian, at least be intellectually honest.

Whether it is anti-gay is another question altogether. Who knows? But I would take the local Fox affiliate in New York—one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country—at its word that they thought it was disrespectful to the office of the president.

I've told you before privately and I'll say it again here—Manhattan Borough President is a local job. Bush's policies have little to do with local politics. Which is why, despite this kind of folderol, I'll probably still vote for you.

But I gotta hand it to you--you certainly got some publicity out of this. I guess we'll find out whether the publicity is good or bad for you chances. I think there are a lot of closet Bush supporters in NYC, and that this will hurt you at election time.

Frankly, I think you and a large portion of those on the left live in an echo chamber and don't realize that hatred of Bush, Rove, Cheney, Halliburton, Fox News, etc. doesn’t sell to the polity at large—although the Democratic Underground and Daily Kos types will eat it up. I predict that nationally, the Dems will continue to be a minority party for a long time to come—at least until you guys wake up and get rid of the crazies in your midst (Cindy Sheehan, Michael Moore, call your agents). Right now, your ad makes you look like one of the crazies, not one of the rational ones.

Take a page from Bill and Hillary's strategy and tactics—moderation and an air of competence work. Especially in Manhattan.

Good luck.

In regard to the TV ad, I applaud your courage and honesty. With your qualification, you will do a tremendous job as a borough president - Good luck !

Your ad is a breath of fresh air in this age of endless political double talk and cowardice; we've been waiting 5 years for people to realize that "the Emperor has no clothes" but they just don't seem to get it. What prissy sensibilities some people have that find any of your ad offensive! It is NOT offensive in the least.

I think it is a disgrace that a tv station would refuse to run your ad, what hapened to free speech

"So if I ran an offensive ad criticising your life style that would be OK? Or that would be a hate crime? Nice niche you carved for yourself. Criticize others but no one can criticize you."

They're two different things; great job. He's the president, we're gay. Don't you see the vast difference?

If not, just go away. I shouldn't point things out that are blatantly obvious.

I am not a New Yorker so my thoughts will probably mean little to you but I wanted Mr. Ellner to know how repugnant I find his new “emperor” advertisement. I and other family men just like me still spend a great deal of time teaching our children to respect their elders and those in authority. Then here comes ads like this that spit in the face of our hard work to raise respectful children. Ads such as this do nothing to contribute to the exchange of intelligent thoughts and ideas. They merely reflect your deep personal resentments.

It is my deepest hope that the people of New York see this ad for what it really is and reject Mr. Ellner as a representative of the people of that state.

I just saw your ad on tv, and had to comment. Wow we are in 2008 already. Good luck w/ your run against President Bush. Or is President Bush running for Borough President in 2005? I'm confused. Who are you running against? Maybe I just don't get it, please make the connection between you and President Bush.

I, like your opponents, hope that FOX woudld run your ads. More people can then see how you have no real ideas, but plan on running for office by confusing the voters and distracting them issues that matter in the election for Borough President.

I am going to vote for Brian Ellner as MY Borough President for 2 reasons. First reason is his political views are exactly what Manhattan needs. Secondly, as a gay man we need positive examples that we can be proud of. Thanks Brian for giving the us both.

To the comment posted by 'god', it also states the following in the Bible, so do us a favour and keep the religious rhetoric to yourself. If you want to pick and choose scriptures from the bible to facilitate your own views and opinions, then I can do the same. If you have nothing intelligent to say, there is no point in saying it.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations.

2. Exodus 21:7 says that I can sell my daughter into slavery.

3. Lev. 15:19-24 says no contact is allowed with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness.

4. Exodus 35:2 clearly states that one should be put to death for not observing the Sabbath.

5. Lev. 11:10 states eating shellfish is an abomination.

6. Sure, Lev.19:27 indicates one should "not trim off the hair on your temples or clip the edges of your beards", but it also later states they should be killed and punished for this.

7. Lev.11:6-8 says that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean. Does this make football players unclean and how should we smite them?

8. Lev. 19:19 says one cannot plant two different crops in the same field, nor can one wear garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. It later indicates that punishment is having the sinner stoned to death by the town (Lev. 24:10-16)?

Although I had considered voting for you, your ad is a disgrace. Whether or not you agree with the President, you owe respect to his Office. Portraying the President in the way that you have indicates that you are not capable of minimal human decency. You must not have enough confidence in your words and ideas simply to stand by them. Instead, you resort to sophomoric imagery to make your point. I, therefore, will find another candidate.

Kudos to Fox for exercising their right to pull inflamatory and empty rhetoric from their airwaves.

Brian,

I love the ad. I also love it that by refusing your ad, Fox has assured that it will get exposure well beyond New York. Talk about hoist on their own petard.

For those who don't see how Bush has anything to do with a Manhattan borough election, just think about it. Bush is the posterboy for underachievement, mendacity, irresponsibility, pandering to the the hypochristians, poor planning, anti-intellectualism, poor decisionmaking, and fumbling around while telling us he is resolute. All Mr. Ellner is saying that he is none of those things. It's called "contrast." Get it?

Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing you in Congress someday.

So...

if we're supposed to have unmitigated respect for those in authority, and not "disgrace" an official office, then am I supposed to exhibit the utmost respect when talking about Hitler and the like? How about Castro--ya'll don't like him, right? I'm sure you talk about him and about Kim Jong-il with reverence, eh?

C'mon. Bush has mislead and caused many MANY unjust deaths. I admire the man who has the testicularity to stress that HIS VIEWS ARE CONTRARY to our awful president's, regardless of what post he's seeking to fill. It illustrates his position and convictions. If people don't listen when it's said respectfully, then it needs to be said disrespectfully. Ellner's standing up for what he believes, and is getting a whole lot of (bad) publicity for it. I take that as a sign that he's willing to do what Manhattan needs without selfish concern--isn't that what we want?

FYI, the allusion to the tale in the ad is clever.

Although some on this blog 'seem' to be concerned with the link between President of the USA and a Manhatten borrough they are not comprehending that the Republican party as acheived a 'lemming' status in American politics. The only way to hold the rush on lemmings is to stop the lead lemming in this case Bush. For those that state that this is deisrespectful to the position of the President - it's not. (1) It's pointed at Bush - the person, his beliefs, statements, etc.

For the one lady that stated she was offended as an "American Woman" ~ was she offended of a nude man or nude president?

The political realm is a macrocosm of governments large and small, with decisions that affect one another. It is foolish and naive to believe that they exist only and unto themselves, with no affect on one another. Each micro-political group, makes up a larger entity, and if people think that there is no relationship between a federal, municpal or regional political affiliate, they have it all wrong.

Your president is called the Commander in chief and he is responsible for every choice right or wrong in your country. As an example, when Enron was brought up on charges, who do you think was hurt by their greediness and choices? The people and the employees. It was also the leaders of the company that were charged and brought before the courts. Every choice and decision that your president makes regarding education, healthcare, military exercises, etc ultimately in the large scheme of things, has a vast affect on even a supposedly "unrelated" appointment as Borough President.

Even I as a Canadian can see this.

Listen, you guys seem to be able to dish out the criticism, but you sure can't take it.

Respect happens to flow in both directions. Until you can show some of yours, I'm afraid I'll have to withold mine.

I am however extremely forgiving, I'm just not stupid.

Speaking of stupid.....:)

Just to be clear, I'm talking about people who criticise people for being unamerican or unchristian.

On second thought though, we gay men should also be careful we don't fall into the pitfalls as our fellow humans do as well. We should be able to take criticism where it's due, because we're not all right. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Just one thing: Who's disrespecting?

I'm with you, Brian! Keep your head up!

Hugs to ya

what a lousy ad. production values, convoluted message. all a mess.

maybe FOX did you wrong, but its not worth fighting for. they actually did you a service to keep you from totally being a laughing stock.

while i'm not moved or inspired by the bush section, im thrilled that you're standing tall and showing off your partner. my partner met you in albany recently and still recounts the day and your great disposition. good luck on the campaign.

You people are right, it is wrong to direspect the office of the President. I join Mayor Nagin in calling on Bush to stop giving press conferences, or doing anything for that matter. George W Bush, direspecting the office of the President since 2000.

Why doesn't your ad have any black people in it?

I'm all saying is yes they have no right to block the add, that's outrageous. It was a fantastic ad and you should be proud. To all who think want to move to Canada, I can understand. But I Brian is an amazing person who's willing to fight in his own country, and everyone should take note. If you all leave who's going to fight? Stonewall is over, but the right in your country is not. Frankly it's not even over in my country, I have to keep fighting to make sure that I stay married.

On the flipside, I'm asking that we be careful of not doing the same things they do to us. An eye for an eye only leads to blindness. Take the high road and educate people. It's the stupidy that makes them into sheep.

Religion is the only protected right (Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation) that is chosen. But they don't choose to love, they choose to hate. We my brother and sister should choose love and show people their hate.

Your ad only suggests that you are a typical politician. You just know how to bash other people but you dont know how to build anything. You are an angry young boy. Go back to school.

The ad is inappropriate and unethical. Does Bush-bashing in general, or more specifically in the light you portrayed OUR president, make you more or less qualified for Manhattan Bourough President? Also, is the fact that you are queer, make you more qualified or less qualified for the position that you seek?

In my book, the fact that you ran this ad makes you an inappropriate person for Borough President.

You should cease this ad immediately, and run an ad apologizing to the President and the public for your inappropriate behavior.

The only saving grace is that you and your cohorts are wasting your money for a race that you cannot possibly win, and in the grander scheme of things you are farting against thunder!

So, if you are not willing to apologize, you can continue your jackass campaign. In the long run, all will be forgotten, and the temporal stir you caused will be dust in the wind.

Being with my partner of 40 years we find your ad appalling. Where does Bush come into your campaign for a local office? Many other gays in Chelsea and the Village agree with us when we discuss the ad. Good luck to you and Simon, but I doubt strongly that such a anti-Bush attack will get you into office. FNC was correct in their decision not to air your tasteless ad.

I wish I lived in New York just so I could vote for you.

But I'll definitely be rooting for you from Illinois!

Fox refusing to air your commercial is not a violation of your rights. It is their TV station and not yours. If the government forcibly prevented Fox from airing the commercial then it would be censorship. Free speech is not the right to someone else's podium.

If I'm not mistaken Fox is a broadcast network, not a cable network and they DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE WHICH POLITICAL ADS GET BROADCAST. We, the people, own the airways and give them permission to use them. They are a regulated monopoly, one of many that the Bush administration has given more license to than they merit and this is an example of the violation of that trust and misuse of their authority. I hope the NYACLU litigates this on your and our behalves.

I live in NYC and I'm voting for you.
Your ad is terrific!

Right on! Bush may not be your opponent but it is so important for elected officails at all levels to challenge his values and the values of those that support them. I saw the ad and there was nothing inappropriate about it. For those that say that it is... I say to you... Democracy is not about shielding children from the image of a mostly naked person. It is about having government out in the open. Accountable. It is the parents job to give thier children the tools to understand what that image means, in all of it's symbolism. It is our duty to challenge authority, especially when that authority is abused. It is our duty because the authority gets its power from the consent of the governed. I give you history. Our history.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." - from The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

As a supporter of Brian's campaign, I certainly agree with any efforts to force the Murdoch clan to obey the laws of the United States (or return to Australia). In purely practical terms though, precious few Brian voters watch the trash on Channel 5 anyway. I HOPE! VOTE BRIAN!

I echo the sentiments of the people who wish they lived in NY so they could vote for you. I live in NJ and have seen the ad a lot lately, and everytime I see it, I feel cheered. People who question what Bush has to do with your campaign are obviously not people who question what Bush is doing to this country.

My heart and mood lifts everytime I hear you say "our progressive values" ... It's about time that "progressive" ceased to be a dirty word and that someone (since most Democrats clearly won't) stood up to the Bush administration and to right-wing extremism. I love that you -- running for a non-national office -- put that out there and are prepared to deal with the fallout, not scared of what "people might think." Smart Americans care about what happens to our freedoms, our choices, our world...and if the only way we can start to really effect change is by electing people on the local level who are not running scared of what speaking their minds might do to their reputations, then that's what we'll have to do. Maybe with small changes at the local level will come more sweeping change that will see the sort of "ask-no-questions or we'll call you a traitor" policy that the Bush administration has perpetrated start to dissolve.

In my opinion, THAT'S what Bush has to do with Mr. Ellner's campaign, and the fact that he has the chutzpah to say it is an absolute breath of fresh air. Doubly so because he is not ashamed of who he is, and he puts that out there -- you don't have to be gay (I am a straight, married woman) to appreciate Mr. Ellner's honesty and pride. As an American woman, I only wish that I were able to vote for you, and that you were running for an office of more national signficance. With any luck, you will be one day soon.

This was the weakest attempt at drawing hype and attention. My guess is Brian's polls are down and he and his campaign have nothing to lose at this point. Your a joke and GW is still smarter than you are!

I love the ad and am a bit... shall we say amused by some of the criticism. For the cretins who don't quite get it:

Gay-bashing -- whether the violent attack on individuals, or hate language against a class of people -- is a hate crime perpetrated against people just minding their business and living their own lives.
Bush-bashing is a criticism of a politician who has chosen the public forum, and -- like any politician -- should be held to accountability. The criticism against him here is mild compared to lots I've heard.

The "nudity" -- all above the waist -- is milder than what you see at a beach, in Calvin Klein ads, broadcast TV, or even most illustrations of the children's tale it alludes to.

And to whoever said "Kudos to Fox for exercising their right to pull inflamatory and empty rhetoric from their airwaves." My God, if they really did that they'd have nothing but dead air!!!

If I were to criticise the ad it would be for saying little to nothing about local issues and what you plan to do about them, but it's great for getting attention and placing you on the political spectrum. I'm thousands of miles away from NYC and its politics, but for as little as the ad really says about you, I like what I see.