Pawlenty might have to take back “The American Comeback”
It looks like Tim Pawelnty might get in a little trouble for his latest political ad.
The Des Moines Register is reporting that ABC Sports will be sending the former governor a cease-and-desist letter for using TV footage of the USA hockey team beating the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics - footage ABC sports says it owns, according to the Iowa paper.
The Des Moines Register reports,
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"It's a violation of our copyright and exclusive proprietary rights," said Louise Argianas, director of rights and clearances for ABC Sports.
Pawlenty's latest ad is running in Iowa. It's called "The American Comeback," and it's probably meant to sway critics who say Pawlenty's polling numbers are too low to win the nomination.
"Out here, you're tested," Pawlenty, a long-time hockey player, says in the ad. "You face an opponent the experts say can't be beat. You fight, you bleed, you prevail."
Here's the TV spot.
Update: Pawlenty spokesman Alex Conant says the ad is in compliance. Here's his statement:
"All of our campaign television advertising is carefully reviewed by the campaign's lawyers to ensure compliance with the copyright laws, the federal election laws, and other legal provisions. The campaign's 'Miracle on Ice' advertisement was carefully reviewed for legal compliance and we believe fully complies with the 'fair use' doctrine. We respect ABC's concern and look forward to responding to their inquiry."