Koch brothers hit back after Zach Galifianakis calls them "creepy"

Frazer Harrison

(CBS) The upcoming movie "The Campaign," starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as two buffoonish congressional contenders, takes aim at the powerful, Republican-aligned Koch brothers.

But now with Galifianakis bad-mouthing the conservative duo off screen, the Koch brothers are reminding people that he's just an actor.

In the comedy, actors Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow play the Motch brothers, who are financially backing the implausible candidate portrayed by Galifianakis. In an interview with the New York Daily News on Monday, Galifianakis said it's "pretty obvious" the characters are based on Charles and David Koch.

"I disagree with everything they do. They are creepy and there is no way around that. It's not freedom what they are doing," Galifianakis said when asked about the Koch brothers.

The brothers, co-owners of Koch Industries, are arguably two of the largest funders of non-profit "social welfare organizations" that support conservative causes. They reportedly plan to raise up to $400 million for this year's elections, much of it through anonymous donations to groups like Americans for Prosperity. That group is set to spend $25 million on a new advertising campaign against President Obama.

A spokesman for the Koch brothers responded to Galifianakis' remarks in a statement obtained by CNN.

"Last we checked, the movie is a comedy. Maybe more to the point is that it's laughable to take political guidance or moral instruction from a guy who makes obscene gestures with a monkey on a bus in Bangkok," spokesman Philip Ellender said, referring to a scene from Galifianakis' earlier movie "The Hangover, Part II."

"We disagree with his uninformed characterization of Koch and our beliefs," Ellender continued. "His comments, which appear to be based on false attacks made by our political opponents, demonstrate a lack of understanding of our longstanding support of individual freedom, freedom of expression, and constitutional rights."

Galifianakis himself told the New York Daily News, "I'm not versed enough in constitutional law to run for office," though his uncle was a Democratic congressman from North Carolina four decades ago.

"I'd have to go back to school or something. Plus, I'm not willing to punch a baby in the face to win an election, which is pretty much required these days," he said, referring to a scene from the movie.

[spotswoode]

Galifinakis can't be too bright. These libtards don't get it... alienating half the population like that will cost them money. I won't be spending any money on this flick... there are many like me who want to be entertained - not indoctrinated. People like Galifinakis eventually learn to shut up and keep their opinions to themselves.... otherwise they fade away.

[model67a]

Who is this idiot and surely no one but an idiot would pay any attention to him. The celebs figure we were stupid enough to pay to see them try to act so we are gullable enough to believe anything they say.

[Jag2u727]

Yea I love it when fascists like the Koch brothers use their "spokesperson" to strike back at their demagoguery! May you rot in hell Koch brothers you represent 15th Century Feudal Lords under the false name of "freedom and capitalism"

[kishke1]

The Koch brothers have given many millions to hospitals and medical research, from which you or your family might well benefit. Through their industries, they've given employment to tens of thousands of people. You, on the other hand, have given the world nothing but hot air, stupidity and yet another foolish cry of "fascist." I'll take their contributions any day.

[loyaltyprogram]

They may have given to hospitals and created employment. But by funding climate change denial propaganda they have single handedly damaged the global society - possibly beyond repair. Which is a lot worse than what any of the world's most evil tyrants ever did. They are probably mentally ill and it's unfortunate they won't live to see the damage they have done to innocent people of the future.

[MidwestMoms]

Way to go Zach Galifianakis! Thank you, Zach. You are right on! Tell em like it is. Super creepy dudes. Koch bros buying up seats in Congress and trying for the Office of President. Wake up people, there is only one reason that 2 people would pour $400 million into GOP elections. You think they don't want anything in return? You think Scott Walker avoided recall because the people of his state actually wanted to keep him? No, he was bought and paid for by the Koch bros, just like Romney. I would vote for a conservative presidential nominee if they had one.

[dpenn88]

I agree so fully with you Midwest. You certainly have it right. These filthy rich Koch Brothers are supporting Mitt because he has promised them something. He'll give them much less Environmental regulations so they can pollute everything in sight. Never mind that less or no regulations would do to our planet which is already struggling to survive. Mitt also promised to lower their taxes and hand that bill to the Middle Class and poor and old in this country. So what is $400 million or more to give to Mitt. They'll make that back in a day or so after Mitt gives them the right to spill oil everywhere and wreck the environment. What do they care, they have money. Money buys elections....

[kishke1]

What a silly couple of comments. You people see conspirators under every rock.

[nancy_naive]

"the Koch brothers are reminding people that he's just an actor."

one of the little people...

[kishke1]

No, one of the dumb people.

[venusvegasvada]

It's too bad the Koch brothers didn't go into comedy.

The world would be a far better place.

[kishke1]

Well, if one-note Galifianakis can succeed in comedy, pretty much anyone can, so why not the Koches?

[nygurl1]

Going by the number of posts by kish - I have to think he is a rep troll just here to make trouble.

[marychgo]

The Koch brothers' idea of "individual freedom, freedom of expression, and constitutional rights" means unlimited rights for them and other "job creators" (aka the 1%) to do whatever they please. For the rest of us, what that means is slashed government services, higher taxes, and polluted air, water, and soil.

Maybe they're just afraid that Ackroyd and Lithgow have got their number....

[650-hp-sohc]

as usual money for the wrong cause.

[cubscout09]

Bain Capital and Koch Industries have used their foreign subsidiaries to get around sanctions when dealing with Iran's oil company. How patriotic is that?

"In 1980, David Koch ran for vice president on the Libertarian ticket, pledging to abolish Social Security, the Federal Reserve System, welfare, minimum wage laws and federal agencies -- including the Department of Energy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency."

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-02/koch-brothers-flout-law-getting-richer-with-secret-iran-sales.html

[nygurl1]

Sounds like the current crop of reps! They all said the same things during the debates!

[hankvreeland]

The Rasputin look alike is the creepy one.

[cagirl1111]

All Super Pacs should be banned, why would anybody think that it is legal for a few voices to be heard then the voices of many. Every business, union and individual should be maxed on how much they can give. We the people must demand that all voices in this country are heard equally.