Dems: Bush And Environment Don't Mix

(CBS)  The CBS News Political Unit is tracking the latest campaign commercials. Candice Berry analyzes a new Democratic Party ad that criticizes George W. Bush's environmental record.

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The Ad The Democratic National Committee released a new ad that attempts to convince voters that protection of the environment and Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush are like oil and water - they just don't mix. The 30-second spot titled Oil and Water spotlights Texas' below-standard environmental record, while pumping up Al Gore as a champion of the environment. Oil and Water airs this week in the following key electoral states: Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Oregon and Delaware.

Audio: "They say oil and water don't mix. Nowhere is that more true than in Texas. After 17 years in the oil business, George W. Bush ran for governor. They passed laws to let big polluters regulate themselves. Today, Texas is number three in water pollution. Number one in air pollution.

"For over 20 years, Al Gore has fought against polluters, and helped pass laws to clean up our air and water. America's environment is cleaner now. Do we really want to look like Texas?"

Visual: The ad begins with a drop of water falling into a puddle of oil to illustrate the incompatibility of the two elements. The following scenes attempt to portray Bush as incompatible with the environment. As the narrator speaks viewers see pictures of huge oil rigs, a smoggy skyline and an industrial complex emanating puffs of smoke. The ad concludes with Gore playing with a group of children on lush green grass, under clear blue skies.

Fact Check: The ad is factually correct with one exception. The assertion, "they passed laws to let big polluters regulate themselves," is more interpretation than fact. Last year, the Texas legislature passed a new emissions law, but environmental groups say the law strongly resembles a proposal pitched by the Texas utilities industry.

Strategy: The quality of Texas' air and water is clearly a major weakness for the Bush campaign. This ad is yet another attempt by the DNC to parade Texas' below standard environmental record before voters.

Additionally, it's no surprise the DNC took a few jabs at Bush's environmental record this week. Friday, both candidates stumped their respective energy proposals, that claim to reduce dependency on imported oil and safeguarding the nation's natural treasures.