The 'nastiest' campaign ad ever: Bill Brady is a 'puppy killer'
In a new attack ad, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says a vote for his opponent is a vote for sending puppies and kittens to the gas chamber

The video: Illinois' Democratic governor, Pat Quinn, is playing the dreaded "puppy killer" card against his Republican opponent, Bill Brady. A new attack ad from Quinn — featuring disturbing shots of dogs being placed in what appear to be gas chambers — suggests that Brady's "first priority" as a state senator "was to sponsor a bill that would mass euthanize sheltered dogs and cats." The spot features passionate testimonials from two Republican women, both with four-legged friends in tow, saying that despite their party affiliation they can't vote for Brady because of his "sick and wrong" stance on euthanasia.
The reaction: There are some "breathtaking examples" of attack ads in American politics, from the Swift boat vets against John Kerry to Lyndon Johnson's "Daisy Girl," but this is the "nastiest... a new low," says Richard Adams in The Guardian. Sure, "there's a standing joke in politics about running an ad saying 'Vote for me or the kitten gets it,' but this is perhaps the first time anyone has actually done it." Maybe, says Politifact.com, but "our research suggests that the ad's summary of the issue is pretty accurate," though it does distort the timeline. Overall, we rate the ad "Half True." Watch the spot:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Zack Polanski: the 'eco-populist' running for Green Party leader
In The Spotlight 'Insurgent' party deputy is making a bid to take the Greens further to the left
-
Do smartphone bans in schools work?
The Explainer Trials in UK, New Zealand, France and the US found prohibition may be only part of the solution
-
Doom: The Dark Ages – an 'exhilarating' prequel
The Week Recommends Legendary shooter adds new combat options from timed parries to melee attacks and a 'particularly satisfying' shield charge
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy