George ‘Macaca’ Allen’s challenger, Jim Webb, is preparing to run this campaign ad showing Ronald Reagan praising him during a speech at the Naval Academy (via Daily Kos). Webb was a Republican until recently and was secretary of the Navy under Reagan.

‘One man who sat where you do now is another member of our administration, Assistant Secretary Defense James Webb, the most decorated member of his class. James’ gallantry as a Marine officer in Vietnam won him the Navy Cross and other decorations.’

However, the First Astrologer is displeased because Webb is a Democrat:

A three-paragraph letter from the former first lady’s office said using footage of President Reagan is “neither authorized nor appropriate.” [Link]

“… please refrain from the use of her husband’s name, video footage, photograph, likeness, and/or quotes in any further campaign materials, including television advertisements.” [Link]

Yet the ad is specifically about Webb and his military record. It isn’t a photo of Webb standing 30 feet away from Reagan (whose incompetence and dissembling under oath I loathed). So there isn’t much Nancy Reagan can do about using an accurate historical clip specifically about Webb — it’s as much about Webb as it is about the Right-Wing Ray Gun.

Related posts: Portraits from a scandal, Framing a slur, Sen. Allen tailed by giant banana, Macacas bite, Allen apologizes, More fun than a lifafa of macacas (updated)