Boehner calls on Democrats to pull ads

House Majority Leader John Boehner called on Democrats yesterday to pull a TV ad that shows images of flag-draped caskets of U.S. soldiers, calling the spot “outrageous.”

But his comments comes after Democrats complained in 2004 about a campaign ad from President Bush that showed firefighters carrying a flag-draped coffin from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Reporters at a news conference yesterday asked him to explain the difference

Boehner: “These were American citizens killed by terrorists. That is a very different policy issue than American soldiers dying on the battlefield protecting the rights and freedoms of American people.”

Reporter: “How so?”

Boehner: “How so? You want me to describe the difference between men and women of the military out there defending the American people, and victims – victims – of terrorist activities? You want to put them both on the same playing field? I don’t’ think so.”

Reporter: “They were both killed by opponents, right? Terrorists or Islamic insurgents?”

Boehner: “We have American men and women who have gone to foreign shores to defend our freedom. They have died and made sacrifices on behalf of the American people and to use those images to rally Democrats and to raise money, I think, is appalling.”

Reporter: “But, really, is that different from what Republicans did with the World Trade Center? They’re still raising money, still the same thing?”

Boehner: “The World Trade Center victims were victims of terrorist act here on our shore and I think all Americans were appalled that this did in fact happen. But I think the difference is, in terms of the images, are as clear as night and day.”

Listen to the news conference for yourself here.