Obama campaign Big Bird ad doesn't fly

KXAN TV

Updated: Oct 10, 2012 10:10 AM

(NBCNC) — The Obama campaign has released a new ad featuring Big Bird and mocking Mitt Romney's vow to end federal funding for PBS.

However, the organization behind Big Bird's program on Sesame Street doesn't see it as a laughing matter -- asking that the ad be taken down.

President Obama seized on Romney's Big Bird comments during his first post-debate rally in Denver and has been running with it ever since.

According to the Obama campaign, the 30-second ad is only airing on cable outlets in time slots devoted to comedy shows.

Sesame Workshop -- the foundation that produces and owns the show -- issued a statement Tuesday afternoon saying "Sesame Street is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization and we do not endorse candidates or participate in political campaigns. We have approved no campaign ads and as is our general practice, have requested that the ad be taken down."

A spokesman from the Obama campaign said they are "reviewing their concerns."

Copyright 2013 KXAN TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.