Issue #229
Big business takes on tea party on Common Core
Tea party activists have been waging war for months against the Common Core academic standards. Now, in a coordinated show of muscle, Big Business is fighting back—and notching wins. The urgent effort stems from a sense among supporters that this is a make-or-break moment for the Common Core, which is under siege all over the country. A coalition including the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched a national advertising blitz Sunday targeted at Republicans skeptical about the standards. Spots promoting the Common Core are airing on Fox News and other conservative outlets. The campaign — a major ad buy that could last months — aims to undercut dire tea party warnings that the standards amount to a federal power grab, akin to Obamacare. The TV spots and online ads will project a positive tone, featuring teachers praising the Common Core. Politico, 3-14-14.