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5 Key Factual Inconsistencies in the Allegedly Pro-Obama ‘Seal Team 6′ Bin Laden Movie

Nov. 3, 2012 4:24pm Billy Hallowell

Late last month, TheBlaze reported that Harvey Weinstein’s “SEAL Team 6: The Raid on Osama bin Laden” had reportedly been re-cut to more prominently feature President Barack Obama. The movie, which is scheduled to air on National Geographic Channel, will premiere just two days before the election (on Sunday, November 4), a choice that is, of course, electorally questionable.

On Friday evening, the film was premiered at an event in Washington D.C., where director John Stockwell noted that the facts depicted in it have not been “confirmed or denied” by the White House. Following this showing, The Atlantic’s John Hudson noted that the director’s caveat was fascinating, especially considering the film’s purported factual inaccuracies.

Aside from the notion that the movie drops just days before the election — something that critics have obviously pointed to as a purposeful attempt to help Obama at the polls — these errors in accuracy, as outlined by Hudson, will likely rile conservatives. Below, find the five inconsistencies found in the film.

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Opposition to the Raid: While the film depicts Defense Secretary Robert Gates as opposing the raid, his stance was complicated (thus, this depiction isn’t necessarily accurate). Vice President Joe Biden did oppose the raid, Hudson writes, but the film attempts to further dramatize Obama’s decision regarding whether or not he should have given the orders to go after bin Laden.

A CBS report from May showcases that Gates’ view was more complicated than simply standing in opposition. While he didn’t want to go into the compound and assassinate the terrorist (for fear he wasn’t inside the building), he did support bombing the compound:

Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said Wednesday he had “no doubts that the SEALs could perform the mission” that killed Osama bin Laden. His concern was whether or not bin Laden was in the compound.

“We didn’t have one single piece of hard data that he was actually in that compound, not one,” Gates told “CBS this Morning” co-host Charlie Rose. “The whole thing was a circumstantial case built by analysts at CIA.”

Gates wanted to bomb and not go in to kill bin Laden. “My view was, ‘Let’s kill him, but let’s use a missile of some kind,’” Gates said. “And, and the reason, the objection to that was, “Well, we couldn’t collect any information to exploit.”

“If this mission had failed, it could’ve put the war in Iraq, in Afghanistan, at risk,” Gates said. He said Mr. Obama’s decision to go through with the raid was a “courageous call.”

5 Key Factual Errors in the Seal Team 6 Bin Laden Movie

Photo Credit: National Geographic Channel

A Pakistani Doctor Who Assisted the CIA: Hudson also noted some inconsistencies in the film surrounding Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor who assisted the CIA in running a fake vaccination campaign that inevitably led to bin Laden. The goal? To gather DNA evidence from the terrorist’s family. While Afridi is shown in the film as willingly helping the U.S. government in collecting the information, the reality is that the government never told the doctor about the mission. Instead, he was merely helping implement the task without knowing or understanding its purpose.

“I was aware that some terrorists were residing in that compound, but I didn’t know whom. I was shocked. I didn’t believe I was associated in his killing,” Afridi later said in an interview with FOX News.

The Use of Helmet Cams: The third inconsistency that Hudson mentioned is the supposed use of helmet cams. In the film, the Navy SEALs responsible for the mission are given the cameras that apparently transmit live feeds back to CIA headquarters. The Atlantic writer called these elements a “myth” and noted that they, in fact, never existed.

Once the SEALs entered the bin Laden compound, a live feed was not available for the president and government officials to view (drones provided a feed from outside the compound, though). In August 2011, The New Yorker wrote:

Until this moment, the operation had been monitored by dozens of defense, intelligence, and Administration officials watching the drone’s video feed. The SEALS were not wearing helmet cams, contrary to a widely cited report by CBS. None of them had any previous knowledge of the house’s floor plan, and they were further jostled by the awareness that they were possibly minutes away from ending the costliest manhunt in American history…

Arab militant Osama Bin Laden poses for this undated photo (Photo by Getty Images)

Obama’s “Kill or Capture” Mandate: Hudson also noted that speculation continues over whether the SEALs were given orders to capture bin Laden, if possible. Based on Gates’ comments, though, it seems that killing the terrorist was something the government was more than willing to do. As for Hudson’s stance on the matter, he wrote:

Much has been speculated about whether the Navy SEALs were given orders to assassinate Osama bin Laden on contact or capture him if possible. Some have alleged that because bin Laden was unarmed, this was likely an assassination mission. Still, no one knows for sure, and the Obama administration resolutely vows that its orders were to capture bin Laden if possible. Despite that, a scene prior to the raid shows Admiral Bill McRaven telling the SEALs that the “preference” of this mission is that there be no detainees.

The point being made here is this: The film gives a definitive answer regarding whether the SEALs were told to kill or capture. Since we don’t know for sure what was said behind closed doors, the movie, too, should have presented this scenario in a more vague fashion.

Watch the “preference” scene from the film, below:

The SEALs’ Firefight With bin Laden Supporters: While Hudson notes that early reports indicated that a gun battle brewed between the SEALs and bin Laden loyalists, accounts of the mission now vary. In the book “No Easy Day,” the former SEAL who authored the book and was a part of the mission, explained that the only shots fired by people in the compound happened in the guest house when the SEALs killed bin Laden’s courier.

In “SEAL Team 6,” Hudson claims that the gun battle appeared to be occurring in the building that bin Laden resided in — something that seems to conflict with some accounts.

For Hudson’s analysis, read his article on TheAtlantic.com.

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Related:

‘Seal Team 6′ Bin Laden Movie Edited to Feature More of Obama

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (95)

jvrat
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:48pm
factual-Factual-FACTUAL? Not ever has this administration been in any way open and clear. Nor do they offer believable clarity to the American people –Accusations fly yet there is no resolve. A stronger America is now blundered with silly gossip from media as it divides our course !

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- stage9
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 11:22pm
  Never expect the propaganda arm of the Obama Administration to ever produce the truth.
  
  Report this comment
- cloudsofwar
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 10:24am
  obama says he killed bin laden. did he? obama has lied to us so many times laden might not be dead. for all we know bin laden might have died in tora bora. he could be living in saudi arabia in comfort. i don’t believe anything that obama says.
  
  Report this comment
- cloudsofwar
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 10:25am
  another movie i wont watch.
  
  Report this comment
- EdgeOfSanity
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 10:30am
  Can hardly wait to see the Benghazi sequel. Wonder how that one can be twisted to make BHO look good.
  
  Report this comment
- DeOppressoLiber
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 1:09pm
  When the show airs, go to Barnes and Noble and buy No Easy Day. The money will go to a good cause, and that book is based on the truth.
  
  Report this comment
Wigglesworth
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:49pm
Notice this clown doesn’t say anything about Americans being killed.

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Notblindedbybiasmedia
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:02pm
Tell everyone you know to watch HOPE and CHANGE on Hulu.com for FREE this weekend!

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- burnteye86
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:57pm
  Let me tell you something Beavis, You American hating commies days are numbered. Right now, that number is 3. Sun. Mon. and Tue.
  
  Report this comment
dmhatche
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:27pm
You conservatives are upset about Benghazi?
Well I am upset with…

1. 2008 US Embassy Bombing in Yemen – 10 killed – Bush
2. 2008 US Embassy set on fire in Serbia – Bush
3. 2006 US Embassy in Syria attacked – 1 killed – Bush
4. 2004 US Consulate in Saudi Arabia attacked – 9 Killed – Bush
5. 2004 US Embassy in Uzbekistan attacked – 2 Killed – Bush
6. 2002 US Consulate in Pakistan attacked 10 Killed – Bush

You conservatives are not patriots, only care about these issue when its politically advantageous.

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- hypnos
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:39pm
  Difference no cover up. Stevens hung out to die because of a failed attempt to retrieve weapons given to the terrorists in Libya now on there way to Syria. So that’s a lot different idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- Apple Bite
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:43pm
  And yet, Obama still managed to do far worse damage in the middle east. Bush didn’t turn over 3 countries to the extremists.
  
  Report this comment
- lylee
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:55pm
  Did Bush watch these dastardly deeds in real time and then for two weeks claim they were a result of demomstrations over a stupid movie? Did Bush spend $70,000.00 of our money to go on tv to give a humble apology for our freedom of speech?
  
  Report this comment
- texanpatriot
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:12pm
  FACTUAL INCONSISTENCIES
  
  I believe it s easier to say = LIES.
  
  I believe Bush was an honest although misguided President. But he was/is a patriot. The One is an embarrassment to this great Republic, and a pathological liar. But in Islam lying to infidels is OK…
  
  Report this comment
- Some Chicken Some Neck
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:38pm
  The fact you think only conservatives are upset about this shows your delusion. This should not be a political issue – that is, saving Americans’ lives – but whoever decided not to assist those men did so for political reasons. That makes this political.
  
  Report this comment
- Wigglesworth
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:48pm
  Notice this idiot doesn’t say anything about Americans being killed.
  
  Report this comment
- spfoam1
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:19pm
  You posted the same garbage in three different stories now. I think you are a muslim propagandist. You are more interested in blaming Bush than blaming the murderous pedophiles called muslims. I hope to see you behind a crosshair some day.
  
  Report this comment
- Clownzilla
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:24pm
  2011 – 911 terrorist attacks – 2,823 killed – Clinton
  
  Report this comment
- bTeri
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:31pm
  Just wondering…. in each of those situations…. did the administration in the White House and State Deptartment decide to have locals from volatile new governments in charge of the security at those embassies? Did those admnistrations ignore repeated requests for more security after hearing about 10 Al Qaeda militias brewing in the the towns they were in? Did those admnistrations lie on television for two weeks saying it wasnt terrorism becaue they were worried if they said it was terrorism it would ruin a talking point from their reelection campaign? Did those administrations constantly leak intelligence information putting overseas operatives from our government and ally’s governments at risk? DIDNT THINK SO.
  
  Report this comment
- DZ-015
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:38pm
  Nuthatch: How many of those incidents cited involved a failure to take swift action to save American lives when the necessary armed forces and equipment were available in the area for dispatch?
  
  Report this comment
- Baja
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:42pm
  @dmhatche, booger off douchebag. 56 million killed because of democrats since Roe vs. Wade.
  Take your ass clown comments and go schtoop yourself.
  
  Report this comment
- Salamander
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 11:03pm
  Gee, why did you leave out the bombings of US Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998? (Because it doesn’t support your political message?)
  
  Report this comment
- Ginstar88
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 6:45am
  Either you were born after 9/11/01 or you are too ignorant of history to know that the entire attack was planned years in advance during the Clinton presidency. Let me help you out:
  
  The first WTC bombing in 1993. Six people killed and over 1,000 injured. Bill Clinton was president.
  
  Bombing of the USS Cole in 1996. Bill Clinton was president.
  
  Bombing of US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania by Al Qaida in 1998. Bill Clinton was president.
  
  Nineteen Saudi hijackers sent by Osama bin Laden to the US in the late 1990′s. Bill Clinton was president.
  
  Final planning and funding for the 9/11 attack. Bill Clinton was president.
  
  Jan. 2001. President Bush started his first term in office.
  
  Sept. 11, 2001. Hijackers destroy the WTC towers and part of the Pentagon.
  
  So the next time you go blaming Bush for 9/11, present the rest of the history or you will look like a total fool.
  
  Report this comment
- EdgeOfSanity
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 10:37am
  Take the lists from @DMHatche and @Ginstar88 and tell me why Washington DC doesn’t get the message that the Muslims wish us harm and should not get our help or support?
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 2:23pm
  all those places had security, and didn’t involve a 7 hour fire fight with no backup. AZZwipe
  
  Report this comment
silly
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:12pm
Lets all stand outside the theaters and protest this movie.
The “Rules” should be the same. as for the stupid movie that started the whole Benghazi problem with the cover up from the administration.
We should stop this movie. Stand United or something like that from the democrats.
Lets play their own games.
Stupid, Idiots

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- E.Souchak
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:24pm
  Did the Sun Times get played by Patrick Fitzgerald?
  
  http://illinoispaytoplay.com/2012/11/03/did-the-sun-times-get-played-by-patrick-fitzgerald/
  
  Report this comment
- bTeri
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:32pm
  Nah…just stop going to Harvey Weinstein movies at all.
  
  Report this comment
- honor007
  Posted on November 4, 2012 at 9:07am
  @silly, this is not a “pay to see” movie. This is on NatGeo, I wish we could have got 2016 on a regular cable channel.
  
  Report this comment
Puddle Duck
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:05pm
One has to wonder how President Jarrett feels about her empty shelled stand in Barry taking all the credit ?

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tankyjo
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 7:35pm
I’ll bet it is less attended than Act Of Valor.

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MrKnowItAll
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:59pm
We show Dead Mexican Drug Cartel Leader’s and Dead Everything else. Why are we Giving Muslims special treatment? With this Administration. I want to see the Tapes of Osama Bin Laden Dead. Forget the feelings of these Radical Killer’s. When are we All going to understand they want to Kill us no matter what? Who cares about their Feelings? These PEOPLE are our Biggest Threat! When is Enough, Enough?

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Bob
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:50pm
The screen shots from the “movie” sure look like they picked fat, out-of-shape, wimpy, screen actors guild union thugs to portray Seals in this propaganda piece. Ha ha, what a joke!

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- HumbleMan
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 8:58pm
  That was my first reaction.
  
  Report this comment
- ICanComment
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:07pm
  My first thought was, “Ohhh no, hardened killers!” (sarcasm font) Those guys do not look like operators.
  
  Heading into a Nerf battle with serious expressions. …or maybe this is a scene from the next Transformers movie.
  
  Cheese alert.
  
  Report this comment
Dde13
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:47pm
How many times can you spike a football?

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- DZ-015
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:42pm
  Maybe that’s what the center was doing in that Kansas high school football game clip currently being featured on The Blaze.
  
  Report this comment
Jenasus
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:02pm
We all know that Obama is a pathological liar, right?
Than how can you believe Obama when he says Osama bin Laden is dead?
For all I know Obama could be Osama.

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- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:24pm
  Wonder if they will show them shooting the unarmed bin laden or will they try and make it look better (like Spielberg’s greedo vs Han solo debacle) by having him reaching for a weapon or holding an ak.
  
  Report this comment
- truthnstuff
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 11:37pm
  Good point. They bagged and dumped the body faster than Pelosi shooting botox. Too many questions, no answers and no proof of any kind. He could habe been brought back dead or alive. Osama is probably hanging out at the bath house with 0bama planning the destruction of our country.
  
  Report this comment
Southern Yankee
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:00pm
During an election year did Obama really have a choice? Why are they making a big deal about a no brainer decision.

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lylee
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:48pm
Kill or capture? That’s what Americans do. Marxists KILL!

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Edohiguma
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:45pm
Thanks. I rather read the books written by the men who were there, or those who have experience in this business, than watching yet another Hollywood PC pile of horse manure.

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phillipwgirard
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:36pm
The S O B is inserting himself into movies now for propaganda purposes, what a POS,,,

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olduser
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:29pm
MERIK59
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:08pm
…Trying to use this scenario for political gain of any kind is propaganda & rather pathetic.

Quoted for truth.

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davetrav
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:22pm
Obama makes me puke.

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- CatB
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:27pm
  Obama called the SEALS
  and they got bin Laden
  
  When the SEALS called Obama,
  they got DENIED
  
  NEVER FORGET BENGHAZI!
  
  Report this comment
go2gym
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:17pm
I’m surprised the movie doesn’t put Obama in fatigues and full gear with them.

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- phillipwgirard
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:40pm
  Soon there will be an GI Hussein action figure,,,BO is pathetic,,,
  
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- RJJinGadsden
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:31pm
  PHILLIPWGIRARD, They are already out there. Actually have been for a while now.
  http://www.buzzfeed.com/thoughtbrain/random-japanese-obama-action-figure-4b
  http://gadgetsin.com/obama-action-figure.htm
  http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=26625
  
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merik59
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:08pm
Only far reaching history will determine who really did what in the long run. Everyone who participated will be dead & long gone before the real facts come out. Trying to use this scenario for political gain of any kind is propaganda & rather pathetic. Making a decision is not the same as actually doing the job. Ordering the death of a criminal is not a heroic act but a necessary one. Carrying out a secret op & laying your life on the line is heroic. Does Obama not understand the difference? He could not possibly comprehend what it truly means to serve one’s country since he has never done so. If this is the only thing he has done that had a positive impact on this country during his term, then he hasn’t done enough & he hasn’t done his job. I would be ashamed to hinge my career on this action since ordering a death is not a humanitarian choice. Thank you Seals for keeping us safe yet once again. I salute all those who lay their lives on the line to ensure our freedom.

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- PilgrimStuckInBizarroWorld
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:28pm
  I will second that!
  R&R
  TEA
  
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- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:26pm
  far reaching history will be altered and deleted at the whim of the communist overseers.
  
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momrules
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:05pm
I won’t be watching this swill but I wonder if Muslims will be. If they riot, burn, murder and pillage as a result of this video who will Obama and Hillary blame this time?

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- kalli
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:12pm
  My thoughts exactly.
  
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- tonypro
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:13pm
  Touche’
  
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- Bob
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:10pm
  So true! This is why they came up with the phony anti Mohammed video. Obama/Soros/Democratic Party utilize Saul Alinsky tactics/ propoganda methods. Deflect any attacks and use smoke and mirrors.
  
  Remember they still have the video “maker” in jail. WHY?
  
  Report this comment
mike551
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:04pm
Bin Laden is dead, and the Dr. is in jail. Way to stand behind our allies obama. And by the way….. your ass is out a here in four days! IMPEACH THE MUSLIM OBAMA NOW!!! GET US OUT OF THE UN!!!

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GlennaBeckski
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:03pm
http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message2037317/pg1

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- GlennaBeckski
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 5:08pm
  Talk about fantasies.. check this out!!
  
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CatB
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 4:51pm
Would be more appropriate on the Sci-fy channel. Fantasy that ;-)

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 4:40pm
This film is just another case of Obama trying to score points just before the elections. Jim Bohanans radio show had one of the actors on just Thursday night and telling of the film. This thing smacks of Obama manipulation from one end to another and not just in the timing.

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- tonypro
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 4:54pm
  ……and it’s so blatantly obvious too.
  
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- ICanComment
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:21pm
  They really think we’re all dumber than a box of rocks and that we have no flipping clue what’s going on. Insulting the intelligence of voters is the best way to win them over. Yet, sadly, many in my “MTV” generation probably would vote one way or another because of a movie.
  
  I can’t wait to vote. Can I vote the media out, too?
  
  Report this comment
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 4:32pm
Sorry, I will be watching The Walking Dead. Not sure why TheBlaze put that show towards the left on their analysis. It’s a show about self-determination and survival.

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- tonypro
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 4:53pm
  Hey Anonymous
  
  “Sorry, I will be watching The Walking Dead.”
  
  You mean there is a program on TV about D.C.?
  
  Report this comment
- BHOHG2G
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 6:00pm
  Well, if your’e a lefty you root for the zombies.
  
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- DeltaCharlieCain
  Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:25pm
  When did the Blaze say that that show was to the left? I tried searching for an article but I couldn’t find what you were referring to.
  
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