(2003-11-24) -- The Republican National Committee (RNC) has halted broadcast of a controversial advertisement portraying Democrats as soft on terrorism in contrast to President George Bush's philosophy of strong pre-emptive self-defense.

The RNC decision follows criticism from top Democrat leaders that the ad made them look unpatriotic in a Republican attempt to "stifle dissent."

The 30-second TV spot, which began airing in Iowa last week claimed that Democrats "are now attacking the president for attacking the terrorists."

In order to maintain Mr. Bush's commitment to political civility, new TV ads will begin airing later this week. In them, the President is seen talking directly to the American people. Below is the full text of the ad.

PRESIDENT BUSH: "I believe that pre-emptive self-defense is the only way to deal with terrorists. Many Democrats oppose me in this and think that we ought to go to the United Nations and ask France and Germany to pass more resolutions designed to bring the likes of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein to the bargaining table.

Now, I would never suggest that these Democrats are unpatriotic. The right to disagree is one of our basic freedoms. So if my Democrat opponents want to burn the American flag on the steps of the United Nations, they can do so. That's the American way. And they can support governments who oppose us. Heck, if the Democrats want to wear blue helmets and drive BMWs while eating French Fries -- that's their prerogative. It doesn't make them any less patriotic.

My Democrat critics are great American patriots. Don't let anyone tell you different. Just look at how they support our military, even though they say our troops are risking their lives to defend a lie. Democrats are stalwart American patriots whose only concern is that we have full employment, so that every office and cubicle will be occupied the next time a hijacked plane slams into a building.

Did I say that, or just think it?"

NARRATOR: President Bush -- defender of Democrat patriotism, champion of political civility.