Why do political candidates have to state "I approve this message" in an ad where they are speaking? Ah, we assume they approve the message since they are actually saying it! Stupid.
Ads NOT run by the campaign, by a 3rd-party organization, make a statement that: this message is sponsored by the XYZ Committee, or whatever. Okay, fine.
But if I see a candidate in a TV commercial speaking, I don't need him/her to say at the end: I am so-n-so and I approve this message.
Duh!