Talking Points Memo 12/8/11
Rick Perry’s Gay-Baiting Ad Rivals Justin Bieber In YouTube Hatred

Rick Perry’s gay-baiting Iowa ad may have ruffled some feathers within his campaign, but it’s nothing compared to the outpouring of hatred it’s received on YouTube, which now rivals even viral video lightning rod Justin Bieber.

A spokesman for YouTube tells TPM the video is the most viewed video in America today, as well as the top video in Des Moines, IA and Manchester, NH. But the reaction isn’t exactly positive. The Perry camp’s settings for the video enable users to “like” or “dislike” the spot and as of this afternoon viewers have given it 4,485 “likes” and 211,664 “dislikes.” That gives it a staggering approval rating of about 2.1% among those who care enough to cast a vote.

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The Perry video’s only been up two days, so there’s plenty of time for him to move his way up the list. Watch out, Bieber.