Mr. Moore is readying for a conservative counterattack, saying he has created a political-style "war room" to offer an instant response to any assault on the film's credibility. He has retained Chris Lehane, a Democratic Party strategist known as a master of the black art of "oppo," or opposition research, used to discredit detractors. He also hired outside fact-checkers, led by a former general counsel of The New Yorker and a veteran member of that magazine's legendary fact-checking team, to vet the film. And he is threatening to go one step further, saying he has consulted with lawyers who can bring defamation suits against anyone who maligns the film or damages his reputation.

"We want the word out," says Mr. Moore, who says he should have responded more quickly to allegations of inaccuracy in his Oscar-winning 2002 anti-gun documentary, "Bowling for Columbine." "Any attempts to libel me will be met by force," he said, not an ounce of humor in his familiar voice. "The most important thing we have is truth on our side. If they persist in telling lies, knowingly telling a lie with malice, then I'll take them to court."

"OH MY GOSH HE CALLED ME A NAME. You'll be hearing from my bevy of lawyers tomorrow, sucker. How dare you speak against me..."

*Rolling of eyes* when you see the vigour and ferocity (and number) of attacks he gets from people like you and the hardcore conservatives, you might be able to see why he needs lawyers.

If mighty right-wing forces stop slandering him and his movies/books, then he won't need lawyers. See?

Funny how much that sounds like the people you are hoping will ban this movie.

I think this is an arguement which will never end.