TV Writer Accuses Romney of Plagiarism

AP news..."The creator of TV's "Friday Night Lights" is accusing Mitt Romney of plagiarizing a phrase from the show to use as a campaign slogan. Peter Berg wrote a letter to Romney on Friday saying he's "not thrilled" that the Republican presidential candidate is using the phrase "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose" on campaign posters and his Facebook page.  On the TV show, a small-town Texas football coach uses the phrase to inspire his players before taking the field. Berg's agent distributed the letter to the media. In it, the writer-director-actor says Romney's politics and campaign aren't aligned with the themes of the TV series."  Berg goes on to thank the governor for supporting the show but says, "Please come up with your own campaign slogan." The Romney campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

So, the question is... if a candidate, running for office, quotes  phrases from TV shows and movies as his own views to deliver a message to the people, does it discredit his campaign and make him less trustworthy?  AND, if they don't respond to the accusation, does it make them appear to be guilty?