Nicole Shanahan, former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has released a new ad that aims to reshape the perception of MAGA supporters.
Just The News reported that the ad, posted to X (formerly known as Twitter), seeks to introduce viewers to a different portrayal of the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement. The video highlights Americans from various walks of life, casting them as warm, optimistic, and hopeful, in contrast to negative media portrayals.
Released on Friday, the ad, titled "Who Really Are the MAGA People?", is designed to challenge existing narratives about MAGA supporters.
It features footage of Americans from rural areas, cities, and suburbs, showcasing a cross-section of the nation. The video opens with a voiceover inviting the audience to "explore the fascinating world of the MAGA people."
As the ad progresses, it counters what the voiceover calls misleading portrayals in mainstream media. "Our media had warned us that these were vicious, radical, and even deplorable people," the ad states. This statement draws attention to common criticisms of the MAGA movement.
However, Shanahan’s ad quickly shifts to a different perspective, one that focuses on the positive traits of MAGA supporters. "Contrary to what we had been told, we found the MAGA people to be warm, loving, and even rather cheeky at times," the voiceover continues.
This approach seeks to humanize the individuals who support the movement, painting them as everyday citizens with an optimistic outlook on the future of the country.
In addition to redefining the perception of MAGA supporters, the ad emphasizes the movement’s commitment to upholding U.S. constitutional values. It presents the MAGA movement as one rooted in optimism and a desire to restore a government "run by the people."
This portrayal suggests that MAGA adherents are motivated by a sense of civic duty and a belief in the principles that underpin the United States Constitution. The ad positions this as a contrast to accusations that the movement is driven by radical or extreme ideologies.
The ad also signals the merging of two movements: MAGA and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s own "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) campaign. "Just recently the MAGA people have joined forces with another group: the MAHA people," the voiceover reveals.
This blending of slogans is reflective of Kennedy’s efforts to align his political views with elements of the MAGA movement. Notably, Kennedy endorsed Donald Trump last month, further solidifying the connection between the two figures. The ad does not mention whether Trump himself had any involvement in the video’s production or messaging.
Kennedy is scheduled to appear at a rally in Arizona on Saturday evening, where he will speak alongside former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The rally will not feature Donald Trump, though the collaboration between MAGA and MAHA appears to be a significant talking point in Kennedy’s ongoing political efforts.
Kennedy’s pivot towards the MAGA movement has been a notable shift in the independent presidential candidate’s campaign, with Shanahan’s ad further cementing this new direction. The ad portrays Kennedy as a unifying figure between the health-focused MAHA initiative and the broader MAGA base.
Shanahan’s ad is not just a commentary on the MAGA movement itself but also a critique of how that movement has been depicted in the media. The voiceover explicitly challenges the viewer’s preconceived notions, suggesting that many have been misled about the true nature of MAGA supporters.
The video ends by encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface and explore the real people who make up the MAGA movement. Whether this approach will be successful in reshaping public opinion remains to be seen, but it reflects a clear effort by Shanahan and Kennedy to redefine a controversial political base.
Shanahan’s decision to release the ad on X is likely a strategic move, as the platform has become a central hub for political discourse. By choosing a social media platform with a wide reach, the ad has the potential to engage audiences across the political spectrum.
The ad’s warm and hopeful tone, coupled with its emphasis on constitutional values, may appeal to a broader segment of voters who are weary of political polarization. Shanahan’s involvement also suggests that Kennedy’s former running mate continues to play a role in shaping his campaign messaging, even after their presidential bid ended.
While the ad does not directly outline specific policy proposals, it positions the MAGA and MAHA movements as aligned in their shared optimism for America’s future. By framing MAGA supporters as fundamentally warm and hopeful, Shanahan’s ad hints at a desire to broaden the appeal of the movement beyond its traditional base.
This ad, coming on the heels of Kennedy’s Trump endorsement, signals a shift in strategy that may influence how both candidates engage with their respective supporters moving forward. The upcoming rally in Arizona will likely offer more insights into how Kennedy plans to navigate this political terrain in the coming months.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Shanahan’s ad serves as a reminder of the power of media to shape and reshape narratives.
