The Trump campaign has kicked off its first general election television ad by aiming directly at Vice President Kamala Harris' record on immigration and border security.
The Washington Post reported that the new ad criticizes Harris as ineffective in her role, accusing her of mishandling issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The campaign has invested $12 million for a two-week period of broadcast, cable, and digital airtime. The key battleground states chosen for this ad include Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
The content of the ad is striking. It labels Harris as evasive, weak, and unfocused on crucial immigration matters. A primary point of criticism revolves around Harris' handling of drug trafficking, escalating migrant crossings, and perceived terrorism threats at the U.S.-Mexico border.
A notable segment of the ad features a clip from a June 2021 interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt. In the interview, Harris is questioned about not visiting the border, to which she responds, “And I haven’t been to Europe. I mean, I don’t understand the point that you are making.” This response is utilized to underscore the ad's argument of evasion and distraction.
Additionally, the ad includes footage from a 2023 event at the vice president’s residence celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The clip shows Harris dancing, which the ad portrays as symbolic of her being distracted from pressing border issues.
Released just this Tuesday, the ad is set to run throughout the week. It suggests that Harris is responsible for several immigration-related challenges during the Biden administration, disparities like fentanyl trafficking and violent crimes by undocumented immigrants.
The advertisement highlights Harris’ leadership in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing migration from countries like El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
Her role has often been dubbed the "border czar." According to the ad, she has not succeeded in this capacity.
The ad concludes with a stark message: “Kamala Harris. Failed. Weak. Dangerously liberal.” This tagline is designed to resonate with viewers concerned about border security and immigration policy.
This $12 million ad purchase marks a significant step for the Trump campaign after previously choosing not to compete with Democratic ad spending during the earlier phases of the election season.
From March to July 29, the Biden-Harris campaign has spent $138 million on ads, dwarfing the efforts of MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump.
MAGA Inc. has been active in airing ads but has struggled to match the spending power of independent groups backing Biden. This latest ad from the Trump campaign represents a calculated move to close the gap and sway voters in crucial battleground states.
The criticisms lodged against Harris in the ad are multifaceted. They primarily focus on her perceived lapses in border management, specifically touching on drug trafficking, the rise in migrant crossings, and the potential threat of terrorism. By including the clip from the Holt interview and footage from the celebratory event, the ad aims to paint Harris as inattentive to these issues.
By referencing Harris’ position as the "border czar," the ad seeks to hold her accountable for immigration problems attributed to the Biden administration. The narrative script of the ad sums this sentiment up with the line, “This is America’s Border Czar, and she has failed us.” The ad's release is timely, designed to capitalize on these concerns to gain voter support in the upcoming election.
This move by the Trump campaign exemplifies a broader strategy to target the Biden administration's handling of immigration. By focusing on Harris, the campaign aims to weaken the administration's standing on border security and appeal to voters worried about these issues.
As the election season progresses, it is likely that both campaigns will ramp up their efforts to sway undecided voters, particularly in battleground states. The criticism of Harris is expected to remain a central theme in the Trump campaign's narrative.
In summary, the Trump campaign's new $12 million ad targets Kamala Harris on her immigration record, labeling her as ineffective and distracted.
The ad is running in key battleground states and criticizes Harris’ handling of issues like drug trafficking and migrant crossings.
Highlighting her role as the "border czar," the ad suggests she has failed to address critical immigration challenges. This move marks a strategic escalation in the Trump campaign's efforts to appeal to voters concerned about border security.
