Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has launched a digital ad targeting Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance as an “extremist” and a “danger to our democracy.” The ad suggests that Vance could be a heartbeat away from the presidency if Donald Trump wins in November, marking the first time the Democratic ticket has focused on the former president’s age in paid media since Harris became the nominee. The 50-second ad, which will target voters in battleground states, features clips of Trump appearing to slur his words at an event and a Fox News host commenting on his performance. This is a departure from previous Harris campaign ads and is meant to highlight concerns about Trump’s and Vance’s fitness for office, given their ages.
Age has been a significant campaign issue in the past, particularly when President Joe Biden, who is 81, was a candidate. Trump himself is 78 years old. The Harris campaign’s decision to focus on Vance’s potential proximity to the presidency if Trump is elected, as well as his policy positions and rhetoric, indicates a strategy to paint him as unfit for the role of vice president. The ad includes quotes from Vance expressing his desire to see abortion banned nationwide and his view on the exercise of power, which the narrator describes as concerning. By highlighting Vance’s connections to conservative think tanks and plans for a potential Trump second term, the ad aims to position Vance as someone whose views are extreme and out of touch with mainstream American values.
The release of this ad comes just before a vice presidential nominee debate between Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vance. By focusing on Vance’s statements and affiliations with conservative groups, the Harris campaign is seeking to draw attention to what they perceive as the stakes of the upcoming election. The ad emphasizes the potential consequences of a Trump victory, positioning Vance as a key figure in a hypothetical second Trump administration. Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika stated that the American people have shown their disapproval of Vance and his views, particularly his support for a nationwide abortion ban and his alignment with extreme conservative ideologies. The goal is to alert voters to the possibility of Vance being just a heartbeat away from the presidency under a Trump administration.
The ad attempt to paint Vance as a candidate with extreme views and dangerous policy positions, suggesting that his role as vice president could pose a threat to democracy. By linking Vance to Trump’s age and potential health concerns, as well as his adherence to conservative think tank recommendations, the ad seeks to undermine Vance’s credibility and suitability for higher office. Harris’ campaign is leveraging Vance’s own words and statements to make the case that he is not fit to hold national office, particularly given the current political climate and the challenges facing the country. The ad serves as a warning to voters about the consequences of supporting Trump and his chosen running mate, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election in determining the future direction of the country.
The ad sets the stage for a contentious debate between Walz and Vance, highlighting the sharp contrasts between the two candidates and their respective visions for the country. By focusing on Vance’s controversial statements and ties to conservative groups, the Harris campaign is seeking to sow doubt among voters about his ability to serve effectively as vice president. The strategy of highlighting Vance’s connections to Project 2025 and other conservative initiatives is intended to raise alarms about the potential implications of a Trump victory and the subsequent administration that could be led by Trump and Vance. The ad serves as a call to action for voters to carefully consider the implications of their choices in the upcoming election, particularly given the potential consequences of a Trump victory and the elevation of Vance to a key leadership role in the White House.
