The anti-Israel protests on college campuses have caused Republicans to target vulnerable Democrats running in Senate elections. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is running ads attacking five Democrats as well as encouraging viewers to push back against the protests. More ads are expected to follow, with Republicans focusing on the importance of putting America first. The protests have given Republicans ammunition to use in upcoming elections, with NRSC communications director Mike Berg calling the issue toxic for Democrats.
In battleground states like Pennsylvania, Republican candidates are using the protests to attack Democratic opponents. Both Democrats and Republicans have struggled to find a consistent message in response to the demonstrations. Republican candidates are framing the protests as antisemitic and anti-American, while Democrats appear divided in their responses. Some Democrats in tough races are calling for crackdowns on the protests, while progressives are defending the protesters’ rights to demonstrate.
As the protests continue, Republicans are likely to continue using them to put pressure on Democrats in the upcoming elections. Republican candidates may ask their Democratic opponents whether they stand with the protesters or with law and order and support for Israel. The issue is particularly problematic for Democrats as they try to balance the concerns of their liberal base with the more moderate views of the American public. The protests have also highlighted divisions within the Democratic party on issues of antisemitism and peaceful protest.
While the protests have sparked strong reactions from both parties, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be with voters. An ABC News/Ipsos poll indicates that few respondents consider the protests in the U.S. and the fighting in Gaza to be critical to their vote in the upcoming elections. Democrats are emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and condemning hate speech and antisemitism, while also working to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Republicans, on the other hand, are using the protests to attack Democrats and call for law and order.
