Massive Ad Spend Highlights Trump’s Legal Issues Ahead of Debate
President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has announced a $50 million advertising blitz through the end of June, marking the campaign’s first major television push and focusing heavily on former President Donald Trump’s legal troubles. This aggressive strategy seeks to define the stark choice between Biden and Trump well ahead of the November election, with the first debate set for June 27 in Atlanta.
Targeting key demographics
The ad campaign includes over $1 million aimed at Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters. One prominent ad, titled “Character Matters,” highlights Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts related to a New York hush money case, and notes his liability in separate sexual assault and financial fraud cases. The ads will run on general market television, connected TV on streaming devices, and cellphones in battleground states, as well as on national cable.
Trump’s legal challenges
“In the courtroom, we see Donald Trump for who he is,” says the ad’s narrator, juxtaposing images of a Trump mug shot with Biden high-fiving supporters. The message is clear: “This election is between a convicted criminal who’s only out for himself and a president who’s fighting for your family.”
Trump faces additional felony charges in three other criminal cases, though none are expected to go to trial before the November election. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming without evidence that the cases against him are politically motivated. His campaign spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, accused the Biden administration of “weaponizing the justice system against President Trump.”
Biden’s response and strategy
Biden has frequently addressed Trump’s convictions, criticizing the former president for suggesting the case against him was rigged. “It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this was rigged just because they don’t like the verdict,” Biden has argued.
Biden’s campaign emphasizes not just Trump’s legal issues, but also his policy proposals for a second term, aiming to energize disaffected Democrats and independent voters. Producing an ad that leans heavily into Trump’s conviction signals a renewed effort to make Trump’s legal problems a central election issue.
Hunter Biden’s case
The campaign comes as Biden’s son, Hunter, was recently convicted in Delaware on three felony charges related to a 2018 gun purchase. Biden has stated he will respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.
Campaign statements
“It’s a stark contrast, and it’s one that matters deeply to the American people,” said Biden campaign spokesman Michael Taylor. “And it’s why we will make sure that every single day we are reminding voters about how Joe Biden is fighting for them, while Donald Trump runs a campaign focused on one man and one man only: himself.”
With the upcoming debate in Atlanta, the Biden campaign aims to keep Trump’s legal issues front and center, shaping the narrative for voters as they head to the polls in November.