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MAGA Candidate’s Sick Attack Ad Takes New Twist
The Daily Beast • • nation
Key Points:
- Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign has discontinued a controversial attack ad targeting his Democratic opponent Amy Acton’s troubled childhood, after spending about $1 million out of an initially planned $4 million budget.
- The ad featured Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, accusing Acton of lying about her past abuse, which sparked widespread condemnation, including from some Republicans and media editorials.
- Internal GOP polling indicated the ad backfired, increasing support for Acton by 8 points, with more viewers saying it made them likely to vote for Acton rather than Ramaswamy.
- Despite backlash, prominent Republicans including Donald Trump and JD Vance defended the ad, while Acton responded with her own ad featuring her brother’s testimony about their abusive upbringing.
- Acton criticized Ramaswamy’s campaign for cruelty and distraction, emphasizing her resilience and condemning the use of personal trauma as a political weapon.
