The 2024 presidential election campaign is heating up, with both sides employing increasingly strong tactics to sway voters. The latest salvo comes from the Harris-Walz campaign, which released a new TV and digital ad on Saturday directly targeting former President Donald Trump’s record on Asian Americans.
The ad, titled “Our America,” utilizes a powerful historical comparison, linking Trump’s policies to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The ad suggests that Trump’s “outdated vision of America” leaves no room for Asian Americans, highlighting symbols of American freedom like the Constitution as being “under attack” by Trump and his allies.
The 30-second spot vividly depicts the struggles of Asian Americans throughout history, including the tragic 1982 murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit, a racially motivated attack against a Chinese American man that the campaign directly links to Trump’s policies. The ad features a diverse group of Asian Americans, including a veteran saluting the flag, emphasizing the contributions of Asian Americans to the nation.
The Harris-Walz campaign is strategically deploying the ad across various platforms, including television in key battleground states and digital channels like Meta, Snap, YouTube, and radio. The aim is to reach a wide audience and amplify the message of inclusion and diversity championed by Vice President Kamala Harris.
The ad’s release coincides with Harris’ escalating criticism of Trump, who she has labeled “increasingly unhinged and unstable” and a “fascist.” Andrew Peng, the Harris-Walz 2024 Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander spokesperson, stated that the choice for Asian American voters is clear. He claims that while Trump surrounds himself with loyalists and seeks unchecked power, Harris prioritizes the well-being of all Americans.
This new ad, employing strong historical imagery and emotional appeals, marks a significant escalation in the campaign’s efforts to portray Trump as a threat to Asian American communities. It remains to be seen how this ad will resonate with voters and whether it will impact the outcome of the 2024 election.
