President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign launched a pointed television advertisement on Monday, marking its most assertive effort yet to underscore former President Donald Trump’s recent felony conviction. The ad, part of a $50 million investment in key battleground states, seeks to frame the 2024 election as a stark choice between Biden and his Republican predecessor.
Ad Emphasizes Criminal Convictions
The 30-second ad highlights Trump’s legal troubles, stating, “He’s been convicted of 34 felonies, found liable for sexual assault, and committed financial fraud.” This marks a significant shift in Biden’s campaign strategy, as many Democrats have been urging the President to adopt a more aggressive stance against Trump following his conviction.
The ad aims to resonate with undecided voters, presenting the election as a choice between “a convicted criminal who is only out for himself and a president who is fighting for your family,” according to the narrator. Biden’s approval ratings have recently dipped to their lowest point, increasing the pressure to distinguish himself clearly from Trump.
Strategic Shift Ahead of Debate
The Biden campaign’s approach comes as the first debate between Biden and Trump looms in just 10 days. This debate is anticipated to be a crucial moment for both candidates, and Biden’s team hopes to solidify the narrative of a stark contrast between Biden and Trump.
Michael Tyler, a spokesman for Biden’s campaign, emphasized that Trump, entering the debate as a convicted felon, embodies a campaign driven by “revenge and retribution.” The campaign is positioning itself to highlight Trump’s legal issues as a key differentiator in the race.
Reaction from the Trump Campaign
In response, Trump’s campaign has dismissed the ad as part of a broader attempt by Biden to manipulate the justice system against Trump. Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, accused Biden of “weaponizing the justice system” to interfere with the election.
Cheung also pointed out that despite the Biden campaign’s substantial spending on advertising, it has not significantly altered the polling landscape. Trump’s campaign maintains that Biden’s focus on Trump’s legal issues has not dented Trump’s standing among his base.
Broader Context and Implications
The ad campaign reflects ongoing discussions among Biden’s allies about how to leverage Trump’s conviction in the broader electoral strategy. While Trump has been vocal about his conviction in public appearances, Biden has largely avoided the topic directly in his speeches, except for a brief mention at a Connecticut fundraiser.
This might be related to the fact that the President’s son, Hunter Biden, has been found guilty in all accounts of his gun case. This blow to the reputation of the Biden family makes it difficult to use Trump’s conviction as an effective argument against him.
This new ad marks a departure from Biden’s previous reluctance to confront Trump’s legal issues directly on camera, signaling a more combative phase in the Biden campaign amidst the loss of popularity as the election season intensifies.
