California Democrats plan to use anti-Trump advertisements in completely unrelated state races, judging by the first statewide ad run by State Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), who is running for California Insurance Commissioner.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Lara “devoted his first online ad in the 2018 race to depicting Trump as anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-healthcare and a climate change denier.”
Lara’s first ad opens not with Lara himself, but with President Trump on five television screens at once, saying: “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best…”
Then it cuts to Lara strolling down Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, with the words “Senator Ricardo Lara” in the background.
Lara states: “Donald Trump continues to attack immigrants like my mom and dad, a seamstress and a factory worker. His ‘hate’ has only made me more determined to empower Californians to control their own lives.”
Not once does Lara — who repeatedly refers to himself by his title of “Senator” — ever properly identify or address Trump as the president. He calls him “Donald Trump” and “Mr. Trump,” but never “Mr. President” or “President Trump.”
That might not seem a big deal, in an era of where“hate” and disrespect from the left has reshaped our political dialogue and culture at large, but it could turn off older voters.
Lara’s approach could open the door to a less ideological, less well-funded and more likable candidate — perhaps even a Republican.
In recent weeks, Lara has also gained notoriety as the sponsor of a single-payer health care bill that is making its way through the California legislature.
One of the last Republicans to win a statewide race was Steve Poizner, who was elected California Insurance Commissioner in 2006.
Tim Donnelly is a former California State Assemblyman and author who is doing a book tour for his new book: Patriot Not Politician: Win or Go Homeless. He ran for governor in 2014.
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.donnelly.12/
Twitter: @PatriotNotPol
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