LONDON: Republicans have allegedly launched a new digital advertising campaign aimed at Muslim voters, which emphasizes Vice President Kamala Harris’ support for Israel amid the ongoing military action in Gaza.
First reported by the Huffington Post, the ads appear to target voters alienated by the Biden administration’s response to the Gaza conflict.
The campaign runs on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, specifically targeting areas in Michigan with significant Arab and Muslim populations, a demographic deeply affected by the situation in Gaza.
The ads are focused on ZIP codes including Dearborn, the only Arab-majority city in the US, known for its “uncommitted” movement that declined to back President Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic primaries.
While the spending on these ads has been modest, according to disclosures from Meta and Snapchat, they direct users to a video highlighting Harris’ support for Israel.
In the 30-second clip, a female narrator says: “Vice President Harris has chosen a side — the right side.” The narrator adds: “Harris has made herself clear: She stands with Israel and the Jewish people.”
The video also portrays Harris as opposing supporters of a free Palestine, with the narrator adding: “When supporters of a free Palestine stood up for Gaza, Harris put them in their place. And supporters of a free Palestine? They hate her.”
The Future Coalition Political Action Committee, a GOP group associated with Pennsylvania Republican operative Ray Zaborney, has been identified as the sponsor of the ads.
Michigan Democrats have criticized the ads, describing them as a “dirty trick” intended to sway Arab-American and left-leaning voters away from Harris.
A Democratic operative in Michigan has criticized the campaign and accused the GOP of using underhand tactics to exploit sensitive political issues.
Both parties are intensifying their efforts to secure votes as the election approaches, especially in critical battleground states like Michigan, which was pivotal to Biden’s success in 2020.
Harris’ campaigners confirmed on Sunday they were embarking on the largest digital ad campaign in US political history, with plans to spend $370 million on television and digital advertising.
The development comes as Harris faces increased scrutiny over whether she will distance herself from Biden’s approach and take a tougher stance on Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
