Scott Powers
Two Democratic political committees that have been pounding Florida’s airwaves and social media pushing U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and opposing Republican Gov. Rick Scott‘s U.S. Senate bid are launching new ads that turn in another, more subtle direction.
Senate Majority PAC and Priorities USA are jointly launching three new 15-second internet ads that encourage voter turnout, particularly among women of color and younger voters, without making references to any particular parties, candidates, or election contests.
Instead, the ads talk issues, including the rise of white nationalism, concerns over health care, and a desire for representation for people of color.
The three ads launched Monday in Florida and four other states where Senate Majority PAC and Priorities USA are backing Democrats in tight U.S. Senate races. Each ad features young African-American or Latina women declaring why they and other people should vote and how they are ready to vote this year.
The two groups pledged a million-dollar-plus advertising campaign to place the videos on various online platforms, including Facebook, Google, Pinterest and video and audio streaming services such as YouTube, Hulu, and Spotify.
“There is too much at stake right now for anyone to stay home and not vote this Election Day,” SMP President J.B. Poersch stated in the news release. “Voters across the country need to see that their access to health care, equal rights, and educational opportunities are on the line, and they get a say in the matter. SMP and Priorities are committed to making sure every voter is motivated and ready to make their voices heard this November 6th.”
The first, “They Think This Is America” features brief video footage of a white nationalists marching, followed by the declaration, “Our magic is in our communities, our magic is our people.” Next are videos of young progressives marching.
The second, “This November I Plan To Vote” features a young black woman saying she wants access to contraception and education about her health care options, so she plans to vote in the midterm elections. She also declares, “As an African American who might be unfairly targeted just because of the color of my skin, I want to represent, to see black people rise.”
The third, “Today is the Day” shows a young black woman before a bathroom mirror, getting ready for the day, and expressing confidence as she says, “People are counting on me. I am everything I need. Let’s do this.” That is followed by text declaring, “You are more than ready to vote.”
“Over the past two years, the American people have marched in the streets, called their representatives and demanded accountability at town hall meetings — and now it’s nearly time for them to vote,” Patrick McHugh, executive director of Priorities USA Action stated. “In this crucial election, we can’t afford to take any community or any vote for granted. That’s why Priorities and SMP are launching this digital campaign to make sure that Americans know what’s at stake this November and feel ready to show up and use the power of their vote.”
