Democrats Deploy Mobile Billboard to Criticize Trump and GOP Candidates at Miami Debate
ICARO Media Group
In a strategic move to make their voices heard during the GOP Miami debate, Democrats have planned to troll Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump, via a bilingual mobile billboard. Aimed at criticizing Trump and the contenders taking part in the debate, the billboard will circle the venue with its eye-catching messages.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) shared the exclusive billboard message with ABC News, which primarily focuses on Trump and the alleged shortcomings of his presidency. The message takes a playful jab at the former president by adding, "We almost forgot about the debate..." – a reference to how Trump's presence tends to overshadow his Republican counterparts.
DNC spokesperson Marco Frieri stated, "As Donald Trump and 2024 Republicans head to Florida for their next MAGA-off, we're reminding voters that beyond the chaos and squabbling you'll see tonight, the entire 2024 field is united around ripping away as many of our freedoms as they can."
The mobile billboard is set to cruise around downtown Miami from 2 p.m. until the conclusion of the debate. Its targets extend beyond Trump; it also intends to troll the five candidates participating in the debate: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. The billboard will briefly display their headshots, labeling their faces as "MAGA" to highlight their association with Trump.
Interestingly, while the debate takes place, Trump will hold a rally approximately 10 miles away in Hialeah. This marked his third Republican National Committee (RNC) debate snub.
The DNC billboard focuses on branding what it calls Trump's "extreme MAGA agenda," using quotes from him that reflect controversial beliefs. It includes his statement in 2016 suggesting that women who have abortions should face "some form of punishment." Recent remarks, such as Trump calling Hezbollah "very smart," are also highlighted. The messaging further accuses him of denying the results of the 2020 election, being the first modern president to refuse a peaceful transfer of power.
The billboard also highlights alleged actions during Trump's presidency, including attempts to cut Medicare and Social Security, incentivizing job outsourcing, and failing to deliver on infrastructure and lower prescription drug prices. Although President Joe Biden is not directly mentioned in the messaging, it emphasizes issues where his agenda could contrast with the GOP.
The RNC responded to the Democrats' efforts with a dismissive tone. Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated, "Voters know that any of our candidates would be better than Joe Biden, which is why he continues to flail in poll after poll."
Adding to the political spectacle, the Biden-Harris campaign strategically placed "Dark Brandon" meme lawn signs near the debate venue. This meme, featuring President Biden with laser eyes, is often used by the campaign to counter Republican messaging. The name stems from the Republican rallying cry, "Let's go, Brandon," which is aimed at Biden.
Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, confirmed that the lawn signs were the campaign's doing. He added a warning aimed at Republicans, stating, "To Republicans running to strip away abortion rights, gut social security and Medicare, and undermine our democracy: You better watch out, Jack."
This billboard and lawn sign "battle" occurs amidst a wave of recent victories for Democrats in key elections. Notably, the party achieved significant wins in Ohio, Virginia, and Kentucky. Despite this, recent polls suggest that Trump could potentially defeat Biden in crucial battleground states.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll shows Trump leading Biden in hypothetical matchups in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, whereas Biden has a slim lead in Wisconsin. Furthermore, a recent CNN poll suggests that Trump leads Biden among registered voters.
Biden-Harris Campaign Manager Julie Chavez-Rodriguez, speaking at a press conference, downplayed the significance of the polls at this early stage, reminding everyone that "polling at this stage is not predictive." Chavez-Rodriguez drew parallels to past presidents, including Barack Obama, who faced similar challenges early on in their campaigns but went on to win re-election.
Following the resounding Democratic victories on election night, Chavez-Rodriguez released a statement expressing optimism for the upcoming re-election campaign. She remarked, "Tonight, Democrats across the country won because they ran on standing up for personal freedoms, defending democracy and fighting for working families. Voters across the political spectrum once again showed up and voted for our agenda and rejected the dangerous MAGA extremism that has come to define today's Republican Party at every level."
As the Miami debate unfolds, Democrats have made their presence felt through the mobile billboard and "Dark Brandon" lawn signs, ensuring that their opposition to Trump and the GOP candidates is clear for all to see. The political battle rages on, with both sides vying for control and attempting to sway public opinion in their favor.