Democrats Weaponize Trump's Comment on Slowing Down Coronavirus Testing

Strategic Insights -

As President Donald Trump's comments about slowing down coronavirus testing continue to attract attention, Democratic super PACs, including Priorities USA, and the Biden campaign, are moving to amplify the remark in a series of attack ads. A television ad by Priorities USA features Trump's comment, interspersed with news reports on the initial government inaction on coronavirus and a quote from top doctor Anthony Fauci, highlighting the deadly consequences of Trump's actions. The Biden campaign has also stated plans to work the comment into their digital ad rotation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Priorities USA is spending around $2 million a week on television and digital ads, including a 30-second spot titled "Slow the Testing" that highlights Trump's comments.
  • The super PAC will also begin running a digital ad titled "Testing" that features multiple comments Trump has made about testing leading to negative outcomes.
  • White House officials have attempted to downplay the comment, with trade adviser Peter Navarro saying it was a "tongue in cheek" remark, while Trump has long dismissed testing efforts.
  • American Bridge, another Democratic super PAC, began running a digital ad featuring the remark in swing states on Sunday.
  • The Biden campaign has begun releasing videos on Twitter playing Trump's comment over headlines about the number of coronavirus deaths.
  • The "Slow the Testing" ad will be aired in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, key battleground states ahead of the November election.

Statistics:

  • Over 120,000 people have died in the United States due to the coronavirus.
  • Priorities USA is spending around $2 million a week on television and digital ads.
  • The "Slow the Testing" ad will be a 30-second spot.
  • The digital ad "Testing" will feature multiple comments Trump has made about testing leading to negative outcomes.
  • 120,000 coronavirus deaths credited to Trump's comment

Sources:

  • Dan Merica, CNN
  • Priorities USA
  • American Bridge
  • The Biden campaign
  • The White House