Just hours before former President Donald Trump was scheduled to arrive in Atlanta, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) launched a targeted campaign against him in the city.
A mobile billboard positioned outside the arena where Trump was to speak featured a video highlighting some of Trump’s most controversial remarks, including those deemed racist. The Hill obtained an exclusive preview of the over-minute-long ad, which showcases several of Trump’s notorious statements, such as his description of African nations as “s–thole countries” and his comment about “very fine people on both sides” during the Charlottesville riots.
The billboard also criticizes Trump with a clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham
One segment of the ad includes MSNBC’s Joy Reid reporting on Trump’s call for the death penalty for the Exonerated Five, followed by Trump’s own statement: “I want society to hate ‘em.” Another clip features a quote from Trump’s former associate John O’Donnell’s 1991 book, where Trump expressed disdain for Black individuals handling his money, revealing his racist views.
The billboard also criticizes Trump with a clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) scathing 2016 remarks calling Trump a “race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot.”
This ad follows Trump’s recent controversial comments about Vice President Harris’s identity at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention in Chicago. It concludes with a video of ABC News’s Rachel Scott challenging Trump and a black screen with the words “They shouldn’t.”
Marcus W. Robinson, senior spokesperson for the DNC, condemned Trump’s rhetoric, asserting that his presidency was detrimental to Black communities and warning that another term would undo progress made under the Biden-Harris administration.
Harris, who recently secured the Democratic nomination and rallied in Atlanta with Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo, is expected to announce her vice presidential pick soon.
Both Harris and Trump are actively seeking support from Black voters, but some analysts believe Trump’s recent comments have harmed his standing with this demographic. With Atlanta’s Black population at nearly 52% and Georgia playing a crucial role in the 2020 elections, the contest for Black voters is critical.
