From The Boston Globe · · 1m 40s
Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio Ad Sparks Bipartisan Backlash
Ohio gubernatorial ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother draws bipartisan criticism, but Ramaswamy's team remains undeterred.
In brief
Ohio gubernatorial ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother draws bipartisan criticism, but Ramaswamy's team remains undeterred. Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign aired a controversial ad accusing Democratic rival Amy Acton of being a liar, prompting bipartisan backlash but not changing voter intentions ahead of Ohio's…
Ohio Teacher Votes Early After Ad
A 52-year-old teacher rushed to vote early after seeing a campaign ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother calling her a liar.
“That made me come vote today for Amy Acton because I thought, 'What a piece of crap'”
Ad Features Estranged Mother
The ad shows Amy Acton's estranged mother accusing her daughter of being a liar who can't be trusted.
Ad Leaked and Backfired
The ad was leaked online Tuesday and drew swift bipartisan backlash despite initial conservative social media support.
Background on Estranged Mother
Amy Acton was removed from her mother’s custody at age 12 after accusing her mother’s husband of sexual abuse.
Vice President Defends Ad
Vice President JD Vance defended the ad at a rally, saying it was a tactic Democrats used to attack Ramaswamy.
Campaign Spends $4.5m on Ad
Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed it produced the ad and will spend $4.5 million to broadcast it in every Ohio media market.
Opposition Campaign Criticizes Ad
Acton’s campaign called the ad repulsive, accusing Ramaswamy of being a self-serving billionaire who harms others.
“Vivek Ramaswamy investing $4 million to run a repulsive advertisement that gives star billing to Dr. Acton’s abusive mother is both despicable and entirely predictable”
Voters Unchanged by Ad
Ohio voters from both parties said the ad didn’t change their minds and cemented their choice.
Election Timeline
With the general election less than two weeks away, Republicans face tough challengers in competitive states.
What matters most
Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign aired a controversial ad accusing Democratic rival Amy Acton of being a liar, prompting bipartisan backlash but not changing voter intentions ahead of Ohio's election.
