Ad launched in swing New York district highlighting Trump's lie about Haitian immigrants
WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee launched a five-figure digital advertising campaign Monday in New York’s 4th Congressional District urging Haitian Americans to vote in November “in an act of unity against bigoted attacks,” according to a source who shared the plans with NBC News.
The district is one where Democrats hope to flip control from Republicans in their bid to take the majority of the House.
As part of the effort, the group, often referred to as CBC PAC, has put out a new ad titled “Unity” that is narrated by a Haitian American woman and features former President Donald Trump’s past statements referring to African nations and Haiti as “shithole countries” and repeating lies accusing Haitians of abusing and eating animals in Springfield, Ohio.
The ad will target voters across the New York district, where Trump is scheduled to campaign this week. The effort is part of a nationwide push by the CBC PAC to reach Black voters in battleground congressional districts where it believes Black voters will be key to securing wins.
“Every day between now and Election Day, Haitian Americans are going to hear a message of unity from the party of progress, inclusion, and the American dream — that is the Democratic Party,” Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., who is chairman of the CBC PAC, said in a statement. “While Republicans seek to divide our communities by creating wild conspiracies and disrespecting our cultures, Democrats are working hard to make the American dream possible for all.”
The ad begins with the narrator saying, “They want to tear us apart.” It then plays news clips of reporting about Trump’s past statements disparaging Haitians. The narrator says: “Demeaning our culture and creating conspiracies that harm our families. Isn’t our hustle and sweat as good? Isn’t the American dream for us, too? Vote this November.”
The ad ends with the narrator saying, “Remember, our unity is our strength. L’union fait la force.” The last sentence, in French, is the national motto displayed on Haiti’s flag and translates to “unity makes strength.”
Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to hold a campaign rally Wednesday in Uniondale, New York, which is part of the 4th District. The district is represented by Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., who faces Laura Gillen, a Democrat.
