Democrats are ramping up their attacks on Elon Musk, aiming at the billionaire entrepreneur with a new digital ad that will run in key battleground states across the United States. The ad highlights Musk’s controversial straight-arm salute, which critics have linked to extreme right-wing symbolism.
This latest campaign comes after Musk’s failed attempt to sway voters in Wisconsin, where his support for conservative Brad Schimel resulted in a significant defeat in the state Supreme Court race. Now, the Democratic Party is doubling down on efforts to discredit Musk and his involvement in political affairs, making him the latest target in the heated political battle for control of the country.
The new ad’s central focus is Musk’s ongoing feud with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Kelly, a retired astronaut and Navy veteran, became the subject of Musk’s harsh criticism after the senator publicly stated that the United States should support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
Musk, known for his strong social media presence, responded by calling Kelly a “traitor.” This harsh remark has not gone unnoticed by Democrats, who have seized on the opportunity to criticize Musk’s actions and question his character.
The ad is produced by 314 Action, a progressive advocacy group dedicated to supporting Democratic candidates with a scientific or technical background. The group is using the ad to contrast Senator Kelly’s military and public service with Musk’s actions, calling out the Tesla CEO for his controversial remarks and behavior.
The ad paints Kelly as a hero who served his country both as a Navy officer and as an astronaut, contrasting him with Musk, who is accused of benefiting from government contracts while firing thousands of veterans from his companies.
One of the most powerful points of the ad is its praise for Kelly’s dedication to his country and his family. The ad begins by stating, “When America needed his courage to fly combat missions, Mark Kelly answered the call.”
This message serves as a reminder of Kelly’s past service, including his leadership in space shuttle missions and his personal connection to violence when his wife, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was shot in an assassination attempt in 2011. Kelly has long been an advocate for gun control and supporting families affected by violence, which only strengthens the contrast between his public service and Musk’s actions.
The ad then shifts to Musk’s behavior, accusing him of using his wealth and influence to undermine veterans and public service members. “Elon Musk seems to think this is all just a joke—that he can say and do whatever he wants without consequences,” says Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Calling Navy veteran Senator Mark Kelly a ‘traitor,’ while delighting in firing thousands of honorable U.S. veterans from continuing their service, is a disgrace.”
This powerful statement directly addresses the criticism Musk has faced for laying off workers, particularly veterans, from his companies, and ties it to his perceived disregard for those who have served in the military.
Musk’s critics have also drawn attention to his past actions, such as his involvement in controversial online posts and statements, including a widely mocked incident where he performed a straight-arm salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration rally.
This gesture, which has been criticized as reminiscent of Nazi imagery, has fueled accusations that Musk is aligning himself with extreme right-wing ideologies. In response, Musk has dismissed these claims, calling them tired and baseless. He insists that his salute was not intended to carry any political connotation, but his critics are not convinced, and the ad aims to remind voters of this troubling moment in his public life.
The ad concludes with a call to action: “It’s time to fire Elon Musk.” This message is clear and direct, urging voters in key battleground states to reject Musk’s influence and hold him accountable for his actions.
The ad also highlights Musk’s reliance on government contracts, accusing him of profiting off taxpayer money while simultaneously undermining the veterans who have served their country. This appeal is especially potent in states with significant veteran populations, including Arizona, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio, where the ad will be aired.
The release of this ad comes as the Democratic Party celebrates a major victory in Wisconsin, where liberal Judge Susan Crawford triumphed in a state Supreme Court race. Musk, who had previously tried to boost Schimel’s candidacy, became the subject of ridicule after his attempt to win over voters in the state failed spectacularly.
In a bizarre move, Musk wore a cheesehead hat at a rally in an attempt to appeal to Wisconsin voters, and even handed out a $1 million check to gain favor. These antics, along with Musk’s vocal support for conservative causes, have made him a prime target for the Democrats, who are eager to paint him as an out-of-touch billionaire with little regard for the everyday struggles of working-class Americans.
The ad campaign targeting Musk is part of a broader effort by the Democratic Party to rally support in battleground states. With critical elections on the horizon, the ad seeks to capitalize on Musk’s controversial public image and turn it into a liability for conservative candidates who have received his support.
The ad will run in areas with Veterans Affairs hospitals, ensuring that the message reaches veterans and their families, who may be particularly sensitive to Musk’s actions regarding employment and government funding.
The Democrats’ latest ad targeting Elon Musk represents a calculated effort to discredit the billionaire and his influence on politics. By focusing on his feud with Senator Mark Kelly and his controversial public behavior, the ad aims to highlight Musk’s lack of accountability and his disregard for veterans and public service members. As the battle for control of the country intensifies, the Democratic Party hopes that this ad will resonate with voters and turn Musk’s high-profile antics into a political liability.
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