January 1, GOP Rival Uses Trump’s Mug Shot in New Campaign Ad

In what can only be described as a controversial move, an advertisement showing former President Donald Trump’s mug shot is now circulating TV channels in New Hampshire.

This comes courtesy of Tell It Like It Is PAC, which supports former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

The photograph of Trump, clicked by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office as a result of the Georgia election interference case, is prominently featured in the ad.

According to AdImpact, this super PAC ad is the inaugural TV broadcast to present Trump’s mug shot in this presidential race, a move that some may view as a low blow.

The ad starts with the narrator asking, “Tired of the drama, the distractions, the lies?” and then swiftly zooms in on Trump’s image.

The narrator promptly shifts focus to their endorsed candidate, stating, “Chris Christie: A former prosecutor who convicted child pornographers, corrupt politicians. A successful blue-state governor.”

The commendation continues, mentioning Christie’s confrontations with the teachers’ union, his achievements in Jersey’s most violent city, and his success in getting Democrats to cut taxes.

“A real conservative, Christie tells the truth and he’ll beat Joe Biden easily,” claims the voiceover.

This TV spot is more than just a one-off jab; it’s a significant component of a “six-figure” ad purchase across broadcast and cable networks. Digital platforms in New Hampshire will also display the ad, as the super PAC announced.

Focusing a considerable part of his campaign on New Hampshire, Christie is keen to engage with the state’s unique primary system that permits independent participation. This Republican primary electorate is considered more centrist than the more conservative Iowa caucus voters.

Interestingly, the ad winds up showcasing Christie in a warm embrace with New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a known Republican Trump critic. Yet, Sununu hasn’t officially backed any presidential primary contender.

While the pro-Christie super PAC has made a strategic choice with Trump’s mug shot, they aren’t the sole group capitalizing on the image.

In a twist of irony, Trump’s campaign is using the mug shot to rally their base, sending out fundraising emails and even merchandising T-shirts sporting the photo.

Boasting about their strategy, the Trump campaign recently revealed having garnered $9 million post the public release of the mug shot.

Bottom Line

• Former President Trump’s mug shot becomes the centerpiece of a TV ad by a super PAC backing Chris Christie.
• The advertisement seems to be a bid to contrast Christie’s achievements against the controversies surrounding Trump.
• While critics are using the mug shot as a tool against Trump, the Trump campaign is turning the tables, using the image as a rallying cry for fundraising and merchandise.

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