Rep. Trone Removes Controversial Phrase from Senate Primary Attack Ad
Rep. David Trone of Maryland’s Democratic Party has made significant adjustments to an attack ad targeting his Senate primary opponent, Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County Executive. This move comes amid a fiercely contested race where Maryland’s influential Black voter demographic holds substantial sway.
The Backlash and Revision
Trone’s decision to remove the phrase “training wheels” from the ad follows criticism from over 650 Black women, including former DNC Chair Donna Brazile. They perceived the language as disparaging and tinged with misogyny and racism.
In response to the backlash, Trone’s campaign swiftly released a revised version of the ad. The revised ad omits the contentious remark while retaining endorsements from Black state and local officials. The campaign cited a minor typographical error regarding Trone’s legislative achievements as the impetus for additional edits to the advertisement.
Strategic Messaging
The revised ad is strategically crafted to resonate with Maryland voters, particularly within the Black community, while ensuring alignment with Trone’s campaign messaging and objectives. With Maryland’s pivotal role in shaping the Democratic Party’s Senate representation, Trone’s campaign aims to maintain momentum and appeal to a diverse electorate through strategic messaging adjustments.
