Harris faces backlash over ‘insulting’ ad

A bid to win the support of black male voters has instead sparked ire among internet users

US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has faced online criticism over her latest campaign advertisement, which focuses on black men’s love lives. Some internet users have described the ad as “dehumanizing.”    

The Harris campaign released the ad on Instagram and Snapchat. It uses dating-game-style videos designed to encourage young people to vote. In the advertisement, a black man can be seen approaching a group of women holding balloons, who question him about his income, height, and whether he works out. 

After getting apparently favorable responses, one woman asks if the man has a plan to vote in the November US presidential election. 

“Nah, not my thing,” he replies. The response prompts the women in the scene to pop their balloons, while the caption on the screen at the end reads “Vote. Election Day is Nov 5,” alongside a message that the ad was paid for by ‘Harris for President.’  

New Harris/Walz ad tells black men that women will reject them if they don’t vote. Memorable and works as an appeal to self-interest. pic.twitter.com/9EKlOEIEU2

— Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) October 19, 2024

The commercial has been met with mockery and criticism online.  

Some internet users have argued that the ad served to “insult” and “dehumanize” black men, rather than its reported aim of winning over their support.  

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“Democrats continue to dehumanize and insult black men and try to shame and pressure them into only voting for them,” one user wrote. “Kamala campaign doesn’t even try to engage respectfully.” 

“Does the Harris Walz team really believe this will convince anyone to vote for them?” asked another. 

“It’s hard to describe how cringe Kamala is, but I’ll do my best,” a third person said.  

“What man would watch this and be persuaded to vote for Kamala Harris?” 

According to a recent New York Times report, Harris is 11 points behind in the presidential race to secure backing from male voters.  

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Earlier this month, former US President Barack Obama campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania and scolded black men at a rally in Pittsburgh, claiming they should have the same enthusiasm for the Democratic nominee as they did for his campaigns in 2008 and 2012. 

Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump have both brought celebrities to their campaign rallies two weeks before the election.  

Among the stars to support Harris are singers Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Bruce Springsteen, and actors George Clooney, Anne Hathaway, and Jennifer Lawrence. 

Trump has been endorsed by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, rapper 50 Cent, politician and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., commentator Tucker Carlson, retired professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, and actor Jon Voight.