Republican-affiliated external campaign committee aims to capitalize on disputes in Michigan by broadcasting advertisements that emphasize Israel and Mr. Emhoff's Jewish background.
The Future Coalition PAC has roughly invested around $60,000 in broadcasting multiple YouTube ads aimed at Michigan, as indicated by Google's Ads Transparency Center. These ads enthusiastically endorse Harris' backing of Israel and often emphasize her husband, Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish.
The advertising strategy, with its optimistic message and captivating music, seems to propagate Harris' presidential campaign ambitions; however, considering the PAC's source and its strategic placement in the crucial battleground state of Michigan, a more suspicious intent might be suspected. It seems these ads are employed to fan the embers of discord arising from the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to undermine Harris' attempts to strengthen the Democratic coalition comprising Arab-American and Muslim voters in Michigan.
Arab and Muslim Americans constitute an influential voting demographic in Michigan. Around 146,000 Muslim Americans cast their vote in the 2020 general election in Michigan, as per an evaluation conducted by Emgage, a party that strives to amplify the political influence of Muslim Americans. Biden won Michigan by 150,000 votes in 2016. Polls indicate a tight race between Harris and former President Trump in the 2022 election.
One of the ads from this group focuses primarily on Emhoff. It displays photos of Emhoff wearing a yarmulke and visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp. "Kamala Harris is a remarkable leader for these testing times. Alongside Kamala will be her husband and trusted advisor, Doug Emhoff. Doug Emhoff, who would be the inaugural Jewish presidential spouse ever. Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff: pioneering history, advocating for what's correct, upholding Israel."
Another ad begins with, "Vice President Harris has sided with the right side. Harris has unequivocally declared her support for Israel and the Jewish people. She has demonstrated her unwavering commitment numerous times."
The ad carries on, "When (Israeli leader Benjamin) Netanyahu visited Washington DC, Harris welcomed the prime minister to the White House. And when advocates of a free Palestine voiced their opposition, Harris silenced them. And advocates of a free Palestine? They detest her. Because Kamala Harris grasps the situation. We can rely on her to consistently support Israel."
Additional ads from the group share similar themes. "This November, let's make history together. We will place a genuine pro-Israel president in the White House, joining Kamala will be her husband and top advisor, Doug Emhoff, who would be the inaugural Jewish presidential spouse ever. Only in America: Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff."
Established just this month, Future Coalition PAC has yet to submit a report detailing its contributors or financing information to the Federal Election Commission. However, submitted records by the group suggest its links to the Republican Party. The group appoints Cabell Hobbs as its assistant treasurer, who served as the treasurer for a PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 presidential campaign.
CNN has reached out to the PAC for a statement.
The advertising strategy by the Future Coalition PAC, aimed at Michigan, raises questions due to its focus on Harris' supportive stance towards Israel and her husband's Jewish background, potentially stirring up divisive feelings among certain voter groups. Given the PAC's connections to the Republican Party, politics play a significant role in the broadcast of these ads, potentially affecting the election outcomes in Michigan.
