Vivek Ramaswamy defends campaign ad featuring estranged mother of Amy Acton
Vivek Ramaswamy is facing backlash from both Democratic and Republican officials for a campaign ad featuring the estranged mother of his political opponent, Amy Acton. Despite the criticism, Ramaswamy continues to defend the ad as part of his campaign strategy.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the increasingly aggressive nature of political campaigning and the internal friction within the Republican party regarding campaign ethics.
With the backing of U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and at U.S. President Donald Trump's urging, Ramaswamy has continued a $4 million US campaign to air the ad on streaming platforms and TV. During stops on the tour Friday, he defended it against criticism that he characterized as concocted by Democrats and the news media.
"The irony is they're lying about an ad that is about lying," he told a crowd in suburban Cleveland Friday morning. "They're changing the subject because they don't want to answer for their own failures."
Ohio's Vivek Ramaswamy slammed for 'revolting' campaign ad featuring opponent's estranged mother
The 60-second spot features Acton's birth mother, Donna Arthur, calling her daughter "a liar" who "needs help" due to a "a serious problem" being honest about her past.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
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