A pro-choice organization and pro-Clinton super PAC teamed up Thursday to launch an attack ad targeting Republican front-runner Donald Trump for his gaffe saying women who seek abortions in violation of the law should face “some sort of punishment.”
Planned Parenthood Votes and Priorities USA announced it was launching a five-figure digital ad buy for a spot titled “Punishment,” which will run in swing states Florida and Ohio, as well as the nation’s capital.
The 30-second spot highlights remarks Mr. Trump previously directed at women that block letters on the screen describe as “demeaning” and “insulting,” such as him telling a woman that being on her knees is a “pretty picture.”
It then shows a clip of Mr. Trump at an MSNBC town hall Wednesday saying, “There has to be some form of punishment” for women who terminate their pregnancies in the event abortion became illegal.
In the ad, the large white block print on a black screen spell out the word “dangerous.” Followed by the message: “We have too much to lose to let him win. Vote for Hillary.”
Mr. Trump came under immediate fire for the remark, which offended both pro-life and pro-choice activists. He also was roundly criticized by his GOP rival and Democratic candidates, including the front-running Hillary Clinton.
Mr. Trump already had high unfavorability ratings among women, and the remark promised to further hurt his standing with women voters.
The remark was bound to make it into an attack ad, and the two pro-Clinton groups wasted no time making it happen.
“Donald Trump’s vile assertion that women should be punished for having an abortion is the latest example of just how demeaning, insulting and dangerous he really is for women across this country,” said Anne Caprara, executive director of Priorities USA. “Taking away a woman’s basic right to health care puts her life in danger. Trump’s latest attack on women is yet another reminder of just how important it’s going to be to support Hillary Clinton this fall, and Priorities is pleased to work with Planned Parenthood Votes to hold him accountable.”
It was the first paid attack ad either Priorities USA or Planned Parenthood Votes has done against Mr. Trump.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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