Thu Oct 31 20:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Julia Roberts’ Campaign Ad Sparks Backlash: Critics Call It “Execrable” and “Absurdly Condescending”
A new political ad featuring Julia Roberts has drawn widespread criticism for its message encouraging women to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, even if their husbands support former President Trump. The ad, produced by the progressive evangelical group Vote Common Good, has been labeled “execrable” and “absurdly condescending” by critics.
The ad’s central premise revolves around the right to choose, with Roberts narrating, “In the one place in America where women still have a right to choose, you can vote any way you want, and no one will ever know.” It depicts two women voting for Harris, prompting one husband to ask, “Did you make the right choice?” to which his wife replies, “Sure did, honey.” The ad concludes with Roberts’ urging viewers to “Vote Harris-Walz.”
Critics have slammed the ad for its tone and message. Boyce College Professor Denny Burk called it “execrable,” stating its gist is that women should “stick it” to their husbands by voting for Harris. Author and columnist Caryn Sullivan added, “This ad encourages women to defy or lie to their husbands because the end (abortion) justifies the means.”
Many social media users echoed similar sentiments, calling the ad condescending and implying that only Republicans display patriotic imagery. One user remarked, “Women aren’t stupid. This is absurdly condescending.” Another said, “I like the implication that only Republicans display patriotic imagery and American flags… it’s true, but hilarious to see you admit it in your creepy ad.”
Vote Common Good, which spent approximately $30,000 on the ad, defends its message, arguing that it simply promotes women’s right to vote independently. Roberts has been a vocal supporter of the Harris-Walz campaign, even returning to her hometown of Smyrna, Georgia, to encourage voters.
Despite the controversy, the ad has generated significant attention, highlighting the contentious nature of the current political climate and the divisive issue of abortion.
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