Democratic and GOP strategists on the deeply personal attack ad in Ohio

Ohio's governor's race has taken a sharply personal turn, and strategists from both parties say the tactic reflects a campaign season in which candidates increasingly go after each other's character rather than policy. Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign released a commercial in which Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton, accuses her daughter of lying about her past, including a claim about living in a tent. The spot also disputes Acton's description of her upbringing, which includes allegations of sexual abuse by a stepfather, according to PBS NewsHour.

On PBS NewsHour, Democratic strategist Faiz Shakir, a senior adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders, called such ads disgusting and described this one as a desperate move by a trailing candidate to steer attention away from housing, health care, electricity rates and gas prices. Republican strategist Whit Ayres said negative ads work when believable, but this one could backfire. Vice President J.D. Vance faulted Republicans who objected to it.

The discussion also covered President Donald Trump's stops in North Carolina, Kansas and South Carolina. Shakir said Republican voters seem unenthusiastic and independents may decide the outcome, while Ayres noted Trump's skill at turning out occasional voters.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour →