Marsha Blackburn's China-targeted ad draws criticism

Advertisement: “It’s time to destroy China to save America”

Transcript: Blackburn: “Some say I’m too tough, that I should be more careful. But you know what? It's time to break some porcelain. China stole our jobs and sent us a virus. They are buying up our land and spying on us. I'm Marsha Blackburn and I agree with this message because we need to break a lot more china to save America.”

Analysis: In her latest campaign ad, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn attacks China, accusing the country of spying on the US and “sending us a virus.” In the ad, as Blackburn smashes plates with a Chinese flag motif, on-screen captions complement her comments, saying things like “Make China pay for COVID.”

In an accompanying social media post, Blackburn ratcheted up the rhetoric, writing: “If you give the Chinese Communist Party an inch, it will cost you a mile.”

Joseph Gutierrez, executive director of the Asian and Pacific Islanders of Middle Tennessee, criticized the tone of the ad on Wednesday.

“Sinophobic messages like these are not only untrue, they continue to sow division and have real consequences for the safety and well-being of our community,” Gutierrez said, pointing to a rise in anti-Asian hate in recent years. “We deserve leaders who will fight for fair and inclusive policies while recognizing our community’s historical, cultural and economic contributions to the state of Tennessee.”

The campaign advert is Blackburn's fourth television advert this year and will air on Thursday. When contacted Wednesday, Blackburn's team did not say how many networks will air the ad, but said it will be seen “nationwide.” Blackburn has purchased about 200 commercials at Nashville-area stations for October.

Where it's running: Broadcast television

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