Donald Trump might have overextended while trying to make the most of the news that the FBI has reopened its investigation into Hillary Clinton’s email server.
Rather than focus on the substance of the email scandal, a new television advertisement highlights the more salacious and less relevant elements. With the new spot, the Trump campaign seems to argue that Clinton is guilty simply by her association with Anthony Weiner.
“Decades of lies, cover-ups and scandal have finally caught up with Hillary Clinton,” says a narrator, whose voice seems better suited to previewing summer blockbusters. “Hillary Clinton is under FBI investigation again after her emails were found on pervert Anthony Weiner’s laptop.”
There’s nothing inaccurate about the ad, but there’s not much that’s strategic either.
Trump’s own fans might well find it amusing, but Weiner’s involvement is an embarrassment for Democrats, not an indictment. Ultimately, it provides plenty of material for puns and little to sway the undecided voter.
Thirty-second soundbites don’t often become mini-masterpieces. But the Trump campaign could’ve used the spot to explain what actually occurred and make their candidate seem more presidential.
Of course, that might be off-brand for a candidate who has embraced chaos. With Clinton beleaguered by her own national scandal though, Trump had an opportunity to come off as the adult in the room for once.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
