The Democratic National Committee has released a TV ad attacking the Republican National Committee for a fund-raising presentation that depicted President Obama as the Joker and revealed a plan to exploit the fear of socialism.
Democratic sources tell TPM that the ad will run in cities ahead of visits by RNC Chairman Michael Steele. Those cities include Cincinnati, Tulsa, Okla., Greensboro, N.C. and West Palm Beach.
Steele has tried to distance himself from the presentation, saying he found out about it through news reports and calling it “unfortunate.”
The spot explains the more controversial bits of the presentation, then asks, “Today’s Republican Party: Is fear all they have left?”
At the end, it shows photos of Steele as well as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader John Boehner. McConnell has also distanced himself, saying “I can’t imagine why anybody would have thought that was helpful.”
The DNC did not say how much they’ve spent on the ad buys.
(Additional reporting by Christina Bellantoni)