[Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons]
By Meanwhile, Kamala Harris insists that her campaign is filled with “joy.” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a new ad that is sure to draw actual laughs. The satirical ad, which was shared by Kennedy’s running mate Nicole Shanahan, takes aim at what it labels “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS)—a term often used by Trump’s supporters to describe what they see as irrational and obsessive criticism of the former president.
The ad begins by asking viewers a tongue-in-cheek question: “Are you or your loved ones suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome?” It then lists symptoms of the so-called syndrome, which include dismissing or denying major national issues such as inflation, illegal immigration, corporate corruption, global conflicts, and the chronic disease epidemic. According to the ad, these symptoms might lead people to vote against their own interests simply because of their disdain for Trump.
In a clever twist, the ad introduces “Independence,” a fictitious cure that supposedly helps voters think critically and independently, freeing them from the influence of what the ad describes as a corrupt media controlled by the Democratic elite. The message is clear: voters should be wary of media narratives that push them toward a particular political viewpoint, especially when those narratives are driven by anti-Trump sentiment.
BREAKING 🚨RFK Jr’s team just released this ad about TDS.This is hilarious!! pic.twitter.com/HIuEssRc1f— American AF 🇺🇸 (@iAnonPatriot) August 29, 2024
The ad features a mock testimonial from a fictional character who admits to once being swayed by media portrayals of Trump as a threat to democracy. After taking “Independence,” the character claims to have seen through the bias and manipulation, leading to a more rational and independent approach to politics.
With a satirical warning that “Independence” might not be for everyone, especially those who prefer to be misled by media narratives or who support what it calls “Orwellian totalitarianism” and “communist fiscal policy,” the ad delivers a pointed critique of the current political climate. It concludes with a list of “side effects” of Independence, including the awakening of rational thought, the ability to spot propaganda, freedom of choice, loss of hatred, and a renewed love for democracy.
While the ad has certainly stirred excitement among Kennedy’s supporters, it has also sparked controversy. Liberal scolds argued that it trivializes genuine concerns about Trump’s impact on “democracy” and risks deepening the already profound divisions in American politics.
Most conservatives responded by urging the left to get a sense of humor.
