A Democratic candidate for Maryland governor released an ad Wednesday featuring what activists say is the first time ever a candidate has shared a kiss in a campaign commercial in an attempt to irritate President Donald Trump.
Richard S. Madaleno Jr., a Maryland state senator currently polling at fourth place in the Democratic primary for governor, released the “Take That” campaign ad aimed at showing how he would stand up to Trump and “deliver progressive results.”
Madaleno lists some of his accomplishments that “already infuriate” Trump, like fighting for Planned Parenthood, assisting with banning assault weapons in Maryland, and opposing school vouchers. After each statement, a member of the chorus of school-aged children surrounding Madaleno says “take that, Trump,” or “take that, NRA,” or “take that, [Secretary of Education] Betsy De Vos,” as appropriate.
“And what’s the number one way I piss off Donald Trump and the Republicans?” Madaleno asks as he sits with his husband Mark Hodge, a deputy health officer at Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and their two children.
Hodge and Madaleno then share a short, audible kiss on the lips. Madaleno looks in the camera one one last time to say “take that, Trump.”
WATCH:
The ad ran during “Fox & Friends” Thursday morning, timed for LGBT Pride Month, but it’s unclear if Trump noticed it. The LGBT Victory Fund called the Maldenado’s commercial “groundbreaking” and said it was the first time a homosexual kiss between a candidate and his partner has been featured in a campaign ad in American history.
“At a time when political attacks by Trump and other Republicans are fueling so much hatred and division, we need to stand up for the people we love and to continue to confront harassment and discrimination against women, African-Americans, immigrants, LGBT couples and so many more,” Madaleno said.
Madaleno is polling at fourth place in the race for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in November, according to a recent Washington Post poll. (RELATED: ACLU Picks Fight With Maryland Gov. Over ‘Tough On Crime’ Bills)
Hogan’s popularity has kept him in a comfortable lead against potential challengers so far.
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