Horwath’s New Democrats Launch Campaign Publicity Blitz

With the Ontario election eight months away, NDP leader Andrea Horwath is on the air to present herself to voters again.

Horwath, who is leading the New Democrats in his fourth campaign since taking over the party in 2009, ran radio and television spots ahead of the June 2 vote.

“She knows who she is. She knows who we are. How tough this pandemic has been. And what needs to be done to get us back on track,” says a male narrator against a vaporous video background of his encounter with Ontario residents.

“Andrea Horwath is a fighter for people. For frontline workers. Families trying to find a house they can afford. Older people who deserve better care. And children who need safer schools and a future to look forward to. Intense. Loyal. Optimistic.”

The positive 30-second ad, which comes the day after Prime Minister Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives released three new ads, concludes with Horwath speaking to the camera and saying she is “proud to always be on his side.”

In a radio commercial, he takes aim at the Ford Tories, who have been in power since 2018.

“I hear it from parents every day. Relief that the children have returned to school. Worry about what comes next. And the frustration that Doug Ford has not solved the problems in our schools, ”says the NDP leader.

“Your cuts have made things worse. Time to invest in smaller class sizes and more teachers and education workers. Mental health supports. And safer schools. That’s my plan. Because that’s what our children deserve. “

Both TV and radio spots will begin airing Monday, but the New Democrats are also reissuing two TV spots from the summer.

One tries to undermine the populist image of Ford as a common man.

“For the little one? Please. Doug Ford. Here for your friends. Not for you, ”says an incredulous narrator about the prime minister, who is descended from a wealthy family.

The other points to liberal leader Steven Del Duca as titled and little known.

You may not remember his name. But you will never forget his track record as Kathleen Wynne’s right-hand man, making big cuts and bad decisions together, ”says the narrator, referring to the former liberal prime minister.

“Drastic reduction in medical care. And sending your energy bill through the roof. Now he wants to be premier to do it all again. Steven Del Duca. Back for power. Not for you.”

Interestingly, the NDP’s attack on Del Duca is virtually identical to a conservative spot targeting the liberal leader.

In Tory’s commercial, she is also known as “Kathleen Wynne’s right hand man.”

Liberals insist that attacks by both parties are a badge of honor.