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US VOTERS are heading to the polls for midterm elections today, following the unprecedented pulling of a racist television advertisement placed by President Donald Trump’s campaign.
NBC, Facebook and even the previously supportive Fox News rejected the 30-second campaign ad, which featured courtroom video of an undocumented Mexican immigrant convicted of the 2014 killing of two police officers, juxtaposed with scenes of the Central American refugee caravan proceeding through Mexico.
CNN refused to run the ad, calling it “racist,” NBC, owned by Comcast Corp, dubbed it “insensitive” and Fox News Channel, which Mr Trump has repeatedly named his favourite broadcaster, also pulled it.
Fox News, a unit of Rupert Murdoch’s Twenty-First Century Fox Inc, said it had made the decision after a review but did not elaborate.
The bitter election fight for control of Congress – and with it the ability to block or promote the president’s agenda – is headed for an unpredictable finish, as both Republicans and Democrats are calling it critical for the direction of the country.
Voting is also taking place to choose 36 state governors.
Asked about concerns that the TV ad was offensive, Mr Trump replied: “A lot of things are offensive. Your questions are offensive.”
The president has been campaigning in several states, reaffirming his racist anti-immigrant stance and repeating wild claims about the refugee caravan, which he designates an “invasion.”
He has dispatched thousands of troops to the border in recent days, warning that they could use live fire against any stone-throwers.
“The contrast in this election could not be more clear,” Mr Trump told supporters in Indiana at a rally for Republican Mike Braun, who is facing incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly in a tight contest.
“If you want more caravans, vote for Democrats tomorrow.”
Opinion polls and election forecasters favour the Democrats to pick up the minimum of 23 seats they need to capture a majority in the House of Representatives, enabling them to obstruct the president’s legislative agenda and investigate his administration.
The Republicans are favoured, however, to retain their slight majority in the Senate, allowing them to approve Supreme Court nominations and other judicial appointments on straight party-line votes.
