Election Season Unleashes AZGOP’s Racist Fear Tactics to Manipulate Voters

In an unusual move, the Arizona Republican Party has initiated a billboard campaign asserting that only the GOP stands against the consumption of kittens. This unconventional statement is intended to draw attention to what the party claims are alarming actions by illegal immigrants.

The billboards resemble the famous Chik-Fil-A ads featuring cows promoting chicken over beef. The campaign, announced by AZGOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda, aims to underscore supposed “disturbing stories” of behavior attributed to immigrants in Ohio, framing them as critical reminders of election stakes.

However, the campaign’s premise is rooted in misinformation. In the past week, a viral rumor circulated on social media, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter), alleging that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing pets to eat, including cats, swans, and ducks.

On September 8, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance amplified this rumor on social media, linking it to Vice President Kamala Harris. The narrative gained traction among various right-wing figures, who accepted the claims without skepticism.

Investigations into the story revealed it originated from a Facebook post that lacked credible sources. The Springfield News-Sun, a local publication, fact-checked the claims and found no evidence to support them.

Local authorities, including Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, confirmed that they had received no reports of animals being harmed or eaten by any residents, including immigrants.

The Trump campaign appears to be leveraging this baseless and racially charged claim to influence opinion against Haitian immigrants, who contribute positively to the local economy. The billboards effectively highlight the troubling trend within the party of using false narratives for political gain.

This incident underscores the influence of disinformation on political discourse, showcasing the extent to which alternative facts have permeated the Republican party’s messaging.