New Super PAC Ad Attacks Bernie Sanders’ Immigration Record
Pro-Hillary Clinton Super PAC Correct the Record released a campaign ad Wednesday scolding Bernie Sanders on immigration reform.
The narrator-less YouTube video begins by displaying Huffington Post, Vox and Newsweek article excerpts implying that Sanders thinks immigrants are "silly, tribal, and illiterate." It then cuts to an interview Sanders had with CNN's Lou Dobbs shortly before the 2008 New Hampshire primary.
"I don't know why we need millions of people coming to be coming into this country as guest workers who will work for lower wages than American workers, and drive wages down lower than they are right now," Sanders said in the Dobbs interview.
Correct the Record's 48-second ad comes three days before the Democratic caucus in Nevada, one which may see as many as 194,000 Latinos turnout. A statement accompanying the video mentions Thursday night's town hall in Las Vegas where the organizations expects Sanders to field immigration questions.
"Lately, Sanders has been desperately trying to pivot from his past comments on immigration reform, but Sanders can't hide from his record," claimed Correct the Record.
Clinton's Super PAC Ties
The David Brock-led group is closer to Clinton than Super PACs tend to be. By definition, Super PACs are supposed to be political action committees focused on independent expenditures. The closer they get to a candidate, the more questions arise as to the candidate's influence, yet Brock has openly championed Clinton since the two announced they would work together last May.
Correct the Record hasn't held back in supporting Clinton, or in taking shots at Sanders.
The organization insinuated to reporters last September that Sanders and former Venezuela President Hugo Chavez shared socialist ideals. Last month, Sanders had to dispel rumors his campaign was bussing out-of-state students into Iowa to caucus.
Now, the Vermont senator finds himself defending his record with Latinos, the fastest-growing voter base in the country.
Xavier Becerra Attacks Sanders
Hours before the video's release, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra posted near a dozen tweets citing instances when Sanders went against immigration efforts.
One referenced a 2007 reform bill Sanders voted against. Another claims Sanders supported 2006 legislation designed to protect the Minutemen, a group of anti-immigration militias camped out near the U.S.-Mexico border.
We've been hearing a lot from @BernieSanders about supporting immigrant families of late. Where was he before he ran for president?
— Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) February 17, 2016
In '06, #Sanders voted for a measure designed to protect the Minutemen —anti-immigrant militias on the border. — Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) February 17, 2016
Those of us who have fought for years for comprehensive #immigration reform welcome allies. But talk is cheap. Only action gets it done #CIR — Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) February 17, 2016
If #Sanders is campaigning on immigration reform & supporting Latinos, fine. But he should explain his spotty record & how he'll get it done — Xavier Becerra (@XavierBecerra) February 17, 2016
Sanders, if elected, vows to push President Obama's executive action on immigration. On Feb. 13, he issued a statement supporting the "Fair Day in Court for Kids Act," legislation granting counsel for unaccompanied undocumented children at the government's expense.
"Our immigration policies must be consistent with our historical commitment to provide protection and due process to those fleeing violence and persecution," Sanders said, adding that he would not tolerate calls to send unaccompanied children and victims of violence back to countries they fled.
Sander's campaign has yet to respond to the attack ad or Becerra's Twitter posts. Watch Correct the Record's ad below.
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UPDATE: 3/8/16: Article amended to clarify Sen. Sanders' statement and a Newsweek opinion article's headline.
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