International trade continues to dominate the Senate race in Ohio, where acute opposition to offshoring jobs has prompted both candidates, incumbent Republican Sen. Rob Portman and former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, to try to out-protectionist the other.
Stranger still, Segway Inc., since 2015, is owned by Ninebot Inc., a Beijing-based company, leaving the media consultants behind the ad open to a charge of benefiting from the America-China trade relationship while disparaging it.
"Wonder what they’re up to in there?" he asks, speaking to the camera as if he's sharing a secret. "Probably giving Rob Portman an award for being China’s best senator," he concludes with mock pride.
Then he sums up Portman's record on trade: "After all, Portman voted for eight different trade deals. Portman even led the fight to give the Chinese permanent special trading status."
The man leaves out Portman's recent opposition to the pending and controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership, though that deal excludes China.
As he unwittingly scoots off on his Segway.
An earlier version of this post insinuated that Segways are manufactured in China, but they are manufactured in Bedford, New Hampshire. However, Segway Inc., since 2015, is owned by Beijing-based Ninebot Inc. The article has been updated to reflect these changes.
Portman Called "China’s Best Senator"
The Democratic Senate Majority PAC is up with a new ad titled "Embassy," filmed outside the Chinese embassy. A man inexplicably scoots on a Segway in the front of the embassy, and muses whether Sen. Portman is inside.Stranger still, Segway Inc., since 2015, is owned by Ninebot Inc., a Beijing-based company, leaving the media consultants behind the ad open to a charge of benefiting from the America-China trade relationship while disparaging it.
"Wonder what they’re up to in there?" he asks, speaking to the camera as if he's sharing a secret. "Probably giving Rob Portman an award for being China’s best senator," he concludes with mock pride.
Then he sums up Portman's record on trade: "After all, Portman voted for eight different trade deals. Portman even led the fight to give the Chinese permanent special trading status."
The man leaves out Portman's recent opposition to the pending and controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership, though that deal excludes China.
Are Democrats China-Bashing?
“Sure hope Rob Portman’s not in there negotiating another trade deal," he says with a hint of sarcasm. "Hard to believe this guy’s running for reelection in Ohio.” The screen offers the tag line, "Rob Portman. Not for Ohio" imposed over the embassy's Chinese flag.As he unwittingly scoots off on his Segway.
An earlier version of this post insinuated that Segways are manufactured in China, but they are manufactured in Bedford, New Hampshire. However, Segway Inc., since 2015, is owned by Beijing-based Ninebot Inc. The article has been updated to reflect these changes.