Steyer attacks Sanders, Biden in new SC ad days before the state’s primary
Days before the South Carolina primary, billionaire businessman Tom Steyer released an ad across the state punching at the two front-runners in the Palmetto State race.
“South Carolina has a chance to make history, but we have to get this right,” the ad says. “The status quo just won’t do.”
The ad, which launched Tuesday, called out former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the only candidates polling ahead of Steyer in recent S.C. polls.
“Joe Biden is a good man, but he’s admitted nothing will change if he’s elected,” the ad said. “And Bernie’s socialist plans won’t beat (President Donald) Trump.”
Steyer has barely registered in national polls, but has managed to pick up some support in South Carolina, which he said was “do or die” for his campaign.
During his 2020 run for the Democratic nominee, Steyer has poured money into advertising in South Carolina. According to the Institute for Southern Studies, Steyer has accounted for more than three-fourths of all advertising spending from 2020 hopefuls in the Palmetto State.
The latest ad comes as Steyer pushes for a win in the last early voting state before Super Tuesday. The California businessman struggled in contests in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, and continues to poll low nationally.
Steyer has managed to build a coalition in South Carolina, though, by investing millions in ads and staffing and far outlasting some of his opponents with more experience in government.
This isn’t Steyer’s first attacks on Sanders or Biden during the days leading up to the South Carolina primary.
During a CNN town hall, Steyer came out swinging, criticizing Sanders for his plan to have the government “take control of parts of our economy,” likely referring to the senator’s Medicare for all plan. Steyer also called predictions that Sanders would be the Democratic nominee “premature.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 4:43 PM.
