Inside a Republican Ad Accusing Jon Tester of Flip-Flopping on Immigration

The Republican political action committee American Crossroads has spent just over $2 million on this 30-second television advertisement supporting Tim Sheehy, the Republican candidate for Senate in deep-red Montana who is trying to unseat Senator Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent. The outcome of the race could determine control of the chamber, and both parties are spending in accordance with the high stakes. American Crossroads began airing this particular spot in late September, according to AdImpact.

Here’s a look at the ad, its accuracy and its major takeaway.

The ad opens with video clips of Mr. Tester from decades ago in which he appears to say he opposes “amnesty” for unauthorized immigrants. The ad’s background music and the narrator’s tone convey an almost wistful nostalgia.

The ad then indicates that Mr. Tester has changed his views, flashing an image of the U.S. Capitol building as the narrator suggests that “nearly two decades of Washington” are to blame.

It accuses him of voting more recently for “amnesty” for millions of unauthorized immigrants, “including convicted criminals,” and allowing them to receive more than $500 million in Covid-19 relief. The ad flashes an image of men beating someone on the ground, and then what appears to be a line of migrants waiting by a wall.

The desired takeaways are displayed in large all-capital letters: “Nearly Two Decades in Washington,” “Voted for Amnesty” and “$500 Million.”