There is probably a long list of things you shouldn’t do when you’re running for governor, and pointing a shotgun at a teenager should be near the top. Georgia’s current Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, apparently hadn’t seen that list of guidelines when he fashioned the concept for his latest campaign ad for his race for governor.
The latest ad, which follows Hunter Hill’s controversial “Liberals won’t like this” ad, has the candidate sitting beside a young man who, according to the narrative, is interested in one of Kemp’s daughter. Kemp holds an uncocked shotgun that he polishes gently as the ad begins. “I’m Brian Kemp, this is Jake, a young man interested in one of my daughters.” With firearm still in hand, Kemp gestures to the fidgeting youth, who replies with a respectful “Yes, sir.”
Just saw a GA Governor ad for #BrianKemp. He's pointing a shotgun at a young man making him say his campaign platform. Like a damn hostage video. Creepy!
— TrumpNeck (@Francis_3) April 27, 2018
After Kemp discusses his platforms with his companion, the awkwardness continues when Kemp brings up the scripted reason the two are sitting together, the shotgun still between them. “And two things if you’re going to date one of my daughters?” Jake quickly responds with “Respect” and “a healthy appreciation for the Second Amendment, sir.”
https://twitter.com/masstransitchik/status/990012230275076097
On cue, Kemp locks the barrel in place and keeps it fixed on his target: his daughter’s prospective boyfriend. Not surprisingly, the ad wasn’t well received by everyone, especially the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence. According to the organization, the ad “delivers a message perpetuating domestic violence and misogyny while modeling egregiously unsafe behavior.”
Many viewers responded by reaching out to local television stations and asking for the ad to be removed. When Kemp caught wind of the criticism, he took to Twitter, writing “I’m conservative, folks. Get over it!”