Lincoln Club-linked outlet amplifies Ramaswamy's controversial ad as Ohio race fractures
A California-based conservative nonprofit is funding a fake news site to boost Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial ad featuring Amy Acton's mother. As the GOP splits over the ad, Ramaswamy spends $4 million to keep it running, while Acton urges Trump and Vance to acknowledge the facts of her childhood abuse.
Key points
- The Buckeye Bulletin, a partisan site posing as local news, is managed by the Lincoln Media Foundation, linked to California's Lincoln Club.
- Ramaswamy committed $4 million to continue airing the ad featuring Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, despite bipartisan criticism.
- Acton alleges her stepfather was indicted for sexually abusing her as a child, a fact omitted from the ad and dismissed by Trump and Vance.
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine condemned the ad as 'deeply troubling' but maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy.
- CNN reports that moderate and independent voters are being alienated by the ad, potentially shifting the tight race.
Background
This controversy follows a series of earlier reports detailing the deepening rift within the Republican Party over Ramaswamy's aggressive tactics. Previous coverage highlighted how Trump's demand to 'own' the ad fractured the GOP, with traditional leaders like DeWine condemning the strategy. The current situation escalates this conflict, with Ramaswamy doubling down on the ad despite internal opposition, while polls show Acton gaining ground in the tight Ohio gubernatorial race.
How outlets are covering it
The Los Angeles Times focuses on the structural manipulation behind the ad, identifying the Buckeye Bulletin as a 'pink-slime' outlet funded by the Lincoln Media Foundation to boost engagement. CNN emphasizes the electoral consequences, noting that while die-hard Republicans remain supportive, moderate and independent voters are being alienated by the ad's content. Yahoo highlights the personal and political fallout, detailing Acton's plea for Trump and Vance to acknowledge the facts of her abuse, and Obama's criticism of Ramaswamy as 'thirsty' for attention. WLWT provides a ground-level view of the campaign, showing Ramaswamy and Sen. Jon Husted rallying in Greater Cincinnati, focusing on crime and immigration rather than the ad controversy.
Why it matters
The use of fake news sites to amplify controversial political ads highlights a new tactic in election interference, potentially influencing tight races like Ohio's governorship. The split within the GOP over the ad could impact other races, including the Senate, and signals a shift in how political campaigns leverage social media and AI-generated content to bypass traditional media scrutiny.
What to watch
The race will likely see continued attacks from both sides, with Ramaswamy's campaign spending heavily to maintain the ad's presence. Acton is expected to continue campaigning with former President Obama and Sen. Sherrod Brown, focusing on the facts of her abuse. The outcome of the Ohio races will be critical for the national balance of power, with Democrats eyeing pickups in the Senate and governorship.
- Mystery Ohio news site boosting Ramaswamy's Amy Acton ad tied to California GOP non-profit Los Angeles Times
- Obama rips into Ramaswamy over attack ad: ‘There’s no line he won’t cross’ The Washington Post
- Jon Husted, Vivek Ramaswamy campaign in Greater Cincinnati with Election Day just a week away WLWT
- Amy Acton says Trump, Vance should 'look at the facts' after Ramaswamy attack ad Yahoo
- Ramaswamy and Trump gamble on an incendiary ad, as Ohio shows signs it might turn purple again CNN
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