(Thumbnail Image: Tim James 2010)
JAMES: “I’m Tim James. Why do our politicians make us give drivers licenses exams in 12 languages? This is Alabama. We speak English. If you wanna live hear, learn it. We’re only giving that test in English — If I’m governor.”
Alabama’s race for governor goes viral with Tim James' “We Speak English” ad. The controversial campaign message has gotten more than 600,000 views on Youtube.
The ad comes amid nationwide sensitivities after Arizona passed controversial immigration laws. On CNN, the ad argument got heated between Republican and Democratic strategists.
MATALIN: “This is about assimilating and acculturating to this wonderful country.”
MARTIN: “This is a stupid commercial by this candidate who is trying to appeal to the base level of people.”
MARTIN: “There are people out there who have other languages as their primary language — And you know what? I want them to know how to drive.”
MATALIN: “I hope if you are want to assimilate to this country you want to speak the language of this country — But it will take about 3 seconds for the P.C., looney left to call this a racist act.”
James defends his idea, saying it would save taxpayers money — But Alabama’s Hispanic Interest Coalition tells Birmingham's WBMA it’s bad for business because the state is home to many foreign automakers’ factories.
RUBIO: “What about the family members of those executives who might not speak English. Who are coming with their family to this country because of a better job opportunity that now won’t be able to take the driving test?”
But analysts say this is a strategic move to rev up James' campaign — and a political science professor tells Birmingham's WVTM it’s a smart one.
DAVIS: “What he wants to do is somehow break through all of this — and this is the kind of ad because of its pace and its message gets your attention. And to that extent it’s a very, very effective ad.”
Whether the ad helps James or not, some see it as an insulting misrepresentation of southern conservative voters — And a blog for the Mobile, Alabama Press-Register sarcastically suggests the gubernatorial candidate is on the right track.
“Not sayin' it's a bad political move. It IS Alabama. Dumbing down the issues just might work. It's just not very productive, considerin' all our other problems… if this campaign doesn't work out in Alabama, the Tim James English only crusade might find work in Arizona.”
But what do you think? Does the ad speak to a legitimate voter bloc? Or is it just offensive?
Writer: Chelsea Donohoe
Producer: Newsy Staff
