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New RNC Ad Hits Democrats for Pouting During SOTU: 'What Do You Stand For?'

February 5, 2018

The Republican National Committee on Monday released a new web ad hitting Democrats for not standing during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address last week.

The ad, titled, "Democrats: What do you stand for? questions what Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), stand for if not with their Republican colleagues. The ad features portions of Trump's address when Democrats did not stand, including when he praised those who stand for the national anthem, commended the decision to give military veterans a choice in their health care, celebrates low African American unemployment, notes that the U.S. motto is "In God We Trust," and lauds tax reform.

"We proudly stand for the national anthem," Trump said in the ad's opening clip.

The crowd erupted with applause and cheers as Republicans gave Trump a standing ovation, but Schumer and fellow Democrats sat, looking visibly annoyed.

Trump then started talking about our "brave veterans" and how they should be able to choose the health care plan they want. The ad showed Staff Sgt. Justin Peck in the audience before cutting to Pelosi, who sat quietly with an annoyed expression on her face while Republicans clapped.

"African American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever record," Trump said, prompting Republicans to cheer for the 6.8 percent unemployment rate in December, which marked the lowest on record.

Sen. Ed Markey (D., Mass.) and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) did not clap or stand after Trump's remarks, following the example of their party leaders.

"The motto is 'In God We Trust,'" Trump said in another clip.

In response, Hoyer and Rep. James Clyburn (D., S.C.), the assistant Democratic Leader, sat back in their seats while Republicans clapped and cheered.

"We enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history," Trump said.

The ad concluded with the sounds of clapping in the background and Democrats on-screen with arms folded over their chests. Pelosi looked over her shoulder at her Democratic colleagues as if checking to make sure they aren't clapping.

Pelosi has repeatedly called Republican tax reform legislation, which has been credited for dozens of companies giving employees $1,000+ bonuses and wage increases, "crumbs," and "so pathetic."