In a move blending high-stakes sports with even higher-stakes political theatre, a controversial television ad invoking the legacy of former President Ronald Reagan is scheduled to air during the World Series, a broadcast guaranteed to draw tens of millions of viewers. The ad, a dark parody of Reagan’s famously optimistic “Morning in America” campaign, has reportedly drawn the ire of the White House, setting the stage for a primetime culture war clash during America’s biggest baseball event.
A Look Back at the Iconic “Morning in America”
The original 1984 “Morning in America” advertisement is widely considered a masterpiece of political communication. It portrayed a resurgent, confident America, filled with sun-drenched images of families, thriving businesses, and national pride. Its simple, powerful message helped propel Ronald Reagan to a landslide re-election victory and cemented his image as the cheerful warrior of American conservatism.
“Mourning in America”: A Stark Political Parody
Forty years later, the conservative advocacy group Citizens for Sanity has resurrected this iconic ad with a chilling twist. Their version, titled “Mourning in America,” replaces the original’s hopeful scenes with a grim montage reflecting contemporary anxieties. The ad features images of soaring gas prices, empty supermarket shelves, chaotic scenes from the US-Mexico border, and visuals referencing America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The narration, a somber echo of the original’s upbeat tone, paints a picture of a nation in decline. “Why do the most expensive gasoline and groceries in a generation feel like a tax on the poor?” the narrator asks, directly targeting the economic policies of the current administration. The ad concludes with a searing question for voters: “How can you get ahead when your government is holding you back?”
Why the Reagan Ad Has Reportedly Infuriated the President
Sources close to the White House have described the President as “furious” over both the ad’s content and its strategic placement. The fury reportedly stems not just from the direct attack on his presidency, but from the co-opting of a beloved piece of American political history to deliver it. By using Reagan—an icon of strength and optimism—as a cudgel, the ad attempts to frame the current administration as a direct betrayal of that legacy.
A Primetime Play: The World Series Strategy
The decision to purchase airtime during the World Series is a calculated and costly power play. It is one of the few remaining television events that commands a massive, diverse, and live audience, cutting across political lines. For the price of a multi-million-dollar ad slot, the group is ensuring its message of decline and disillusionment reaches far beyond the typical conservative media echo chamber and into the living rooms of undecided suburban voters.
As American families gather to watch the pinnacle of their national pastime, they will be served a potent dose of political messaging between innings. While the players on the field battle for a trophy, a much larger battle for the country’s political narrative will play out during the commercial breaks, with the ghost of a past President at its center.
