Republican Senate candidate Pete Hoekstra of Michigan fired up this controversial TV ad that ran before and after the Superbowl. The ad attacks third term Senator Debbie Stabenow using what many see as racial dog whistles to paint her as a friend of those “heathen chinee.” The truth doesn’t matter because we know one thing… Since Republicans are racists, they react very positively to racist stereotypes.
So what is Senator Debbie Stabenow’s record on China?
The Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act
Tuesday, Mar 16: U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced bipartisan legislation to penalize countries like China that undervalue their currency to artificially discount their foreign products. This form of cheating creates an unfair advantage over U.S. products, costing us jobs. The Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act will require the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Commerce to take action to support American businesses and workers. The legislation includes provisions from Senator Stabenow’s Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act, which she introduced last year.
Preventing Taxpayer Dollars from Buying Chinese Products
Friday, Jun 18: U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Bob Casey (D-PA) yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation, the China Fair Trade Act , to prevent Federal taxpayer dollars from buying Chinese products and services until the Chinese government plays by the rules.
…And there is plenty more on her firm stance on regulating trade with China. Check out her China page on The Political Guide.
So Pete Hoekstra decides to attack Debbie Stabenow on something that she actually has a pretty strong record on but since he did it using racial dog whistles, the white Republican red-meaters in Michigan will respond positively and most likely defend the commercial in every way possible… As is their right.
Be proud of your record, Senator Stabenow, and don’t let this ad disturb too much of your sleep. This Republican is wrong about your accomplishments concerning Chinese trade policy and besides… Republicans are racists.
Republicans are Racists 
The problem with the Hoekstra ad was it was so transparent and ham-handed. It is a fact that Republican (in general) are racist and xenophobic. They are usually better at dog whistle politics than Hoekstra. For example, you have Reagan’s “welfare queens” or Gingrich’s “Food Stamp President.” Hoeskstra, step up your game. You should be able to put together a more creative racist ad. This one was just a lazy racist ad. Oh by the way, making fun of someone’s name is also in poor taste (Debbie Spend It Now). The only clear thing the Asian girl said. Maybe they should call you Pete Chutpah (sorry about the spelling).
By the way, China owns about 7.6% of our debt. Japan owns 7.5% (oh no not another Asian country). Germany and England also own a smaller chunk. Over 60% of the debt is owned by the American people. Hoekstra you ran a very xenophobic ad but weren’t you born in Holland?? Maybe we should deport you and your wooden shoes (snark).
Well said!