Politics

Truth Test: Joe Biden campaign ad in Central Florida, coronavirus impact on seniors

It's a political ad targeted at Central Florida.

The ad from the Biden campaign features two retirees from The Villages.

But, does it go too far with its assertions?

Many workers may never see payroll tax cut, questions loom

Channel 9 political reporter Christopher Heath put it to the Eyewitness News truth test.

The opening shots set the scene.

"Roger and I decided we wanted to move to the villages. We were ready to retire."

This ad, shot in Central Florida goes right after a key Florida voting bloc. It features seniors and one key issue, COVID-19.

“My husband and I are both concerned about the virus and catching it.”

Foil wrapped cotton buds? How Central Florida poll workers are getting creative to keep voters safe

The ad then shows the couple's grandchildren, with the couple saying they have been apart from the kids for six-months.

Then comes the first claim.

"While I don't blame Donald Trump for the virus I blame him for his lack of action."

But is this fair?

“I think this is a resonant issue for a lot of older voters,” said UCF political science professor John Hanley. “They are harmed by the coronavirus even if they are not getting the coronavirus, because they cannot live the kind of lives they were living before.”

Former Florida Senator Nelson praises pick of Harris as VP

Hanley notes, polls have shown Joe Biden performing better than Donald Trump with seniors, a group Trump won in 2016

As for COVID-19, a survey from Eschelon Insights shows Biden getting higher marks on the ability to handle the pandemic.

This is an idea that the ad closes on.

Overall, we rate this ad mostly true. It is just one person’s testimonial, but the available data, for now seems to support her assertions.