Revelations of Abuse by Stepfather Exposed in "Worst Mud-slinging Election"

[Anchor]

As forecasts suggest the ruling Republican Party may struggle in the U.S. midterm elections, a political advertisement that surfaced in a battleground state has sparked fierce controversy. Criticisms are pouring in over what is being called the worst mud-slinging campaign yet, but President Trump has instead stepped up to defend the ad.

Our Washington correspondent, Jeon Byeong-nam, reports.

[Reporter]

As attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia continue, Brent crude oil prices have surpassed 113 dollars per barrel, reaching their highest level since last May.

U.S. President Trump claimed via social media that "Iran is doing everything it can to drive up oil prices ahead of the U.S. midterms."

This is interpreted as an attempt to emphasize that Iran is fueling instability in oil transportation, at a time when high international oil prices are acting as an unfavorable factor for the Republicans ahead of the midterms.

To appease voter frustration over soaring living costs, he also signed an executive order to reduce mortgage insurance premiums.

However, bad news continues to pile up.

In the gubernatorial race in the swing state of Ohio, the campaign for Republican candidate Ramaswamy faced a major backlash after featuring the mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton in a campaign ad.

[Donna Arthur / Amy Acton's Mother (Republican Campaign Ad): I am Amy Acton's mother. As a mother, it is difficult to say this, but Amy has serious problems. Amy is a liar. Do not let her become your governor.]

After it was revealed that candidate Acton had suffered abuse, including sexual assault by her stepfather during her childhood, and was eventually separated from her mother and stepfather at the age of 12, fierce criticism erupted even within the Republican Party, condemning it as the "worst mud-slinging campaign."

Yet, President Trump came forward to defend the ad.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President: It's a video of a mother talking about very bad things about her daughter, and I don't know why that should be hidden. The only problem is that the media is teaming up and acting as if it's a terrible thing.]

A prominent election forecasting organization has changed the race for Ohio governor, once a Republican stronghold, from a " toss-up" to "Democratic lean."

The Washington Post reported that as President Trump attempts to restrict mail-in voting to curb turnout among Democratic supporters, early in-person voting participation is instead surging nationwide.

(Photo courtesy of Park Eun-ha | Video editing by Jung Yong-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.