Ted Cruz Targeted in ‘American Psycho’-Inspired Political Ad
Senator Ted Cruz, often known for his polarizing image, is the subject of a recent satirical attack ad by the environmental PAC NRDC Action Votes. The ad, crafted with a nod to the 2000 cult classic American Psycho, parodies Cruz as Patrick Bateman, the anti-hero of Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel. By aligning Cruz with the yuppie investment banker and fictional serial killer, NRDC Action Votes spotlights Cruz’s controversial actions during the 2021 Texas power outage, including his now-infamous Cancun vacation, calling attention to his perceived apathy toward climate-related challenges impacting Texas.
The Creation of the ‘Cruz Psycho’ Ad by NRDC Action Votes
NRDC Action Votes, a liberal environmental PAC affiliated with the Natural Resources Defense Council, uses this satirical portrayal to raise awareness of climate issues and bring attention to Cruz’s stance on environmental policies. The ad mirrors a well-known scene from American Psycho, in which Bateman (played by Christian Bale) narrates his lack of emotions, particularly “greed and disgust,” over shots of Cruz in a posh hotel suite, reminiscent of Cancun.
Political Satire Meets Modern Politics
The ad leans heavily on humor to drive its point, incorporating Easter eggs throughout. For example:
- Zodiac Killer Theory: A sketch of the Zodiac Killer appears as a humorous nod to the internet conspiracy linking Cruz to the unsolved Bay Area case.
- Beard Cream: “Big Boy Beard Cream” references Cruz’s facial hair and the way his appearance has transformed since his early Senate years.
- Scent of a Human Cologne: Playing on the original film’s fixation with self-image, this parody item implies Cruz’s “mask” and insincerity.
NRDC Action Votes’ PAC Director Jocelyn Steinberg noted the urgency of holding leaders accountable who fail to acknowledge or address climate change’s direct impact on severe weather patterns. According to Steinberg, the ad’s objective is to portray Cruz’s “self-centered approach to leadership” and to convey the potential climate-related hazards that Texas and other states face.
The Impact of Ted Cruz’s Cancun Trip on Texas Residents
When Texas endured an unprecedented power outage in February 2021 due to a severe winter storm, millions of Texans faced freezing temperatures without electricity. Instead of staying behind to address the crisis, Cruz and his family briefly flew to Cancun, Mexico, drawing immediate backlash and media coverage that fueled public frustration and outrage. Texans and politicians alike saw this act as abandoning his state at a time when his constituents needed leadership the most.
NRDC Action Votes capitalizes on this moment in its campaign, showing images of Texas families bundled up in freezing conditions while juxtaposing shots of Cruz on vacation. The ad implies that while the Senator enjoyed warm, sunny Cancun, families in Texas huddled together in the cold, underscoring the severity of his perceived abandonment.
Climate Change and the Role of Political Accountability
As climate-related events like hurricanes, heatwaves, and winter storms become more frequent, NRDC Action Votes emphasizes the importance of political leaders who are dedicated to climate action. The organization’s website outlines its mission to conserve nature, support sustainable communities, and combat climate change. Cruz, who has often downplayed the role of climate change in weather events, serves as an antithesis to this goal in the ad, which seeks to call attention to the political resistance toward climate initiatives and the consequences of inaction.
NRDC Action Votes’ Larger Mission and Election Context
NRDC Action Votes has a history of promoting environmental advocacy through impactful, creative media. This “Cruz Psycho” ad aligns with its strategy to address climate change in ways that resonate with the public, particularly during high-stakes election cycles. With Texas Rep. Colin Allred challenging Cruz for his Senate seat in 2024, NRDC Action Votes’ ad underscores the importance of the upcoming election, where climate policy may play a significant role in determining voter decisions.
Polling results released recently show a close race between Cruz and Allred, raising the stakes as both candidates gear up for a tightly contested election season. This ad from NRDC Action Votes serves as a broader commentary on the need for climate accountability, especially in areas like Texas that are highly vulnerable to severe weather events.
Cruz’s Record on Climate and the Environment
As a longstanding Republican Senator, Cruz has often criticized climate change policies, arguing against proposals he claims would harm Texas’ economy. The American Psycho-themed ad highlights this stance by pointing to a future where continued inaction could lead to escalating climate crises. By using satire and cinematic elements, NRDC Action Votes aims to make a lasting impression on viewers, pushing them to think critically about the role of climate policy in the state’s future.
