A provocative billboard in Times Square has ignited a wave of bewilderment and mockery among New Yorkers. The advertisement, which supports Vivek Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, features the message “Move to Ohio!” alongside an image of his face, drawing a stark contrast to the accompanying portrayal of “radical socialist” NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
The billboard, which debuted on Monday, was met with confusion from locals and tourists alike. Construction worker Leroy Lewis expressed disbelief, questioning, “Why would we move to Ohio? We live in New York.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one visitor calling the billboard’s message perplexing and inappropriate.
Initially, many pedestrians could only see Ramaswamy’s smiling face due to the way the billboard was wrapped around the Times Square building. As a result, the dual message meant to incite fears about Mamdani’s candidacy became lost, leading some to liken the billboard to Cleveland’s nickname, “Mistake By The Lake.” It was later adjusted to show both candidates side-by-side, but reactions remained skeptical.
Critics questioned the appeal of Ohio with one visitor from Texas summarizing the general sentiment, saying, “It’s not a place you go.” Finance worker Ricardo H. dismissed it as a smear campaign: “No, absolutely not.” However, a lone voice from Ohio, Sammy Anderson, defended his home state, emphasizing a different lifestyle experience, and remarked on the overwhelming nature of New York City.
This debate not only highlights regional pride but also reflects the ongoing tensions in political landscapes. While New Yorkers may not be keen on Ohio as a destination, the billboard has certainly sparked conversations about local politics and the varying lifestyles across states.
Despite the mixed reactions, there are always opportunities for individuals to explore different environments and experiences that places like Ohio have to offer. An invitation to consider new perspectives and lifestyles can be a positive message, even amidst confusion.