More money is projected to be spent on political ads in the 2026 midterms than in any previous election cycle. On a recent episode of “The Opinions,” we dissected some of the cringiest — and craftiest — ads of the season. @nytopinion columnist Carlos Lozada takes a closer look at Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign ad featuring his grandparents and sees echoes of a familiar political playbook. “El-Sayed is kind of relying on these lovely white grandparents to sort of vouch for him,” he says, drawing a comparison to the way Barack Obama “felt compelled to use that part of his biography” as well. | 🎥 Brandon Belk-Yee #theopinions #nytopinion