WASHINGTON • In her first advertisement of the general election campaign, Mrs Hillary Clinton will use Mr Donald Trump's words to portray him as a violently divisive candidate who is intolerant of the diverse fabric of the American electorate.

"Today, we face a choice about who we are as a nation," Mrs Clinton says in the ad, called "Who We Are" and scheduled to air in battleground states on Thursday. Footage then appears of Mr Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, responding to a protester by saying: "I'd like to punch him in the face."

Mrs Clinton continues: "Do we help each other?" Mr Trump appears again, telling a crowd: "Knock the crap out of them, would you? Seriously."

In another sequence, Mr Trump is shown mocking a reporter with a disability before Mrs Clinton is seen strolling through a factory, meeting workers and talking to schoolchildren.

"What kind of America do we want to be?" Mrs Clinton says. "Dangerously divided, or strong and united? I believe we are always stronger together."

The ad's theme echoes a new slogan, "Stronger Together", that the Clinton campaign will emphasise this week, accusing Mr Trump of racism and calling for the country - including Republicans turned off by their party's nominee - to get behind her candidacy. The ad also speaks to the liberal supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders, Mrs Clinton's Democratic rival.

"It's time to unite behind some simple, common goals - to build a strong economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top."

Since capturing enough delegates to become the presumptive Republican nominee, Mr Trump has not aired a broadcast ad, preferring large rallies that are often broadcast live, giving him free exposure.

Mrs Clinton's ads during the primary campaign against Mr Sanders asserted her readiness for the presidency, and highlighted her support in minority communities.

NEW YORK TIMES