Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the colossal $3.5 billion price tag of the presidential race, with campaign ads taking center stage. He unpacks how TV ads remain pivotal, shaping narratives and swaying voter perceptions. Goldmacher highlights Kamala Harris's tough advertising on border issues and contrasts it with Trump's emotional messaging. The conversation also touches on how candidates cleverly frame their opponents and the implications of advertising in swing states amidst misinformation.
Television advertising remains the primary expenditure in presidential campaigns, emphasizing the significant impact of 30-second ads on voter perception.
Kamala Harris's ads contrast her middle-class upbringing and policies against Trump's billionaire image, aiming to connect emotionally with voters' economic concerns.
Deep dives
The Power of Television Advertising
Television advertising remains the dominant form of campaign spending despite the rise of social media. Campaigns have invested heavily in traditional 30-second ads, with more than a billion dollars spent just since Kamala Harris entered the race. The impact of these ads is profound, as they effectively combine visual, auditory, and emotional elements that capture viewers' attention during live broadcasts. This method allows campaigns to communicate their message without interference from media outlets or fact-checking processes, emphasizing the control they have over their narrative.
Kamala Harris's Strategic Messaging
Kamala Harris has employed a series of ads that introduce her as a candidate and contrast her background with that of Donald Trump. One notable ad highlights her middle-class upbringing and her promise to fight for the middle-class against Trump's billionaire-oriented policies. Additionally, Harris has addressed vulnerabilities like immigration by showcasing her tough stance on border control, creating a comprehensive narrative that combines personal story and policy positions. This strategy is designed to resonate with voters' concerns about the economy and safety while reinforcing her image as a relatable candidate.
Trump's Attack on Harris's Identity
Donald Trump's advertising strategy focuses on linking Kamala Harris to Joe Biden, portraying her as a continuation of his presidency. Ads highlight economic struggles under Biden's policies and claim that Harris will only perpetuate these conditions, stifling her attempts to present herself as a distinct candidate. Furthermore, Trump has capitalized on cultural issues, such as gender identity, presenting Harris as too liberal and out of touch with mainstream voters. This approach aims to undermine her credibility and appeal among undecided voters by framing her as a representative of a problematic past rather than a forward-thinking leader.
By the time it’s over, this year’s race for president will have cost at least $3.5 billion. The single biggest expense will be campaign ads.
Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The Times, discusses the story that each campaign has been using those ads to tell, 30 seconds at a time.
Guest: Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.
Both parties are running ads that tell voters it’s OK to switch sides. “You can vote any way you want. And no one will ever know,” one says.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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