Decoding the “Compelling” Attack Ads of the 2024 Campaign
Aug 3, 2024
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Join Susan B. Glasser, expert political analyst; Jane Mayer, renowned investigative journalist; Evan Osnos, skilled political writer; and Jennifer Lawless, UVA's politics chair, as they dissect the fierce 2024 advertising wars. They explore the contrasting strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, highlighting how negativity is expected to dominate. Lawless discusses the evolving role of memes and social media in energizing campaigns, especially for female candidates, while emphasizing the importance of positivity in a landscape filled with attack ads.
The 2024 campaign is characterized by intense attack ads, focusing on vulnerabilities while attempting to sway public perception through targeted narratives.
The strategic use of social media and memes marks a shift in political communication, allowing candidates to engage authentically with younger voters.
Deep dives
Evan Gershkovich's Release and Diplomatic Strategy
The captivating story of Evan Gershkovich’s release showcases a significant diplomatic effort by the United States, which included a historic swap of multiple detainees rather than the traditional one-for-one exchange. This creative approach reflects a willingness to expand the scope of negotiations and find solutions that defy conventional practices. The emotional moment of Gershkovich being reunited with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and his mother highlights the human element behind political maneuvers. Eisenhower's principle about enlarging a problem to find a solution resonates strongly with the innovative strategies utilized by the Biden administration.
Political Ad Wars: Trump vs. Harris
The political landscape is heating up as attack ads from both the Trump and Harris campaigns target each other directly, highlighting vulnerabilities and attempting to sway public perception. Trump’s campaign depicts Harris unfavorably, claiming she has failed to control border issues and implying her policies lead to crime. In contrast, Harris's ads aim to present her as a competent leader with a history of fighting against systemic injustices, emphasizing her accomplishments as a prosecutor and attorney general. This back-and-forth reflects the electoral strategies employed, focusing on maximizing impact through targeted narratives and multimedia platforms.
Evolving Campaign Strategies: The Role of Social Media
The shift in campaign strategies has been evident, particularly regarding how candidates utilize social media to engage younger voters and convey their messages. Unlike traditional ads, which may feel stale, the efficacy of memes and social media content appears to resonate more with modern audiences. This new era of political advertisements leverages platforms like TikTok to blend creativity with political messages, allowing candidates to connect authentically with younger demographics. The Democratic campaign's adaptation to this trend illustrates a broader understanding of how communication must evolve to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Race and Gender Dynamics in the Campaign
The discussion surrounding race and gender in the 2024 election cycle highlights significant contrasts in how candidates are portrayed and perceived. Kamala Harris embraces her identity and experiences, actively addressing stereotypes in a way that contrasts with the derogatory comments made by Donald Trump. This approach reflects a shift in societal attitudes towards female candidates and their representation, as younger voters may be more receptive to authenticity and relatability. The implications of these dynamics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions and the overall campaign narrative.
The Washington Roundtable: Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss the fiery advertising war between Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. They are joined by Jennifer Lawless, the chair of the politics department at the University of Virginia and the author of “Women on the Run: Gender, Media, and Political Campaigns in a Polarized Era.” Plus, how memes and social media have boosted the Harris campaign. “The Harris campaign will have a couple of uplifting, very positive ads, especially when they announce who the V.P. will be,” Professor Jennifer Lawless says. “But my bet is that this will be a race to the bottom in terms of negativity.”
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