Katie Harbath, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Duco Experts and former Facebook Public Policy Director, dives into the ever-evolving world of digital campaigning. She discusses the contrasting strategies of Republicans and Democrats while addressing how Facebook's role in the 2024 election is shaping up. The conversation highlights the challenge of reaching younger voters on platforms like TikTok and the complexities surrounding political discourse online. Harbath also sheds light on the implications of AI in elections, advocating for a balanced perspective amidst ongoing technological advancements.
Democrats are leading in online spending for the 2024 election, highlighting a strategic gap as Republicans rely on traditional advertising methods.
The shift of major social media platforms away from prioritizing political content compels campaigns to adapt their engagement strategies on emerging platforms like TikTok.
Deep dives
The Digital Campaigning Landscape Ahead of 2024
In the realm of digital campaigning for the 2024 elections, there is a notable discrepancy in spending strategies between Democrats and Republicans. Recent data indicates that Democrats are significantly outpacing Republicans in online spending, while Republicans continue to invest heavily in television ads. This shift raises questions about why Republicans are reluctant to adopt a more voter-centric digital strategy despite changing media consumption habits. The historical context reveals that while Republicans once led in innovative digital approaches, they have become complacent, especially after Trump's successful use of digital tactics in 2016.
Challenges with Republican Digital Strategies
The current Republican campaign team appears to rely on traditional methods, which may hinder their competitiveness in an increasingly digital landscape. Many campaign leaders lack digital-first approaches, contributing to a perceived regression in effective online engagement. Additionally, the drop in small-dollar fundraising and rising legal expenses have constrained their ability to invest in digital strategies. The evolving dynamics of voter preferences highlight the urgency for Republican campaigns to adapt and revive their online presence to reach increasingly online-savvy voters effectively.
The Evolving Role of Social Media Platforms
The shifting posture of major social media platforms, particularly Facebook, creates challenges and opportunities for political campaigns as they navigate a landscape that increasingly deprioritizes political content. While these platforms seek to address user fatigue regarding political ads, this could inadvertently diminish civic engagement and access to diverse political viewpoints. The rise of alternative platforms like TikTok for political engagement signals a shift in how campaigns must approach their strategies. Meanwhile, as more voters turn to these platforms for information, it becomes critical for campaigns to harness both paid and organic strategies to engage constituents effectively.
Katie Harbathis Chief Global Affairs Officer at Duco Experts. From 2011 to 2021, Katie was the Public Policy Director at Facebook where she led global outreach to elected officials, political parties, and campaigners around the world.
In our conversation, we check in on Facebook’s role in the 2024 election.