New Campaign Ads from Harris and Trump as Race Heats Up
The Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns are up with several new ads this week as the presidential race enters its final sprint.
Here’s a recap of the new spots hitting the airwaves, and some data on how the overall tone of each side’s messaging compares:
Positive versus Negative Messaging
Ads from the campaigns and their allies cover a wide range of competing issues, and they also reflect divergent strategies when it comes to their overall tone.
The ad tracking firm AdImpact categorizes the tone of campaign ads airing on broadcast TV as either “positive,” “negative,” or “contrast.” Comparing the share of both side’s spending going to ads of each tone illustrates how advertisers are splitting their messaging budget.
And the data shows that the Trump campaign and its allies are waging an overwhelmingly negative advertising effort. By comparison, data for the Harris campaign and its allies reflects a more balanced approach.
New Trump Campaign Ads
Trump’s presidential campaign has launched five new TV ads so far this week, leveling a wide range of critiques against Harris.
Nearly all of the ads reference immigration and border security, slamming Harris’ record and seeking to link illegal immigration to other issues, including crime, entitlements, and transgender health care policies – a major point of emphasis in GOP campaign ads so far in October.
One of the notable new spots seizes on comments from Harris on ‘The View’ last week, when she was asked how she would govern differently from President Joe Biden, and answered that “not a thing comes to mind.”
New Harris Campaign Ads
On the other side, the Harris campaign produced a huge wave of 13 unique new TV ads so far this week, putting its prohibitive financial advantage to work in the race’s closing sprint.
The ads reflect a varied approach, mixing spots that promote Harris’ policies and draw contrasts with Trump’s in addition to a steady diet of sharp-edged attacks – and they also display a highly customized strategy, with several spots targeting key swing states, featuring local voters and issues.
Discussion with Experts
To further understand how these advertising strategies impact voter perception, we gathered insights from political analysts and campaign strategists:
Dr. Emily Torres, Political Analyst: “The contrast in messaging between Trump and Harris reflects broader campaign strategies. Trump relies heavily on negative campaigning, which can mobilize base voters but also push undecided voters away.”
Mark Johnson, Campaign Strategist: “Harris’s approach appears to blend positive messaging with targeted ads, which is critical as we approach the final days of the campaign. It’s about making connections with voters in swing states.”
Linda Yu, Media Researcher: “Negative ads often dominate the discussion and can have an immediate impact on polling. However, there’s a risk of backlash against overly aggressive tactics.”
Victor Cruz, Political Consultant: “As both campaigns ramp up their spending, it’s essential for voters to decipher the narratives being presented. Engaging voters through relatability and local issues can be more effective.”
What Do You Think?
As the presidential race intensifies, how do you perceive the advertising strategies of both campaigns? Do you think positive messaging or targeted criticisms will resonate more with voters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!