Staff Reports
Political junkies can officially brace themselves for a tsunami of political advertisements, courtesy of Make America Great Again Inc. This political action committee has laid down quite the gauntlet, pledging to spend a whopping $100 million supporting former President Donald Trump in the high-stakes period leading up to Labor Day. This investment will coincide with the Democratic National Convention, where one can only imagine what sort of nonsense will be served up.
The advertising blitz will focus heavily on swing states, including Michigan and Nevada, and it’s bolstered by a recent $37 million allocation from Trump’s campaign, according to the notorious number crunchers at AdImpact. Georgia, which Democrats hijacked in the 2020 election, is expected to be the centerpiece of this campaign strategy. Clearly, Mr. Trump has no intention of allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to continue her unchecked explosion in popularity, especially after her recent ascendance on the Democratic ticket.
Trump-supporting PAC will spend $100 million on pre-Labor Day adshttps://t.co/1S9Ti4mFD3 pic.twitter.com/HcwurizfnJ
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) August 14, 2024
In an attempt to pump the brakes on Harris’ momentum, Trump’s campaign team aims to paint her in a particularly unflattering light. They’ve labeled her a “liberal radical” who not only flip-flops on issues but has also overseen disaster after disaster, especially in her various roles in California. The depiction of Harris as a “San Francisco liberal” may resonate with those aware of the mess her policies have created, which begs the question: why is she still getting applause from some voters?
Meanwhile, strategists at MAGA Inc. are drawing a direct line between Harris and the word “dangerous.” They intend to hammer home the narrative that while Americans may tolerate some liberalism, they draw the line at electing someone they label a “lunatic.” With such colorful language, the messaging is set to be as vibrant as it is immediate.
In an effort to counteract Trump’s rising wave of ads, the Harris campaign has launched what they call an aggressive billboard initiative in seven swing states. These flashy signs will proclaim that Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are “fighting for you.” Meanwhile, Trump and his chosen partner, Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio, are depicted as being solely self-interested. It is as if anyone needs a billboard to tell them what they already suspect about career politicians.
This is shaping up to be a lively political season, with field artillery engaged on both sides. Trump is juggling appearances and media engagements like a circus performer, while Harris tries to hold the line by flooding battleground states with advertising. What may ultimately sway voters remains anyone’s guess, but there’s no doubt there will be plenty of eye rolls and chuckles along the way.
