Campaigning for the U.S. presidential elections has traditionally been a high-stakes venture, with millions of dollars spent on advertising to secure the votes of the electorate. In recent times, this trend has taken on an even greater dimension, with the rise of digital platforms providing additional avenues to reach potential voters. A quintessential example of this trend is the pro-Biden Super PAC’s plan to flood television and digital platforms with an ad blitz in the run-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Known as Priorities USA, this independent expenditure-only committee announced a strategic multi-million dollar investment in campaign ads across key battlefield states. This massive undertaking aimed to pivot the focus on pivotal voting communities, with an emphasis on countering the strategic moves of the opposition. The dedication of these funds speaks volumes about the importance of advertising in the modern political climate, demonstrating how vital it is to ensure the candidate’s message permeates all corners of the society.
The battleground states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona were prime targets of this blitz, with Priorities USA determined to harness the full potential of broadcast television and digital spaces. Exhibiting their commitment, they bolstered their existing investments across these states with additional funding to ensure maximum exposure of their message.
In this digital age, the conventional tools of political campaigning have taken a significant turn. Traditional methods such as leaflets, posters, and house-to-house campaigns have not been completely abandoned; instead, they have been complemented with digital strategies to broaden outreach. As part of this swing towards the digital platform, the Biden Super PAC earmarked a significant portion of their budget to digital impressions. Their goal reached beyond just making an impression, aiming to cultivate a narrative and frame public discourse around the issues that they believe represent their candidate in the best light.
Fair and balanced news reporting also plays a crucial role in electoral processes. Publications like The Gazette serve a crucial role by reporting and analyzing these campaign strategies, offering a critical eye on how these advertising campaigns are orchestrated. Moreover, they provide readers with insights into political strategies, enabling better understanding and informed decision-making among voters.
The scale of this ad blitz by the pro-Biden Super PAC is indicative of the weight ascribed to campaign advertising in U.S. presidential elections. The move to battle for every possible vote using both traditional and modern means reflects the current nature of political campaigning. It highlights the fundamental changes in our society brought about by the proliferation of digital platforms, where messages can be quickly disseminated, engaging voters more instantly and directly. Consequently, understanding the strategic use of advertising by political campaigns also provides a scope through which the dynamics of modern political communication can be better understood.