The Biden campaign has embarked on a $50 million ad buy aimed at crucial swing states, drawing criticism for what some see as a misguided strategy. Following two significant fundraisers, one in New York City raising $26 million and another in Los Angeles raising $28 million, the campaign is now channeling these funds into a media blitz focusing on Donald Trump’s recent criminal conviction.
Despite these fundraising successes, Biden’s efforts pale in comparison to Trump’s. After a controversial verdict in New York City, Trump managed to raise $53 million within 24 hours and has since garnered over $420 million, obliterating Biden’s earlier financial advantage. Now, the Biden campaign is under scrutiny for planning to spend its recent gains on an ad campaign that many believe will be ineffective.
The ads, set to run in June, are intended to appeal to Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters by emphasizing Trump’s legal troubles. However, critics argue that the public is largely indifferent to the trials, often viewing them as politically motivated. This sentiment is echoed by pollster Frank Luntz, who stated that the verdict “is not going to significantly alter the results at this moment,” and highlighted the importance of the presidential debates instead.
Biden’s new ad campaign reiterates claims that he has lowered healthcare costs and forced corporations to pay their fair share, but it lacks evidence and citations. These messages may not resonate with voters, especially when many are experiencing rising costs, contradicting the campaign’s narrative. Critics are concerned that the focus on attacking Trump rather than promoting Biden’s accomplishments could backfire.
Michael Tyler, communications director for Biden-Harris 2024, maintains that as voters contemplate Trump’s potential return to the White House, support for Biden will grow. However, despite extensive advertising since Labor Day, there has been little change in public perceptions of the candidates.
The strategy of focusing on Trump’s character and legal issues instead of Biden’s record raises questions about the campaign’s approach. Critics suggest that the campaign’s reliance on negative advertising might not yield the intended results, given that many voters have already formed their opinions. As the ad campaign unfolds, its impact remains uncertain, but the skepticism surrounding its effectiveness is growing.
