What's the Deal with
Political Ads?
With advertisment spending reaching an all time high of over $500 million in this 2012 election, both candidates are obviously taking advantage of this campaign strategy to help them win the election. Because political ads largely influence voter opinion, and are also very expensive, each candidate has to use their money wisely by making each second of a commercial, or any other advertising, tool count.
Unlike past elections, a recent objective of both candidates is to "microtarget" their audience. For instance, Republican voters have been seeing two different types of Romney video ads: one, called "It's Time to Return American Optimism," is aimed toward the committed party members, and the other focuses on Romney as a family man, targeting the Independent Party voters who have not decided on a candidate. Obama has, likewise, taken this initiative. In many of his advertisements, Obama appears to have a one-on-one conversation with his viewers, connecting with them on a much more personal level.
Presidential TV Advertising $$$ (2008 vs. 2012)
Here are several of both Obama's and Romney's video advertisements demonstrating different viewpoints and using different strategic elements. Which video shines the brightest? You decide!
Obama's View
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Romney's View
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Obama Versus Romney
Women's Health Issues & Rights
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