The Future of Election Ads
What potential precedents have election ads set for future campaign advertising?
By Jonathan Idoni
Now that the 2024 election has passed and the results have been finalized, it is worthwhile to think back on the election ads many Americans saw in the lead-up. How the multitude of advertisements affected the election results across the ticket and whether they were effective is one of the most debated questions following the election. (READ MORE: Vermont: A Small State to Watch)
Residents of swing states saw an overwhelming number of ads communicating different messages on a host of issues. The most fascinating question is what potential precedents this election’s ads have set for future campaign advertising.
Precedents for Campaign Advertising
Election cycles are getting more expensive. While personal and policy attacks continue to be commonplace, there were some particularly glaring false statements about other candidates’ policies in many ads. Perhaps that is not so new either, but it was poignantly striking this time around due to the two candidates’ ads blatantly contradicting one another on a number of issues. Both sides are often incorrect and misleading. As a result, people will be more apt to believe whichever side they already lean toward. Target viewers are perhaps the voters with less of a default bend toward one candidate or the other. (LISTEN MORE: Liberty Mail: The Power of Local Elections in Pennsylvania)
Beyond reinforcing existing precedents in election advertising, there new are trends emerging. As both parties are fighting for votes, oftentimes ads target specific interest groups. Advertisements that influenced the result of the election likely addressed issues that all Americans are invariably facing . These issues include the economy and inflation and the security of the border. These suspicions are fairly well confirmed by exit polling. The election results seem to demonstrate that if a candidate runs relevant ads, they too will succeed at the ballot box.
Your Opinion
What kind of precedents has this election cycle set? Individual opinions matter more than what the media says that Americans think or should think. People must engage with different perspectives on issues and dialogue with those of different points of view. Having heard a variety of opinions and engaging as independent thinkers, people can then develop their political and worldviews with love and civility. (READ MORE: Visionary Voting on Election Day)
Not bothering to learn about what one claims to believe is an easy mistake to make, but it’s a great disservice to themselves and their great country. All American’s responsibility is to take the time to learn more, engage in mutual education, and conduct our own research. The aspirational aim is to embrace the liberties and freedoms that are enjoyed in America to the fullest and ponder as a people solutions to the political questions of the day.
Authors Note: Dream big and may the aspirational hearts of Americans find true rest and security in the One whose sovereign hand ordains all that comes to pass in His providence.
About the Author
Johnathan Idoni is a research fellow for the Institute for Faith and Freedom at Grove City College. He is a junior political science major with interests in theology, philosophy, politics, media, history, and sociology. Jonathan currently is the Resident Assistant for his Greek group hall, as well as the chaplain. He is also on the Homecoming Committee’s Worship Committee and his Greek group’s Homecoming Anniversary planning committee. Johnathan is a proud Marylander who enjoys striking up conversations, working out, playing the guitar and singing, reading, and believe it or not watching the news.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.