Vice President Kamala Harris campaign has taken an unusual approach in its latest advertising push. The strategy involves using statements from Donald Trumps former advisers to criticize the ex-president
Harris team has been running ads featuring Mark T. Esper‚ Gen. Mark A. Milley‚ and John Bolton - all of whom served under Trump. These ads highlight their concerns about a potential second Trump term
The campaigns internal research suggests this tactic is particularly effective. “Every which way‚ the people who used to work with Trump‚ who are Republicans and the military and security messengers it always rises to the top‚“ said Molly Murphy‚ one of Harris pollsters
However‚ some featured in the ads are uncomfortable with their inclusion. Bolton stated‚ “Its caused me a lot of problems because people see it and think Ive signed up to endorse Kamala Harris‚ which I havent“
Harris campaign is focusing on three main areas: Republican adviser attacks‚ economic arguments‚ and abortion. They believe this strategy could sway the small number of undecided voters in battleground states
America must heed this warning
The Trump campaign‚ meanwhile‚ is countering with ads on taxes‚ Biden administration failures‚ and Harris past policy positions. Karoline Leavitt‚ a Trump spokeswoman‚ criticized the Republicans featured in Harris ads‚ saying theyre “driven by their hatred for Donald Trump rather than their love for our country“
As the election draws near (its now 10/20/2024) both campaigns are ramping up their advertising efforts. Harris team spent $55 million on ads from 10/10 to 10/17‚ while Trumps campaign invested $41 million during the same period
The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen‚ but Harris team is betting that these Republican voices will resonate with undecided voters in the final stretch of the campaign