An analysis of data from the ad tracking firm AdImpact reveals that in October, Democratic and Republican presidential advertisers emphasized different issues in their broadcast TV advertising campaigns.
Democratic presidential advertisers spent approximately $288 million on broadcast TV ads during the month, with nearly 60% of that budget allocated to ads mentioning taxes. Vice President Kamala Harris and her allies promoted her plans to reduce taxes for working families while criticizing former President Donald Trump's proposals for tax cuts benefiting corporations and high-income earners. Economic messaging and critiques of Trump's character were also prominent in pro-Harris ads.
On the other hand, GOP presidential advertisers spent around $239 million on broadcast TV ads in October, with approximately 56% of the budget dedicated to ads referencing immigration. The former president and his supporters focused on criticizing the Biden-Harris administration's approach to border security. Additionally, nearly 40% of GOP ad spending in October went towards ads linking crime to immigration.
Republicans also intensified their attacks on Vice President Harris in October, spending over $50 million on ads criticizing her stance on transgender policies. The ads targeted Harris for her support of taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for detained immigrants and federal prisoners.
AdImpact's analysis tracks the issues mentioned in broadcast TV campaign ads and monitors the financial resources behind those ads. By comparing month-to-month changes, it becomes evident how each campaign tailors its messaging and allocates resources to highlight specific issues.
