From Hollywood to Silicon Valley: The Quest to Crack the Campaign Code
Hi friends: Before we dive into the latest from the political ad and media world, I have a quick favor to ask. The election is closer than you may think, and I want to ensure that Ctrl+Alt+Persuade continues to deliver the most valuable and relevant content to your inbox. I've put together a brief survey that will take just 3-4 minutes of your time to complete. (Promise!!) Your feedback is invaluable and will help shape the direction of this publication, which I’ve had a lot of fun putting together.
Please click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2ZKKC52 to share your thoughts and opinions.
Thank you in advance for your support!!
Now, on to this week's stories…
Tech Bros and Hollywood: The Perennial Campaign Code Breakers?
All eyes are on the race for the White House, and you know what that means: Silicon Valley types and Hollywood creatives are gearing up to revolutionize the way we elect our leaders.
Or so they claim, every four years like clockwork.
This cycle, we've got super PACs like "Won't PAC Down" assembling all-star teams of millennial and Gen Z writers, directors, and producers to craft pro-Biden content for the elusive under-30 crowd. Meanwhile, groups like "Tech for Campaigns" are leveraging data-driven strategies to register Democratic-leaning voters and boost turnout. Heard this one before?
Now, don't get me wrong – I'm all for innovation and engagement in our political process. But let's not mistake expertise in capturing eyeballs for the latest meme or video that pops off 🚀on the latest social platform for a secret formula to capturing votes.
in politics, the medium is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Yes, the medium matters, but message is everything. So is targeting – ensuring that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time. And persuasion – crafting arguments that resonate with voters' values and concerns. And policy nuance – demonstrating a deep understanding of the issues and proposing solutions that are both connect in ways that move voters.
In short, successful political campaigns require a delicate balance of multiple factors, each playing a critical role in shaping public opinion and driving voter behavior. While the medium – whether it's a slick social media ad or a heartfelt YouTube video – can certainly enhance the impact of a message, it's rarely the deciding factor in a race.
So, to my friends in Silicon Valley and Hollywood, I say this: bring your talents and passion to the fight, but remember that the road to the White House is long and winding. The medium may enhance the message, but it's rarely the deciding factor in a race.
But hey, that's just my two cents. No doubt, I sound an awful lot like a “get off my lawn” guy, but I’ve seen this before and I may be just a bit cynical.
What do you think? Are Silicon Valley and Hollywood the secret weapons Democrats need to win in 2024, or are they just the latest in a long line of overhyped campaign game-changers?
The Latest Ads From the Race for the White House
Biden's French Connection: Launching Attacks on Trump's Fitness for Office
President Biden's trip to France for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery was more than just a symbolic gesture. While reaffirming his commitment to the NATO Alliance and challenging "threats to democracy" around the world, Biden used this high-profile opportunity to launch a series of hard-hitting ads targeting Trump's rhetoric about veterans and his overall fitness to serve as president.
The ads clearly struck a nerve with the former president, as Trump reportedly demanded that the Biden campaign take down the "FAKE AD" in which he is quoted calling soldiers and veterans "suckers" and "losers." 😠
Trump's reaction suggests that these ads are effectively getting under his skin, and if that's the case, he better brace himself for what's to come.
In addition to the ad that ruffled Trump's feathers, the Biden campaign released another spot featuring three former veterans challenging Trump's fitness to be President. While this ad may not provoke the same level of outrage from Trump, it's likely to resonate with voters in key rust belt swing states.
As the campaign heats up, it's clear that Biden isn't pulling any punches when it comes to questioning Trump's character and leadership. Will this strategy pay off in the long run? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this is just another step in the brutal battle for the White House. 🇺🇸
Trump's TikTok Debut: Surprising Moves, Unsurprising Results
In a move that might raise a few eyebrows, Donald Trump has finally taken his brand to TikTok. Why the surprise? Well, for starters, it's not on his own platform, Truth Social. Plus, let's not forget that during his presidency, Trump actually tried to ban TikTok.
But in the "no surprise" category, Trump made his TikTok debut alongside UFC's CEO Dana White, with Kid Rock's "American Bad Ass" blasting in the background. Could it be any more on-brand?
And here's the kicker: Trump's single video has already massively outperformed Biden on the platform, racking up over 6 million followers and 6.5 million likes. It's a testament to the former president's ability to capture attention and engage with his base, even on a platform he once sought to ban.
But you know what really surprises (but actually doesn't) this persuader? Despite the incredible numbers, Trump has only posted one video on TikTok. Yep, just one. 🤷🏻♂️
It makes you wonder: is this a carefully calculated move to generate buzz and leave his audience wanting more? Or is it a sign that Trump's team is still figuring out how to navigate the world of short-form video content?
Either way, it's clear that Trump's presence on TikTok is a force to be reckoned with, even with a single video.
RFK, Jr.'s New Ad: Is the Message Connecting or Falling Flat?
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has released a new campaign ad. While details about the size and scope of the ad buy are limited, it's worth taking a closer look at the content and its potential impact on voters.
After reviewing the ad (which you can check out below), I'm left with mixed feelings. RFK, Jr. is clearly trying to differentiate himself from the other candidates and tap into a sense of disillusionment with the current state of politics. His message of "change" and "standing up to the establishment" is likely to resonate with some voters who feel left behind by the system.
Still, the ad falls far short in terms of providing specific policy proposals or a clear vision for the future.
But don't just take my word for it – I want to hear from you! After watching the ad, what do you think of RFK, Jr.'s message? Is he tapping into something real, or is this just another case of style over substance? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss! 🗳️🤔
The Caitlin Clark Effect?
Last, this item from Ad Impact showing that the Biden team spent $25K on an ad on the network ION for the WNBA.
Is it a big spend? Nope. Is it a super smart media buy? 💯 yes.
🤓 Weekly Reads 📚
Some really smart articles on social media, tech, and political advertising this week, with a lot coming out of the upcoming UK elections, as well as this week’s EU Parliamentary elections.
No ads from those campaigns to share (that may be just a tad much!) but I can promise you that campaign and media folks here in the U.S. are analyzing what worked - and what didn’t - as they plan huge spends in the weeks and months ahead.
WHY SPENDING TIME AND MONEY CREATING TIKTOKS PROBABLY WON’T PAY OFF FOR LABOUR AND CONSERVATIVES (The Conversation)
ARE TIKTOKS AND MEMES GOING TO HELP WIN VOTES? (BBC)
POLITICAL MACHINES: UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF GENERATIVE AI IN THE U.S. 2024 ELECTIONS AND BEYOND (University of Texas at Austin, Center for Media Engagement)
POLITICAL ADVERTISING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES (Creative Brief: UK)
TEN RULES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE 2024 ELECTIONS (Roll Call)
What’s Next?
As always, we plan to continue to bring you all that’s happening in political advertising, media, and tech.
But please…if you made it all the way to the end of the newsletter, and didn’t take the survey, please do! Here is the link one more time. 👍 😊
In the meantime, make sure to share this blog with interested friends and colleagues, and check out our new YouTube channel for updates on the latest ads and more interviews.
PS - Share any ads or content (good, bad, or awful) here.
Also on the lookout for contributors. If you have something to share about the ad world and Election ‘24 reach out.
PPS - The survey.