Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign is embarking on a significant $90 million advertising initiative over the next three weeks. The aim is to introduce the Democratic candidate to voters and draw a clear distinction between her and Republican incumbent Donald Trump. This media buy stands as the largest investment in messaging by her campaign, with only 2 1/2 months remaining until the November election. Following shortly after Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the party’s ticket, a $50 million ad campaign was also launched last month.
Harris’ campaign has experienced a surge in fundraising since her nomination, prompting the decision to allocate these funds to counter the substantial spending seen from Trump and his supporters in the immediate aftermath of Biden’s withdrawal. The ad campaign will primarily highlight the Vice President’s personal background, her career as a prosecutor in California, her dedication to challenging powerful interests, and the contrasting views with what Harris’ team describes as Trump’s “dangerous, extreme agenda.”
The advertising buy will be targeting seven crucial battleground states and will extend the scope of Harris’ campaign spending to include smaller markets where they have not previously advertised, such as Marquette, Wisconsin, and Erie, Pennsylvania. The campaign has indicated that their spending will be carefully directed at programs watched by the demographic they aim to mobilize to the polls, which includes shows like “The Bachelorette,” “Big Brother,” “The Daily Show,” “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” and “The Simpsons.” Harris’ campaign revealed a fundraising total of $310 million in July and started August with $377 million in reserve.
The principal deputy manager of the campaign, Quentin Fulks, expressed confidence that as voters learn more about Harris, they will recognize her as the most suitable candidate to lead the country over the next four years.