President Biden is intensifying his campaign against Donald Trump with a $50 million ad blitz just ahead of their first debate. This aggressive strategy marks a sharp shift in Biden’s approach, highlighting Trump’s legal troubles and contrasting them with Biden’s achievements.
Biden’s Bold Move Against Trump
President Joe Biden launched a $50 million ad campaign against former president Donald Trump, ten days ahead of their first debate in Atlanta. The ad directly targets Trump, emphasizing his status as the first criminally convicted former president.
Shift in Campaign Tactics
The Biden campaign has previously avoided personal attacks on Trump, though Biden hinted at such lines during fundraisers. Last year, Democratic strategists noted that Trump himself was effectively driving the indictment news.
Reasons for Silence
Biden had reasons for staying quiet until now, primarily due to the legal implications involving Special Counsel Jack Smith. Trump’s baseless accusations against Biden required a measured response given the jurisdiction of Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Impact of Bad Headlines
Biden likely hoped negative headlines alone would damage Trump’s popularity. However, polls consistently show Biden trailing Trump in key swing states.
Aggressive Legal Attacks
Biden’s new strategy is more aggressive, detailing Trump’s 34 felony convictions related to falsifying business records and other legal issues. The ad also highlights Trump’s liability in the sexual assault case involving writer E. Jean Carroll and earlier fraud allegations.
Constructing a Narrative
The ad argues that Trump’s actions were self-serving, including the hush money scheme to conceal his sexual affairs. Biden’s campaign portrays Trump as a figure who manipulated his business assets and used his power for personal gain.
Biden’s Economic Message
Biden’s ad highlights his efforts to make corporations pay their fair share and reduce healthcare costs. It points to the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped insulin prices for Medicare recipients and allowed for drug price negotiations.
Contrast in Leadership
The ad suggests Biden is using government power to help ordinary people, contrasting with Trump’s alleged self-serving actions. Biden believes this message can resonate with voters by showing his commitment to the public good.
Age as a Campaign Issue
The question remains whether Biden’s message can overcome concerns about his age. The White House is actively combating doctored videos that depict Biden as frail, recognizing this as a significant issue for swing voters.
Democrats Rally Behind Biden
Despite his mixed popularity, Democrats are aligning themselves with Biden in their campaigns. In New York’s 16th district, Representative Jamaal Bowman faces attacks for supposedly lacking support for Biden, with ads framing him as a skeptic.
Showcasing Presidential Support
Bowman’s campaign emphasizes his collaboration with Biden on issues like gun violence and abortion rights. The message is clear: working with Biden is politically advantageous.
Republican Loyalty to Trump
In Virginia’s 5th district, Republicans are vying for Trump’s endorsement. Bob Good faces a tough challenge from John McGuire, who capitalizes on Good’s past endorsement of Ron DeSantis.
Loyalty as a Political Currency
For both parties, loyalty has become a critical factor, making campaigns increasingly personal. The political landscape is now heavily influenced by allegiances to Biden or Trump.
