Trump Allies Boost Ad Spending as Harris Gains Momentum

As Vice President Harris gains traction in the presidential race, former President Trump's allies have ramped up their advertising efforts significantly. Polls indicate that Trump is falling behind Harris in several key states, prompting a strategic increase in ad spending, particularly in North Carolina, which had previously favored Trump. This shift highlights the changing dynamics of the race as Harris's campaign gains momentum. In the past month, Pennsylvania has seen the highest ad expenditure, totaling nearly $100 million. However, when comparing national and nonstate-specific digital advertising, Harris's team has outspent Trump's by over $50 million, with a total of $246.3 million against Trump's $192 million. This disparity is largely attributed to Harris's aggressive spending during the Olympics and her strong online presence. The focus of the advertising has been on defining Harris, as public perceptions of her were still forming when she entered the race. The top five most aired ads have centered around her identity and background, collectively amounting to nearly $100 million in spending. One of the most frequently aired ads, which has run over 45,000 times, emphasizes her record on immigration during her tenure as a prosecutor. While the ad contains some factual elements, it has been criticized for being misleading regarding her handling of a specific case involving an MS-13 gang member. This highlights the contentious nature of the campaign and the strategies employed by both sides as they seek to shape voter perceptions ahead of the election.