A Democratic group, American Bridge 21st Century, has launched a $140 million ad campaign aimed at chipping away Trump’s support among rural voters. The ads will air in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, targeting swing voters in smaller media markets. The goal is to reach people, especially women, who may be undecided or turned off by the current political climate. The campaign is part of a broader $200 million effort to defeat Trump and focuses on issues like abortion rights and health care access in the first round of ads.
The testimonials featured in the ads come from voters expressing their concerns about a potential second Trump term. For example, one ad highlights a nurse discussing the overturning of Roe v. Wade, while another shares a heartbreaking story from an OB/GYN who had a late-term abortion due to a fatal abnormality. Future ads will touch on topics like IVF, democracy, and freedom, aiming to help voters understand the stakes of the upcoming election. American Bridge believes that first-person testimonials are the most effective way to reach voters given the widespread distrust of politicians among the electorate.
Trump’s stronghold in rural areas has been crucial to his success, with 60% of voters in small towns or rural areas supporting him in the last election. The current ad campaign is targeting swing voters in these areas, who are predominantly women. The group has identified several million swing voters falling into categories like soft partisans, volatile voters, anti-MAGA conservatives, and “double doubters” who are turned off by both parties’ candidates. The goal is to sway these voters, especially in rural and exurban areas, by reminding them of the reasons to fear a second Trump term.
The ads feature voices like Lori Cataldi, a nurse from Pennsylvania, who speaks about abortion rights in her testimonial. Cataldi emphasizes the importance of issues relevant to women and hopes her ad resonates with those who may be frustrated with politics. Another participant, Susan Pryce, a retired nurse from Pennsylvania, shares her reasons for not supporting Trump, citing his disrespectful comments and behavior. She sees this election as a crucial moment to honor the sacrifices made by her family and ensure a democracy for future generations.
American Bridge believes that women have played a significant role in saving democracy in recent elections and hopes to tap into their influence in the upcoming election. The group has been recruiting participants for their ad campaign through door-to-door canvassing and other outreach efforts. By featuring personal stories and concerns from rural voters, they aim to connect with those who may feel unheard or overlooked in the current political landscape. The testimonials highlight a range of issues, from women’s rights to respect for the rule of law, as key reasons for voters to consider in the upcoming election.
As the ads roll out in key battleground states, American Bridge is confident in their ability to sway swing voters, particularly women, in rural and exurban areas. By focusing on issues that resonate with these voters and featuring relatable voices in their ads, they hope to make a compelling case for why a second Trump term would be detrimental. With a significant investment in this ad campaign, the group aims to make a substantial impact on the election outcome and shift the loyalty of rural voters away from Trump. Time will tell how effective this campaign will be in influencing the opinions of key swing voters in these critical states.
