As the political landscape solidifies for a Biden-Trump rematch this November, a financial arms race is taking center stage. Joe Biden and his allies are strategically leveraging a significant cash advantage to counterbalance the challenging political terrain. The estimated $2.7 billion expected to be spent on presidential campaign advertising this cycle has set the stage for one of the most expensive and fierce elections in modern history.
Super PAC Commitments and Biden Campaign Strategy
Pro-Biden Super PACs Ready for a Blitz
Pro-Biden super PACs, Future Forward and American Bridge, are leading the charge with committed ad spending of $250 million and $200 million, respectively. These organizations aim to divert attention from Biden’s age and emphasize the chaotic aspects of Trump’s first term. In a released memo, the Biden campaign revealed that allied groups have pledged over $700 million to defeat Trump.
Trump’s Plans for Contrast Ad-Spending
With Trump’s team looking to turn 2024 into a choice election, plans are underway to ramp up contrast ad-spending this spring. The campaign aims to highlight the differences between the candidates, following a strategy similar to President Barack Obama’s approach in 2012 against Mitt Romney.
Incumbency Advantage and Fundraising
Biden’s Cash Advantage
Despite trailing Trump in polling averages and facing a dip in approval ratings, Biden holds a $41 million cash advantage over Trump, thanks to his incumbency advantage. Nominal primary challengers have allowed Biden to amass funds while Trump expended resources on campaign activities and legal bills.
Incumbency’s Strategic Edge
Stephanie Cutter, a seasoned Democratic consultant, underscores the advantage of incumbency, allowing candidates to plan ahead, raise funds, invest early, and craft a compelling contrast message. The strategic investments made by Biden and the Democratic National Committee are expected to materialize in crucial ways.
Negative Ad Strategy and Future Scenarios
Focusing on Negative Attacks
Biden and allied groups have signaled a plan to launch a sharply negative onslaught, targeting Trump’s positions on issues like Roe v. Wade and his role in the Capitol riots. This approach aims to define Trump early on, similar to successful strategies employed by past incumbents.
Uncertain Impact of Financial Advantage
While a financial advantage can be influential, it is not a guarantee of success in November. The Trump campaign, despite a cash edge in 2020, did not secure victory. The GOP acknowledges the challenge but expects funding to catch up, emphasizing that money alone cannot fix policy challenges.
In the lead-up to the election, Biden’s robust fundraising efforts and grassroots support position him strategically. As the financial battleground intensifies, both campaigns are gearing up for what promises to be a high-stakes and hard-fought battle until November.
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