5.10 Video Notes

Overview of Modern Campaigns in AP Government

  • Focus: Explain how campaign organizations and strategies affect the election process.

Evolution of Political Campaigns

  • Increasing Complexity: Political campaigns in America have significantly increased in complexity over time.

    • Early Republic: Candidates were expected to maintain a modest public profile.

    • Example: George Washington famously stated, "If the people want me to preside, they shall have to make that decision by their own wisdom and lights."

    • Modern Campaigning: Today, candidates actively seek public favor and recognition.

    • Examples of modern approaches: Candidates are more aggressive, asking voters directly, "Hey, do you like me?"

Political Fundraising

  • Significant Increase in Election Spending: Campaigns today entail vastly higher expenditures compared to the past.

    • 1996 Presidential Election: Approximately $87 million was spent between candidates Bill Clinton and Bob Dole.

    • 2004 Presidential Election: Total spending increased dramatically to around $513 million between George W. Bush and John Kerry.

    • 2020 Presidential Election: Marked the highest total spending, reaching $14.4 billion between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Reasons for Increased Spending

Length of Election Cycle

  • Comparison to Other Countries: In many other nations, campaign seasons are limited to about 10 weeks by law; however, no such laws exist in the U.S.

    • Competition for Early Primaries: States vie for the earliest primary dates to gain economic benefits from increased tourism.

    • Example: Joe Biden stated he felt it was too late to campaign 384 days before the election, showing how candidates perceive extended timelines as critical.

Complexity of Campaigns

  • Professional Consultations: Candidates now frequently hire various experts to manage their campaigns.

    • Examples of Roles: Campaign managers, public relations experts, fundraisers, social media consultants, etc.

    • Focus Areas: Candidates' messaging clarity, opponent characterization, performance in debates.

Canvassing

  • Definition: Canvassing refers to the process of engaging with voters through calls and visits to raise funds and garner support.

Use of Social Media

  • Role of Major Platforms: Social media companies like Facebook facilitate outreach for political candidates, optimizing how they connect with potential voters.

    • Targeted Political Ads: Platforms utilize user data to customize political messaging toward specific demographics.

    • Historical Context of Communication Technologies: Candidates have a history of adapting to new media for voter engagement.

    • FDR: Utilized radio.

    • JFK: Leveraged television.

    • Barack Obama: Pioneered the extensive use of social media in the 2012 campaign, leading to effective fundraising and communication.

Allocation of Campaign Funds

  • Main Expense: A substantial portion of a candidate's budget is dedicated to advertising.

    • Types of Advertising: Billboards, social media ads, television commercials.

    • Example of Impact: Familiarity with sensational ads that seem to resonate with voters, despite their often extreme and sensationalistic messages.

    • Example Ad Content: "What kind of person is Steve Heimler…?" highlighting personal attacks common in modern campaigns.

Conclusion

  • Future of Campaigning: The complexity and cost of political campaigns are anticipated to continue escalating.

  • Encouragement to Engage: Viewers are prompted to utilize available resources for exam preparation and to support continued educational content.