christ-on-a-stick

I've been watching the news stations in the last few days (since the debate) after not having turned on the TV for almost 2 months, and I am noticing that there are (literally) only Bush campaign spots running.

How does this work? Do the respective campaigns decide where to run their ads dependent on how much they "need" votes in that area, or ??? (If so, I would deduce that my particular area is looking like it will go for Kerry, so the Bush people are allocating resources here in hopes of turning that tide.)

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Godless Wonder

California is strong Kerry territory.

Holy crap, I just looked at Texas for the first time... that's where I live... My state contains morons. We don't have any ads from either candidate on TV here.

After seeing that, I felt compelled to create this:

Derec

My guess is that since Ca is strong Kerry territory he feels no need to waste money there. Bush (or rather Rove) might try to use the Anrie-bonus to win some votes. Unlikely that he'll carry California regardless, but he has upwards of 200 million to burn.

UMoC

Chuck

Are they sponsored by the Bush campaign, the RNC, or a different group? You can tell by the thing said at the end. "I'm George Bush and I approve this message," or "The Republican National Committee is responsible for the content of this message."

I would be surprised if the Bush camp is actually spending money in California. Seems like a waste.

christ-on-a-stick

Hi GW -

I knew that CA as a whole was looking like a Kerry win, but Orange County has long been considered a bastion of conservatism (contrary to the sex-drugs-rock'n'roll image portrayed by "The O.C." :Cheeky: - so lame). Rep. Dana Rohrbacher (barf) and Sen. Chris Cox being just a few of our home-grown Repugs. So i was just a bit surprised that the ads have been so heavy here, although maybe things have changed here.

christ-on-a-stick

They all have his "approval soundbite" at the end. I tell you I was about to poke my eardrums out with chopsticks earlier after hearing it for the 100th time.

UMoC - that makes sense. Thinking about it more, since it's the state as a whole that matters for electoral votes, you may be quite right.

Chuck

Isn't the Bush Campaign itself limited to $75 million in spending since Bush accepted the nomination? Other ads would have to be done through the RNC, I think.

kwigibo

You could make millions selling t-shirts, think of all the possibilities.



You might as well sell them with bullet holes included though.

Blinn

I thought the election/campaign laws requred equal time in advertising?? If a network airs X minutes of Bush ads, then they must air X minutes of Kerry ads? :huh:

Chuck

IIRC, stations must offer equal time to the opposing campaign(s), but said campaigns can choose to buy them. In this case, I doubt that Kerry/DNC sees much need to take them up on it and air lots of ads in CA.