The Presidential Campaign and TV Ads

Since 1952, presidential campaigns have been, at least in part, decided by a candidate's television ads. A quote taken from The Living Room Candidate offers some insight into the phenomenon of television ads and the presidential race.

In 1968, presidential candidate Richard Nixon was sitting in the office of Roger Ailes, a producer on The Mike Douglas Show, before a taping of the program. Nixon remarked, "It's too bad a guy has to rely on a gimmick like television to get elected." Ailes responded, "Television is no gimmick, and nobody will ever be elected to major office again without presenting themselves well on it."

This year's presidential election is proving to be no different. According to this week's Business Journal the presidential campaign spots are "squeezing regular TV advertisers."

From the Business Journal:

Unexpectedly heavy placement of national political ads on Twin Cities television this spring is hogging airtime and raising prices. Limited spots and ad rates that have doubled or tripled are forcing some regular advertisers out of broadcast TV and onto cable TV and radio.

Get the full story here.