Kerry Campaign Launches $18 Million Ad Campaign

The Kerry campaign has launched a seven-commercial, 18-state advertising campaign, with a total budget of $18 million. The campaign, which began airing on Wednesday, targets voters in North Carolina and on some national cable networks. The ads introduce Senator John Kerry and his running mate, Senator John Edwards, as a new team for America, emphasizing their experience and commitment to ordinary people.

Key Takeaways:

• The campaign includes a series of seven commercials that will run in 18 states through July 22.
• The ads feature Senator Kerry and Senator Edwards as a team, highlighting their experience and commitment to the American people.
• The campaign has a total budget of $18 million, with a focus on television advertising in key states.
• Senator Kerry is portrayed as a "combat veteran" with over 30 years of experience, while Senator Edwards is characterized as the "son of a mill worker" who has stood up for ordinary people against powerful interests.
• The ads aim to introduce the Kerry/Edwards ticket as a new team for America, emphasizing their plan to make the nation stronger at home and respected in the world.
• The commercials make no great exaggerations or misstatements of fact, sticking to generalities and avoiding fabrications.

Statistics:

• Total campaign budget: $18 million
• Number of commercials: 7
• Number of states targeted: 18
• Duration of the campaign: July 8 (start date) to July 22 (end date)
• Budget allocation: Television advertising in key states
• Portrayal of Senator Kerry: "Combat veteran" with over 30 years of experience
• Portrayal of Senator Edwards: Son of a mill worker who has stood up for ordinary people against powerful interests

Sources:

• The New York Times, "Spot for Senator John Kerry; $18 Million Campaign," June 96 (no specific date given)
• Jim Rutenberg, New York Times