Let the games begin...

Recently while visiting family in North Carolina I saw a new report on the upcoming Presidential election. This report discusses how this year the negative campaigns have begun earlier than ever in the key election states. With North Carolina being one of the swing states that Obama won in 2008 this territory is crucial for both parties. And in the most critical areas come the most negative ads as seen below.

Not only have these negative ads for both sides began running so early this year in the campaign, but both sides have already spent more that candidates spent in 2008 in these same states. Both parties have huge sources of financial resources and the overspending will only continue.

What I find the most interesting about the ads and the finances used to produce them is that when polled most voters have already decided who they are voting for. And I think this is something really interesting to consider. I am a strong believe that ads can make or break candidates in smaller elections or primaries, but don't most citizens voting in the Presidential election have their minds made up already?

 I think although many voters may know who they would like to vote for the importance of commercials and ads is to inspire those voters to actually go to the polls and vote. There are so many registered voters who for some reason or another don't show up to vote.

What do you think? How large of a role did ads play in the presidential election? Could a good ad potentially sway your vote?


--Krystal