As the 2024 presidential campaigns draw to a close, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are unflagging in their efforts to articulate their distinct visions of America’s future. Leveraging the power of advertising to appealingly showcase their political manifestos, both candidates have launched respective final campaign ads that illuminate their perspectives on what America should aspire to become.
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, delivers a poignant message through his ad, changing his tone from the combative rhetoric usually associated with him. The central theme of his ad is The Great Resurgence. Trump starts by referencing the economic prosperity America experienced during his previous tenure. He also throws light on his mindset during the global pandemic which, he asserts, was marred by the shortcomings of his successors. The ad employs echoes of nostalgia, using footage of his earlier rallies and excerpts from his speeches to evoke a sense of returning hope in his supporters.
One clear message from Trump’s ad is an appeal to America’s entrepreneurial spirit, resonating with his own history in business before occupying the highest office in the land. He conveys that he is the catalyst to reigniting the entrepreneur’s flame in America, which he believes to have somewhat extinguished in recent years. He also touches upon foreign relations and trade, insisting upon a return to ‘America First’ policies along with a pledge to reverse his opponent’s policies, which he asserts have not proved beneficial for the American people.
Trump’s ad focuses on his firm belief in American resilience, attempting to inspire a renewed sense of pride and optimism. He does not shy away from portraying himself as a potent force for economic revival and strategic international relations.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, presents a starkly different future for America. Harris’s closing ad revolves around the theme of ‘Inclusion and Progress.’ As the first woman of color to become Vice President, she utilizes her unique position to highlight the principles of diversity and equality, underscoring her commitment to continue making America a more inclusive nation.
Harris uses her ad to highlight progressive policies touched upon during her tenure. She draws attention to the Healthcare expansion, highlighting its benefits to middle and low-income families. The importance of climate change, gun law reform, and wealth inequality are also prominently featured in her ad. She calls for an America where every citizen, irrespective of their background, has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Her ad paints a picture of an America where unity in diversity becomes its strongest asset, embracing multiculturalism as a strength rather than viewing it as a threat. In terms of foreign policies, Harris favors rebuilding alliances and global cooperation, viewing them crucial for addressing global concerns such as climate change and terrorism.
Thus, the concluding ads of Trump and Harris offer voters clear, distinct visions of America’s future. Trump’s ad attempts to ignite a sense of nostalgia, promising an economic resurgence under his experienced hands. Conversely, Harris’s ad postulates a future where diversity and progressiveness are embraced, emphasizing equal access to benefits and global cooperation. As the race draws to an end, it is up to the American people to decide whose vision aligns with their hope for the future of the nation.
