Are celebrity-backed rallies and massive outside spending still effective, or are local economic issues doing most of the real work?

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Celebrity rallies and huge outside spending still matter, but the evidence suggests they are usually amplifiers, not the main engine. Local economic pressures — especially cost of living, housing, taxes, groceries, health care and job security — appear to be doing more of the real work in shaping voter decisions. The clearest sign is issue polling. Across the materials, the economy is the dominant concern nationally and in key states. Pew found 84% of registered voters saying the economy is very important to their vote. In Texas polling, the economy was the top issue, and in Georgia surveys voters were far more focused on grocery bills and everyday expenses than on nationalized messages. Analysts cited in the Texas coverage said affordability, inflation, housing costs and financial strain are what is making races unusually competitive. That does not mean rallies and money are irrelevant. Big-name surrogates can energize loyal supporters, help turnout, drive media coverage and reinforce party enthusiasm in the final days. In Georgia, with more than 2 million early ballots already cast, visits from Barack Obama, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are best understood as turnout tools, especially in a state with split-ticket habits. Political scientists also note campaigns use surrogates because neither side wants to give up any marginal advantage. Money is similarly important but limited. Record ad spending can boost name recognition and may matter in close races, yet experts cauti…

Obama Campaigns in Georgia as 2 Million Early Ballots Outpace 2022 Midterm Turnout

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Obama Campaigns in Georgia as 2 Million Early Ballots Outpace 2022 Midterm Turnout

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