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After two weeks spent visiting the Middle East and attempting to narrow the fundraising lead of his Democratic rivals, John McCain returns to the trail in earnest today with what his campaign is billing as a biographical tour showcasing his service to the country. And as part of its efforts to focus attention on McCain's résumé, his campaign also released the first general election ad of the campaign season, a biographical spot calling him "the American president Americans have been waiting for."

The new TV spot  (subscription), which debuted in New Mexico on Friday, features shots of the Arizona senator striking determined poses as a voice-over by actor Powers Boothe introduces him as a candidate who believes "that liberty is priceless" and has "walked the walk." Like previous McCain ads  (subscription), this one makes use of footage of a young McCain being questioned by his North Vietnamese captors to remind viewers of his time as a prisoner of war.

As the first media buy from the Republican nominee-to-be in nearly two months, the ad sheds light on McCain's strategy for the general election and, more specifically, how his camp plans to capitalize on the ongoing Democratic stalemate. Between the ad and his biography-focused campaign swing, McCain is setting out to define himself (as an experienced, patriotic war hero) before his opponent has the chance to. With McCain's political celebrity -- particularly in the Southwest -- there isn't really another reason for him to invest in a traditional bio spot.

Continue reading "McCain's General Election Debut" »

With calls for Hillary Rodham Clinton to drop out of the Democratic primary race multiplying, Barack Obama refused to join the chorus this weekend. Instead, the Illinois senator focused on his plan for economic recovery during his campaign's "Road to Change" tour through Pennsylvania.

Indicating that he expects the campaign to continue at least into May, Obama has released new TV ads in the next three states to weigh in on the Democratic race -- Pennsylvania, Indiana and North Carolina -- all focused on the failing economy and what Obama would do to help middle- and working-class Americans.

Continue reading "Obama In It For The Long Haul" »

Welcome to the new Ad Spotlight blog, an update of NationalJournal.com’s long-running feature on the latest developments in political advertising and media strategy.

In its new format, Ad Spotlight will continue to deliver original reporting on the latest campaign and issue ads airing on TV and radio, with occasional looks at Web-only spots, online media strategies and general news updates from the world of political advertising.

In this contentious election year, Ad Spotlight will focus primarily on the presidential campaigns and the most contested House, Senate and gubernatorial races, plus issue-based advertising from special interest groups and PACs. The blog is free to nonsubscribers, although our extensive archive of TV and radio ads remains subscription-only.

Reader feedback and tips are encouraged via e-mail. Send your questions and comments to adspotlight[at]nationaljournal.com.