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“Hybrid Ad” Warfare & Post-Pelosi Bogeymen

What’s the deal with all the cameos from lesser-known politicians in political ads this year?

nancy pelosi
Republican ads against Democrats often featured Nancy Pelosi, while Democrats linked G.O.P. incumbents to, say, Paul Ryan and his proposed Medicare cuts. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Abby Livingston
September 26, 2024

Campaigns are releasing new ads at a breakneck pace, and a skim through what seemed like 100 recent spots revealed an odd trend: Neither party has a national bogeyman to use in ads against down-ballot candidates. Instead, ad after ad features random cameos from not-that-famous politicians. Why is Nanette Barragán appearing in Connecticut ads? Why is Gavin Newsom on the Wisconsin airwaves?