Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 8, 2024 1:56 pm GMT
In a strategic move to draw attention to key political issues ahead of the 2024 elections, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to fly banners over several college football games in battleground states this weekend. The centerpiece of this campaign is a message directed at University of Michigan fans during the highly anticipated game against Texas, where a banner will read: “JD Vance <3 Ohio State + Project 2025.” This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to connect with younger voters and keep electoral matters at the forefront as the November election approaches.
Banners to Fly at Four Key Games
The DNC’s aerial campaign will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, over four notable college football games in critical battleground states, targeting venues where large crowds will gather. Besides the Michigan-Texas game at Michigan Stadium, similar banners will also appear at:
- University of Georgia vs. Tennessee Tech
- Penn State vs. Bowling Green
- University of Wisconsin vs. South Dakota
These banners aim to resonate with fans and remind them of political issues, particularly the influence of Project 2025, a conservative agenda developed by the Heritage Foundation, which outlines plans for a future Republican administration under Donald Trump.
A Political Rivalry in the Spotlight
The choice of the University of Michigan game highlights the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, with J.D. Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, being an alumnus of Ohio State University. By referencing this rivalry, the DNC hopes to leverage existing tensions and engage the audience emotionally. DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman stated, “The DNC is reaching voters where they are. These banners carry a message that resonates with fans and reminds them that the most important contest is still to come in November.”
As the aircraft will trail the banners for four hours leading up to the kick-off, it’s designed to capture the attention of more than 107,601 fans at Michigan Stadium, heightening awareness of the electoral landscape.
The Significance of Young Voter Engagement
The DNC’s strategy reflects a broader trend in political campaigning aimed at engaging younger voters, who have shown fluctuating participation rates in past elections. In the 2020 election, approximately 38% of new voters were aged 18 to 29. However, only 51.4% of voters in the 18-24 age bracket participated, significantly lower than older demographics. With young voters generally leaning Democratic—65% supported Biden over Trump in 2020—maintaining their engagement remains crucial for the DNC.
Recent voter registration data indicate a sharp increase in young Black women registering to vote since Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee, underlining the importance of these initiatives ahead of the election.
Competition for Youth Engagement
The DNC is not the only organization focused on youth engagement this election cycle. Groups such as NextGen America are actively promoting voter participation through non-partisan initiatives. They are employing student-athletes in battleground states to leverage their platforms for encouraging voter turnout, marking one of the first uses of the *Name, Image, and Likeness* (NIL) ruling that allows college athletes to monetize their likenesses.
Furthermore, organizations like Turning Point USA are working to engage young conservatives by hosting events featuring candidates like Vance and Trump, targeting Greek life and campus communities at over 22 college campuses in swing states.
Echoes of Project 2025
While the DNC is utilizing the banners to highlight Project 2025—an agenda aimed at overhauling governmental systems according to conservative values—the Trump campaign has been ambiguous about its alignment with this initiative. Trump has publicly distanced himself from many proposals outlined in Project 2025, asserting that he disagrees with aspects of it, despite several proposals reflecting his own past and current campaign promises.
This context adds another layer to the DNC’s messaging, framing the upcoming election as a fight for the future direction of the country under the proposed conservative policies.
Impacts on Michigan’s Political Landscape
Michigan stands as a pivotal state in the electoral process, anticipated to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the election. Both Trump and Vance are aware of the critical nature of their efforts to win over Michiganders, as Vance acknowledged by referencing the importance of Michigan at campaign events.
The outcome of Saturday’s events, coupled with the upcoming elections, could significantly impact voting trends among younger demographics, making it essential for both parties to effectively communicate their messages.
Both groups are stepping up their efforts to connect with college students, and it will be exciting to see how this affects how many people vote and what they think as we get closer to the elections in November. The DNC’s flying banners not only remind people of different political parties but also play a big part in trying to win over younger voters in the country.
