Political Advertising

Campaign Ads in History

Today we are going to look at ads used in campaigns for President in the United States to help create effective ads for your candidate.

"I like Ike"

• This was a campaign slogan used by the popular war general, Dwight Eisenhower, who was nicknamed Ike.

• There was also a catchy cartoon song with the same title.

Multiple Select

What do you notice about the "I like Ike" ad?

• Catchy Slogan

• Clear Picture of Candidate

• Negative Ad

2008 Obama Hope Poster

This poster was used in Barack Obama's 2008 campaign for president.

Multiple Choice

Why do you think this poster was effective.

• Obama is shown as patriotic, heroic, and has an inspiring message.

• It shows how Obama is better than the other candidate.

Lincoln Campaign Poster, 1860

• Lincoln is shown with two figures representing Liberty and Justice.

• He is also surrounded by American flags.

• A document that says "the Union" is below his portrait.

Multiple Select

What techniques are in this ad?

• symbolism of Liberty and Justice

• Shows his platform to preserve the union

• Clear portrait of the candidate

• negative ad about the opponent

1944 FDR Election

• In the midst of WWII, Uncle Sam is seen endorsing President Roosevelt for a fourth term in office.

• The I Want You posters were used first and second world wars to convince men to join the army.

• FDR is the only president to serve more than two terms as president.

Multiple Choice

What symbol is used the the FDR ad?

• Lady Liberty

• Eagle

​FDR was paralyzed from the waist down from Polio as a child. Reporters did not reveal this secret. He campaigned from cars, trains, and podiums without the public knowing of his condition.

He used radio to campaign, and continued to use radio giving "fireside chats" to America from the White House.

Reagan 1980 Campaign

• The ad has an experienced Reagan with a flag backdrop.

• The ad uses the phrase, "Let's make America great again." Many Americans were losing faith in America because of the current economy.

Multiple Choice

What other president has a similar "Let's make America great again." campaign as Reagen?

• Donald Trump

• Joe Biden

JFK Campaign Poster

Kennedy for President: Leadership for the 60's

Multiple Select

What are the feelings of the JFK poster?

• Patriotic

• Strength

• Leadership

• Looking to the future

Create a campaign poster for your candidate.

After looking at past Presidential Ads, what elements can you add to your campaign poster?

Be sure to have a picture, name of candidate, and a slogan/tagline.