Strategic Shift: Never Back Down, Pro-DeSantis Super PAC, Halts $2.5 Million 2024 TV Ad Campaign Amidst Emerging Dynamics 2024-11-08 13:07:27
Strategic Pivot: Never Back Down Super PAC Cancels $2.5 Million 2024 TV Advertising, Ceding Ground to 'Fight Right, Inc.'
In a strategic move, Never Back Down, the primary external supporter of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his presidential bid, has opted to cancel its entire advertising campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire for 2024. The super PAC announced a shift in focus towards intensifying field operations to bolster DeSantis's ground game in early states, while advertising responsibilities will now be assumed by another pro-DeSantis super PAC, "Fight Right, Inc.," which has already invested nearly $7.7 million in Iowa, as reported by AdImpact, a political advertising tracking firm.
Never Back Down Chairman Scott Wagner expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Never Back Down is laser-focused on its core mission — running the most advanced grassroots and political caucus operation in this race and helping deliver the GOP nomination for Governor DeSantis." The super PAC had originally allocated $2.5 million for advertising in the first two presidential nominating states in 2024, according to AdImpact, and has spent over $40 million on DeSantis's behalf since its launch.
Fight Right spokesperson Taryn Fenske confirmed the group's commitment to filling the void left by Never Back Down, matching the canceled reservations with a $2.5 million investment in ad placements in Iowa. Additionally, a new player, "Good Fight," a super PAC supporting DeSantis, is set to commence its advertising in Iowa from December 27, according to Medium Buying, although its connection to Fight Right remains unclear.
The recent shake-up within Never Back Down has been notable, marked by internal disputes and the departure of key officials, coinciding with DeSantis trailing behind former President Donald Trump in Iowa polling. The emergence of Fight Right in November, following disagreements over advertising effectiveness, adds an intriguing layer to the evolving dynamics within DeSantis's campaign. Fight Right reportedly received significant funding from Never Back Down and garnered support from DeSantis himself through fundraisers.
As DeSantis navigates a competitive landscape and adjusts his campaign strategy, the collaboration between Never Back Down, Fight Right, and the emergence of Good Fight underscores the dynamic nature of political alliances and the fluidity of support networks in the run-up to the 2024 presidential race.
Ad Wars and Allegations: Fight Right's Intense Campaign Against Haley Sparks Controversy in DeSantis' Presidential Bid
As the 2024 presidential race gains momentum, the dynamics within Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's campaign take a contentious turn with Fight Right, Inc., a pro-DeSantis super PAC, aggressively targeting former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in its advertising blitz in Iowa. Notably, all of Fight Right's ads in Iowa have been dedicated to attacking Haley, with a particular focus on her ties to China during her governorship.
The clash over China-related issues between DeSantis and Haley has been a recurring theme in the campaign, and it reached a new level during the last GOP primary debate where both candidates exchanged barbs over their states' connections to Chinese companies. Fight Right's narrative emphasizes this, including ads linking Haley to 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. However, some of these claims have faced scrutiny in fact-checks by PolitiFact and the Washington Post, with findings of misleading information.
Adding fuel to the fire, a watchdog group filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) alleging illegal coordination between DeSantis' campaign, subject to fundraising limits, and Never Back Down, a super PAC without such constraints. DeSantis' campaign dismissed the complaint as "baseless" and pointed to the FEC's stance on unverified rumors.
Amidst the controversy, DeSantis distanced himself from the complaint, referring to it as a "farce" during his visit to Iowa. He asserted a lack of control over the group while praising its grassroots organizing efforts. The situation unfolds just weeks before Iowa's caucuses on Jan. 15 and New Hampshire's primary on Jan. 23, adding an additional layer of complexity to DeSantis' presidential campaign.
As the ad wars intensify and allegations of coordination surface, the evolving narrative underscores the intricacies of modern political campaigns, where external groups play a pivotal role, often shaping public perception and fueling controversy in the quest for electoral success.
In conclusion, the intensifying ad wars and allegations surrounding Fight Right's aggressive campaign against Nikki Haley present a complex narrative within Governor Ron DeSantis's 2024 presidential bid. As the clash over China-related issues becomes a focal point, the controversy deepens with fact-checking challenges and a filed complaint alleging illegal coordination between DeSantis's campaign and Never Back Down.
The upcoming Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary add urgency to the unfolding events, injecting a sense of volatility into DeSantis's campaign. The governor's attempt to distance himself from the FEC complaint, labeling it a "farce," underscores the delicate dance between candidates and affiliated super PACs.
As the 2024 election season progresses, the interplay of external groups, fact-checking dynamics, and legal challenges illuminates the evolving landscape of political campaigns. The outcome in Iowa and New Hampshire will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of DeSantis's presidential aspirations, making this chapter in the campaign a critical juncture with potential implications for the broader electoral landscape.