Campaigns are projected to spend more on political advertising in the 2026 midterms than any previous election cycle. Opinion editor Steve Stromberg, columnist Carlos Lozada, and photo editor Emily Keegin examine the ads shaping these races. Carlos recalls Ronald Reagan's optimistic 1984 "Morning in America" ad, while Emily reflects on Lyndon B.
Johnson's 1964 "Daisy" ad, which used fear and a child to great effect. The discussion turns to the current mood, with Lozada comparing House Speaker Mike Johnson's admission that he might have to return to Louisiana and start a lawn care business to a lack of confidence. Stromberg notes Democrats are talking about expanding the map, though Lozada remains skeptical of those expectations.
The conversation highlights how viral ads are moving away from traditional fear tactics toward other themes. The transcript, lightly edited for length and clarity, is available via the NYTimes app, Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing