The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, whose members make construction equipment as well as farm machinery, is running a pair of broadcast ads in swing states to promote infrastructure spending, each slanted toward a Trump or Clinton audience, says AgWeb. An AEM spokesman says it is a “unique way to approach our messaging to external audiences.”
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump are supporters of larger spending on public works, such as roads, bridges, pipelines and water and sewer systems. The Trump-themed ad uses foreboding music and descriptions of crumbling highways in saying it is time to “restore America’s greatness.” The ad designed to appeal to Clinton backers describes infrastructure spending as a way to help the middle class. Both ads end with the tagline “support the candidates who support our infrastructure.”
The Hill newspaper says the ads are running in Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota on social media networks, “though AEM said it may also consider some targeted buys on Twitter during the first debate next week.”
On its website, AEM ran a Q-and-A with Mike Schmidt, economic adviser to Clinton. One question asked about Clinton’s plans “to promote a resurgent agricultural economy.” Schmidt’s reply, according to AEM:
“Secretary Clinton wants to ensure that America’s farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to succeed, and she’s put forward a plan to strengthen the country’s agricultural economy. She’ll invest in infrastructure that helps our farmers get their goods to customers. She’ll support important policies like the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program, which provides education, mentoring, and technical assistance to aspiring farmers and ranchers. She’ll work to build strong local and regional food systems, expand food hubs, farmers markets, and SNAP (food stamp) recipients’ access to fresh food. And she’ll encourage direct sales to local schools, hospitals, retailers and wholesalers.”