When Kids Attack: Campaign 2014′s Youngest Combatants
A long line of American politicians have sought to appeal to voters by enlisting youthful surrogates in advertising. But the tactic, which is now on full display during the 2014 midterm election cycle, leads to tricky questions about what role children should play in campaigns, if any, and the costs and benefits for politicians who choose to thrust kids into the spotlight.
Travis N. Ridout, associate professor in politics, philosophy, and public affairs, said using children can help politicians who are “trying to target specific groups of voters, for instance parents who have young children.” By featuring their own children in their ads, politicians also have the chance to “seem more approachable” to potential voters, Ridout said.
