Primary States Get First Glimpse of Candidates' TV Ads

In a sure sign that the presidential campaign is gaining velocity, the air wars have begun. Rudy Giuliani finally began his ad campaign on November 15 with a statewide TV buy in New Hampshire, which holds the first presidential primary (probably on January 8). His ad features the Republican front-runner explaining how he succeeded in "turning around New York City" as mayor. Barack Obama's latest 30-second TV ad in New Hampshire calls for expanding educational opportunities. In mid-November, John Edwards became the first Democratic candidate to air an ad in South Carolina. His 30-second spot condemns corporate America for "profit and greed" in outsourcing jobs to foreign countries. The next step is likely to be a wave of negative ads in which the candidates attack each other.