A new study by the Advertising Project at the University of Wisconsin shows that in terms of paid advertising, Mr. McCain has so far been able to nearly match Mr. Obamaâ??s volume with help from the Republican Party. But the early advertising suggests a heightened ad war this election cycle: Together, the two sides have combined to spend more than $50 million already on general-election commercials, running roughly 30 percent more spots than President Bush and Senator John Kerry had at a comparable point in 2004.
And as Mr. Obamaâ??s campaign begins to intensify its advertising drive, including a planned campaign during the Olympics in August, televisionâ??s receptivity is a welcome boost for Mr. McCain.
â??For McCain, itâ??s the cheapest and most efficient way to keep himself in the game when heâ??s up against a candidate whoâ??s essentially going to have unlimited funds,â? said Kenneth M. Goldstein, director of the Advertising Project.