DNC flies banners about Trump-Vance candidacy and “Project 2025” at football games in swing states

Spectators at the University of Michigan Football game against Texas on Saturday, before the game, there were reminders of another rival: Ohio State.

At the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, an aerial banner sponsored by the Democratic National Committee and pulled by small planes read: “JD Vance

From tailgate to kickoff, fans at various college football games in swing states on Saturday saw aerial banners paid for by the Democratic National Committee, according to details first leaked to CBS News.

The trolling by the DNC comes as they try to keep the election top of mind for voters in swing states. especially younger voters.

A banner flew over Michigan Stadium, where the reigning national champion Wolverines lost to Texas,

At Penn State’s Bowling Green game, fans were more likely to be urged to “Beat Trump and Fire Project 2025.” The banner that was supposed to fly over Georgia’s home game was canceled because of the weather.

At the University of Wisconsin-South Dakota game in Madison, Wisconsin, the banner read: “Jump Around! Beat Trump + Project 2025,” a reference to the football team’s fourth-quarter tradition.

“The DNC is reaching voters where they are,” DNC spokesman Abhi Rahman told CBS News before the weekend. “These banners carry a message that resonates with fans and reminds them that the most important election campaign in November is still to come.”

Trump and his campaign team have tried to distance themselves from Project 2025, although CBS News Analysis has found that hundreds of its proposals are consistent with Trump’s previous and new campaign promises.

Vance has alluded to the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State during his own campaign appearances in Michigan.

“To my brothers from Ohio, guys: We have to win Michigan. That’s the most important thing in this election cycle,” he said at an event in Grand Rapids in July.

Other external political groups are also trying to exploit the interface between university sports and politics.

NextGen America, a nonpartisan voter initiative for young people, is paying hundreds of student-athletes in swing states to use their platforms to encourage others to vote.

With this payment, they are one of the first political organizations to take advantage of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rule, which allows athletes to monetize their personal brand.

“Sports is a fantastic way to tap into the cultural zeitgeist of the nation,” Antion Arellano, vice president of communications for NextGen America, told CBS News.

The battle for the youth vote

It is critical for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign to maintain the support President Biden received from college-age voters in 2020.

In 2020, Biden received significantly more support than former President Donald Trump among 18- to 24-year-olds (65%) and 25- to 29-year-olds (54%), according to a CBS News poll. Voters under 30 made up 38% of new voters in that election, according to the Pew Research Center.

However, the voter turnout of younger voters is comparatively significantly lower than that of older voters.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, voter turnout in the 2020 election was just 51.4% among 18- to 24-year-olds, compared to 76% among 65- to 74-year-olds. This is an increase from 2016, when 46.1% of 18- to 29-year-olds voted.

Both candidates are supported by university outreach programs.

Turning Point USA, an organization founded to reach young conservative voters, has hosted Trump and Vance at several events.

The group said it has focused on promoting Greek life on Arizona and Wisconsin campuses, in addition to setting up booths at tailgate parties on college game days. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk also plans to visit over 22 campuses in swing states. Some of his visits so far in Arizona and Wisconsin have been open debates with students, and the organization says it has led to hundreds of new voter registrations.

Earlier this month, the Harris team launched a “back-to-school” campaign targeting 150 college campuses in swing states. The campaign included ads on social media and campus newspapers, visits from surrogates, and a doubling of youth outreach staff. It will also run ads during college football games in the fall.

Likely voters under the age of 30 are leaning heavily toward Harris, according to an August CBS News poll. The number of young black women registering to vote has also increased 175% since the vice president became the nominee, according to data firm TargetSmart.

However, according to the CBS News poll, young voters were also the worst group when it came to saying they will “definitely” vote in November.

Collaboration with social media influencers and content creators was also common this cycle. The Democratic National Convention more than 200 influencers accredited to be present in person, with some interviewing Harris or her vice presidential counterpart, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Trump himself has appeared on several podcasts and streaming shows aimed at younger audiences.

Earlier this summer, he appeared on internet star Adin Ross’s stream. The appearance was panned by Democratic critics who pointed out that Ross’ show featured white supremacist Nick Fuentes and his ties to social media influencer Andrew Tate, who is accused of human trafficking of minors.

“Take the step now, you young people,” Trump urged viewers on Ross’ show.