Voters Must Be Learning?

In a close election the representation of a candidate’s message in campaign ads can mean the difference in the election. Sometimes these ads get nasty. Everyone remembers the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in the 2004 election. They arguably helped Bush become reelected by representing Kerry as a liar. In this election these ads have been fewer and further between. Not anymore, according to the New York Times. As the polls tighten and the election grows closer these groups are stepping up their activity. MoveOn.org has increased their membership and plans to double their advertising budget. The American Issues Project just received $2.8 million from Harold Simmons, a financer behind the Swift Boat ads. Will these groups play as much of an impact as in 2004? According to the Washington Post’s political blog, the answer is no. Does this show apathy towards Swift Boat style ads by the voters or the companies that back them? A little of both maybe, but let's hope it is a sign that voters might be learning.
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/us/politics/16group.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Washington Post:http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/527_furor_too_late_or_right_on.html?nav=rss_blog