### Embracing Football: Political Campaigns Make Strategic Play for Voters

In a rare fusion of sports and politics, prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties leveraged college football games to captivate voters. At Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, was present in a private suite along with 110,339 other avid spectators. Clad in a navy blue Harris-Walz jacket and a camo baseball cap, Walz's appearance not only showcased his support for the sport but also strategically placed the campaign in the public eye during a bustling September weekend.

Simultaneously, GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump attended the showdown between Georgia and Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Despite Alabama's reliable position on the Republican political map, Trump's presence at the game offered him a platform to engage in one of America's beloved fall traditions and capture substantial media attention.

The intertwining of the presidential campaign season with football has been particularly poignant this year. Both parties have utilized the sport to reach out to the electorate and shape their candidates' public images. In a surprising move, Walz's presence at a college football game marked a significant shift for the Democrats, who have historically been critical of the sport due to concerns over concussions, student-athlete pay, and the future of football. Former President Barack Obama's 2014 comment about dissuading his hypothetical son from playing football highlighted such concerns. However, Walz, with his background as a former high school football coach and educator, has embraced the sport, reclaiming it from what he described as Republican ownership.

The Democrats have successfully tapped into football's popularity to resonate with voters across the political spectrum. A 2023 Washington Post-University of Maryland poll revealed that a significant majority—around two-thirds of Democrats and nearly three-quarters of Republicans and independents—identify as football fans. Football, especially NFL games, dominates American television ratings, with 93 of the top 100 broadcasts last year being NFL games. College football, while attracting smaller audiences compared to the NFL, is growing, notably with ESPN's $1.3 billion per year deal to broadcast the expanded 12-team playoff.

Understanding the cultural significance of football, both campaigns are utilizing the sport to build personal connections with voters. Professor Costas Panagopoulos from Northeastern University emphasized that by showing appreciation for football, candidates can forge a personal bond with ordinary voters, an incredibly potent strategy on the campaign trail.

Notably, Walz's campaign made strategic moves to capitalize on the sport’s popularity. His presence at the Michigan-Minnesota game was planned even before he was announced as Harris's running mate. Such appearances not only provide valuable media coverage but also allow candidates to engage with voters outside the context of political advertisements. The campaign additionally advertised heavily during game broadcasts and flew banner messages over college stadiums in key swing states to emphasize their positions and draw contrasts with their Republican opponents.

Moreover, the Harris-Walz campaign launched "Athletes for Harris," an initiative to mobilize coaches, athletes, and sports enthusiasts in support of their bid. The initiative's significance lies in the influence athletes wield, particularly among young men and politically diverse audiences that sporting events attract.

Even as football traditionally enjoyed strong ties with Republican candidates, the recent strategic plays by Democrats signify a nuanced approach to bridging political divides. Football continues to serve as a platform for candidates to rally support, project relatability, and ultimately influence the electorate as November’s elections approach.