In an attempt to sway Michigan voters, Democrats have launched a unique campaign tactic, using an age-old rivalry in their political messaging. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) flew a plane with a banner over Michigan Stadium, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines, to taunt GOP candidate JD Vance for his allegiance to Ohio State University.

The plane circled the stadium for four hours during the pre-game tailgate before the U-M game against Texas, capturing the attention of passionate football fans. The banner not only highlighted Vance's support for Ohio State but also tried to associate him with Project 2025, a conservative think tank's playbook for the next Republican presidential administration.

"Like the Wolverines putting an end to Ohio State's season three years in a row, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will put an end to Donald Trump and JD Vance's election season when they beat them in November," said Abhi Rahman, Deputy Communications Director of the DNC.

Democrats have been quick to point out Vance's Ohio State fandom ever since he was named as Trump's running mate. It's a political liability that Vance himself acknowledged during his speech accepting the Republican vice presidential nomination at the party's national convention. While voicing his support for Ohio State, Vance humorously urged the Ohio fans to temper their enthusiasm, emphasizing the need to win over Michigan voters.

The DNC's attacks on Vance are not limited to his college football allegiances. They also target Project 2025 and its proposals, which include the overhaul of the federal government, the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education, weakening civil service job protections, and restricting abortion access. Some authors of the playbook have previously served in Trump's administration, and Vance has shown support for the work of the Heritage Foundation.

The Trump campaign, however, has distanced itself from Project 2025, with Trump denouncing it at a rally in Grand Rapids, calling some of its ideas "seriously extreme." Nonetheless, a CBS News review found a significant overlap between Trump's previous policies and campaign platform with at least 270 of the more than 700 proposals outlined in Project 2025.

Michigan is a crucial battleground state, as demonstrated in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Trump won Michigan in 2016 by a narrow margin of 10,704 votes, the slimmest victory in any state for the GOP since 1988. However, in 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump by over 154,000 votes in Michigan. The Cook Political Report considers the presidential race in Michigan a toss-up, indicating that both parties have a good chance of winning.

As the political campaign intensifies, the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes on a new dimension. While some voters may be swayed by Vance's loyalty to his alma mater, others may view it as a mere distraction from the crucial policy proposals and issues at stake in the upcoming election. The battle for Michigan's votes continues, with both parties vying for the ultimate trophy on November 5.