Campaign Finance
Feb 19 2008
Ballots and Wallets
Apple iPhone
$16.6 million
(Released June 29, 2007; spending through September 2007)
Consumers camping out for days before the overhyped launch brought endless (and priceless) free media coverage.
Equivalent to: The 2004 U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin between Russ Feingold and Tim Michels ($16.8 million).
The Simpsons Movie
$32.5 million
(Released July 27, 2007; spending through September 2007)
Massive cross-marketing partnerships with Burger King, JetBlue, 7-Eleven, and Electronic Arts gave a boost to Springfield's first family.
Equivalent to: Bill Clinton's 1993 inauguration ($32 million).
$315.2 million
(Spending from October 2006 to September 2007)
Absurdist TV spots with the red-pigtailed wig broke during American Idol's season finale in May. Wendy's offered the wigs at Halloween.
Equivalent to: Democratic senator John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign ($310 million).
$458.6 million
(Spending from October 2006 to September 2007)
After a tumultuous ad review, Wal-Mart hired the Martin Agency (of Geico fame) and introduced its "Save money. Live better" campaign in September.
Equivalent to: Two of the 1996 Clinton-versus-Dole presidential campaigns ($232 million).
$2.25 billion
(Spending from October 2006 to September 2007)
Before AT&T acquired BellSouth and Cingular in 2006, its ad budget increased by 50 percent. Much of last year's budget was spent on phasing out Cingular.
Equivalent to: 288 of Ralph Nader's year-2000 presidential bids ($7.8 million).
