As part of our ongoing Weighing In: Real Voices series
I’m continuing to build a baseline of knowledge about the tactics shaping modern campaigning. Each segment in this series is designed to help viewers understand not just what happens during elections, but how campaigns communicate, coordinate, and influence voters behind the scenes.
Today, I’m sharing a standalone segment on RedBoxing — a practice where campaigns publicly post highly specific messaging that outside groups can use to shape their ads. This video was originally recorded as part of a longer interview, but I decided it needed to be highlighted on its own. Given everything we’ve seen in recent races, this tactic deserves direct attention.
And it’s not just a local issue.
RedBoxing is happening right now in U.S. House and U.S. Senate races across the country, including some of the most competitive contests heading into the fall. Because outside groups can spend unlimited money, these signals can have significant implications for which party ultimately holds majorities in both chambers. Understanding how RedBoxing works is essential for understanding how modern campaigns coordinate messaging without technically “coordinating.”
Think of this segment as another building block in the foundation we’re creating — a baseline we’ll continue expanding in future episodes as we explore the evolving landscape of political communication, outside spending, and digital strategy.