Comics, flyovers and other creative ways to win debate attention
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A page from "1/6: The Graphic Novel." Courtesy of Berlin Rosen
Ahead of Tuesday night's presidential debate, advocates are getting creative to capture Philadelphians' attention — from billboards to airplane banners to books.
The big picture: Several groups are seizing the city's moment in the national spotlight to call for change.
Case in point: A new comic series, which canvassers will distribute outside of the debate.
- It reimagines America if the Jan. 6 insurrection was successful.
State of play: Harvard law professor Alan Jenkins and artist Gan Golan teamed up on the four-part series as part of a call to action to protect and strengthen democratic institutions.
- They plan to send thousands of copies of the books to every school district and public library in Pennsylvania.
What they're saying: Pennsylvania is the perfect launchpad for the campaign, the authors say, because it's the birthplace of democracy and was ground zero for some attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
- It's also among a handful of states with the most book bans in public schools, per PEN America.
Jenkins, who interviewed people who took part in the insurrection for the series, says the comics' characters are ideologically diverse.
- "Empathy is our superpower," he tells Axios. "Nobody ever persuaded another human being without first trying to understand their hopes, dreams, aspirations and their fears."
Meanwhile, Democrats have launched a massive messaging blitz in town, including an airplane banner over Monday night's Phillies game.
- The Harris campaign has posted ads on billboards, food trucks and taxis.
Zoom out: The efforts follow Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump's recent campaign stops in the state.
What we're watching: A third comic issue is due out in a few weeks.
- The final edition will be released around Jan. 6, Jenkins says.