Iowa Politics with Jeff Stein -- Thu. Oct. 29, 2026

The only ads we need.

I'm Jeff Stein with today's Iowa Politics Report.

You're excused if you have started tuning out of political ads given how many of them there are.

I think we have long passed the point where people pay attention.

Now folks place ads because they're afraid if they'll stop they'll miss the chance for one or maybe two possible votes.

In the old days before television, candidates would take out ads in the newspaper, and they were quaint by today's standards.

These examples were from the May 27th, 1948 issue of my hometown paper, the Toledo Chronicle, which was published every Thursday with the slogan, a progressive newspaper in a prosperous community.

Keep in mind that Iowa's Henry Wallace ran for president that year.

on the Progressive Party ticket.

The ads basically showed a formal portrait of a typically stern looking male in a full suit and tie.

One read, vote for Congressman John W. Gwynne.

He has done a good job serving his district and his country well.

Another touted state representative, Lawrence Putney, noting he was a successful businessman and farmer

as well as a veteran of World War I and an experienced legislator.

With the tagline, he protects your interests.

Then nestled alongside the ads for trusses that fit well, and another to encourage you to still save used fats to help the country, was an ad for Governor Robert Blue, including testimonials from persons identified only as farmer, mother, retailer, veteran,

and working man, touting that he was building a greater Iowa, a better Iowa for every citizen of Iowa.

Compare all that with the obnoxious oversized postcards in your mailbox or the noise on your TV and yes, even on your radio, and then remember that it will all blessedly come to an end on Tuesday.

And that's the Iowa Politics Report for Thursday, October 29 on Twitter, Instagram, Gitter, Threads and Truth Social at Iowa Politics.

I'm Jeff Stein on News Talk 1540, KXEL.