Let’s be honest, the most exciting thing about a campaign season are the ads candidates put out about themselves and their opposition. While watching these videos, we wondered if anyone remembered the days of VH1’s Pop Up Video, which exposed the truth behind some of the greatest music videos ever made.

Well, we’re starting our own version, political style. We’re kicking off our new series with one of the most watched senate races of the midterm election: Iowa state. Welcome to the stage GOP candidate Joni Ernst and Democratic contender Bruce Braley.

Credit: Tina Santomauro, Cleo Stiller, Dino Pascarelli