• October 20, 2008

In what it describes as part of its ongoing efforts to reach voters, Wal-Mart says it is airing videos from both presidential candidates on its Web sites, reaching 136 million shoppers and 1.4 million associates each week.

Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer pressured its employees to vote Republican because of a bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Barack Obama and opposed by Sen. John McCain, that would make it easier for workers to unionize. Wal-Mart, which admitted it had discussed the bill with employees, denied that it pressured them on how to vote.

Through the company's Web sites, both major candidates will present their views on issues beginning today through Election Day. "As so many pollsters have pointed out, the 'Wal-Mart Mom' is at the center of the election, and we're pleased to offer Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain the opportunity to speak directly to her through these videos," the company says, with two videos from each campaign are available on four Wal-Mart Web sites.

The company says it plans to alert customers and associates through public service announcements on Wal-Mart's in-store television network.--Sarah Mahoney