Obama: The last great TV candidate? We'll see tonight

Democratic presidential TV candidate Barack Obama is going to seem like he is everywhere on TV tonight thanks in part to a last minute flurry of interview bookings and media buys.
And by the time he finishes his last appearance at 11 p.m. on Comedy Central with Jon Stewart, anyone who hasn't yet figured it out, might just come to understand that Obama so far, at least, has been the best TV candidate since John F. Kennedy in 1960 -- yes, better even than Ronald Reagan and his handlers were in using the medium.
The new great truth in media and politics for the longest time this year was that Obama will be America's "first cybergenic president" if he is elected in November. (I first wrote about this story in August.)
The basic idea is that like Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, who were the first to grasp the importance of radio and TV, respectively, Obama is the first to understand the many ways in which the Internet and other new media are transforming politics and American life.
To be sure, Obama's campaign has made innovative and wise use of the Web and other new media. But if you want to be McLuhanesque about it, a more apt description of Obama should he get elected might be the "last TV president." That's the underanalyzed story of the political year: how skilled and attractive a TV candidate Obama has been.
Obama and his handlers seem to understand that as they are about to start his biggest one-night TV push of the campaign during the dinner hour tonight in an interview with anchorman Charles Gibson on ABC's World News.
Earlier in the month, Obama's campaign had reached agreements with CBS, NBC, Fox and MSNBC to present a 30-minute "campaign-related program" at 8 p.m. tonight on each of those outlets. The price to buy the airtime to show this commercial: $1 million for each of the major broadcast networks.
The campaign had also approached ABC with the same offer, but the network was initially reluctant to move Pushing Daisies, an hour long drama, out of the 8 p.m. time period. By the time ABC-Disney executives decided to shift the show, Obama had moved on to the cable channel MSNBC.
But on Tuesday, Obama covered the ABC gap by agreeing to an interview today with Gibson that will appear of the network newscast tonight.
Furthermore, Comedy Central announced that Obama will appear at 11 tonight on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. That appearance was also finalized Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the campaign extended its media buy late Tuesday for the 8 p.m. campaign commercial to cable channels BET and Univision -- targeting ethnic audiences.
This is not the first instance in which a presidential candidate has bought into prime time. H. Ross Perot did it in 1992, and Richard Nixon did so in 1968. Kennedy also did it in 1960 with a 30-minute buy.
But for all the talk from the campaign of John McCain about how much money Obama is spending on the buy, think of all the related "free" media the Democrat is getting -- like every story you will read in a newspaper or online about it today. Yes, that includes this one -- and the review of Obama's TV push that I will have tonight right here on this blog after he finishes on Stewart. (So, stop back tonight or tomorrow morning.)
All in all, you would have to say Obama has already received a pretty solid return on his investment of $5 million or so in media advertising money. But who would not cover his appearances tonight down the home stretch of this historic campaign?
It's TV, not the Internet, that is the big story when it comes to Obama and media. And that's historic, too, because this could be the last time the really important stuff in a presidential election happens on that old media screen.
(Above: Associated Press file photo of Barack Obama on the campaign trail by Alex Brandon)





Comments
CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE
From our ACORN Community Organizer.
Here are a few questions for the Messiah of Hope and Change, our Manchurian Candidate:
Barack Hussein Obama
What EXACTLY is he going to CHANGE in the USA?
How are you going to REDISTRIBUTE the wealth of the USA?
What changes to our energy, oil, and fuel problems does he propose?
Will you approve offshore oil drilling ?
How will he reform and save social security?
Will you get rid of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ?
How do you protect capitalism with your socialist agenda?
Explain your associations with Frank Marshall Davis and William Ayers.
What kind of tax structure does he propose for us, whose taxes rise?
What does he propose for health care and how do we pay?
How are you involved with ACORN?
Why are you for slavery reparations?
How can we trust someone with TWO (2) muslim fathers?
How can we trust someone who "belongs" to a racist church?
What exactly will he do to combat the islamic threat to the USA?
How will he counter islam in other countries?
Why does he belong to the racist Congressional Black Caucus?
What will he do to upgrade and reform our military?
What does he propose for homosexual marriage?
What does he propose for gun control?
What does he propose for illegal immigration, closing the borders, and the millions of illegal immigrants in the USA?
What exactly will he do to solve our energy problems?
plus one hundred more questions concerning the future of the USA.
Posted by: nrb | October 29, 2008 8:25 AM
Yes, Obama is getting a lot of free TV covering his paid TV tonight.
Of course, McCain got a huge amount of free ad time throughout the campaign simply by posting an alleged TV ad to the web and letting the media replay and discuss it endlessly.
Gee, if one of the minor party candidates could get the media to do that for them, we might actually be able to get a genuine multiple party system.
Hi Howie, Believe it or not, this is larger than the media. Look back at the history of American politics. It was thus before TV. I grew up in a state where we cherished the memory of Fightin' Bob LaFollette's Progressive Party and tried to live down the legacy of Joe McCarthy: Wisconsin. Thanks. Z
Posted by: howie | October 29, 2008 8:45 AM
There is a hot video and song for Barack Obama at youtube.com American Boss Obama. Check it out. This young man deserves some recognition.
Posted by: Jackie Morris | October 29, 2008 8:51 AM
you know i will not being watching Obama tonight. I hear the same thing over and over gain.I see him on every other ad on every web page i go to and he has a Obama tv station.Its all over kill. He is so full of himself its scary.Will we have to watch him on tv every night if he becomes president?Will we keep hearing him say i need just a little more money? He says it now even tho he doesn't need another dime.Why does he call himself just a Black man when in fact he is a half bread? He must be ashamed of his white side. what does that tell you? That tell us he is more concerned about making history of being a Black president when in fact he would be the first half bread.Obama is showing us making history is more important then any thing else and the leader of this country should not worry about making history but worry about making our country better.i don't see that in him.He wants $10 more dollars from every poor person and he has all the money he needs now. he should say keep your money i have enough use it to feed your kids but he doesn't he says i need more money what does that tell you? He will always need more money because he needs it. he said so. so sad people will fall for this stuff.
Posted by: Barry | October 29, 2008 9:05 AM
I am nauseated by the shear pompousness of Obama by spending this amount of money on "infomercials" in a time when people like myself can't even afford diapers for their babies. It's sickening the amount of money thrown around in general by politicians and I can definitely say this has left a rather resentful bad taste in my mouth- one in which will specifically ensure that I will not vote for Obama!
Hi, Last month. John McCain spent the same amount -- $5 million -- in a national ad buy. Are you nauseated by that, too. I am not asking rhetorically. I am wondering if it is aa philosophical opposition to money spent on TV advertising -- or just Obama. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Amy from Michigan | October 29, 2008 9:06 AM
I'm eagerly waiting to hear what he has to say. The more I see this man, the more respect I have for him.
Posted by: Buitrago | October 29, 2008 9:42 AM
I have to wonder if this was a smart move on ABC's part. Pushing Daisies, while a fun show that I enjoy watching, has the burden of a lot of backstory that needs exposition for the new viewer.
So while ABC thought they might get somewhere with the ratings (which are unfortunately weak, with an average 3.9 rating/7 share after four weeks), the odds are that people who are either not interested in Obama, or who get bored partway through, are not going to stick with Pushing Daisies.
On the other hand, I'm willing to bet that the "live-plus-sevens" improve for the show.
Posted by: Claude | October 29, 2008 9:56 AM
Barack LIED to make this possible by saying first he would accept public financing and then going back on his word!
Posted by: Kate | October 29, 2008 9:58 AM
I, for one, am excited to see what Obama says when he is allowed to finish his thoughts (without being interrupted by McCain every time he tries to say something)! :)
Posted by: exasperated4 | October 29, 2008 10:12 AM
Overexposure can be a bad thing... I do believe that this will be the first election that has been won by millions of dollars spent in PR and media campaign. I guess people are sheep.
Posted by: Celiea | October 29, 2008 10:37 AM
This shows that Obama is making good use of all of the contributions from people like me. I contributed to his campaign and I've been more than happy with the way he has put the resources to use, and it all makes me think of what a great president he'll be.
Posted by: Jeff | October 29, 2008 10:41 AM
I, for one, am excited to see what Obama says when he is allowed to finish his thoughts (without being interrupted by McCain every time he tries to say something)! :)
Posted by: exasperated4 | October 29, 2008 11:12 AM
nrb, you must be either blind, deaf, or just stupid to not know the answer to most of the questions you posed by now, especially the taxation questions. No household making $250,000 per year or less will see their tax burden go up. Those making $150,000 or less will see their taxes go down. As for ACORN, Ayers, etc, that just shows that you are carrying forward a warped agenda which no one could answer to as Obama has stated repeatedly his limited involvement with ACORN and the fact that he worked with Ayers *on education in Chicago* - on a grant from the Annenberg Foundation. Ayers was one of 3 education professors who wrote the grant which was accepted by Walter Anneberg himself- Nixon's former ambassador to the UK. McCain accepts money from Annenberg's widow, who now exclusively runs the foundation. Following your warped, zero-meaning logic, the next logical question would be (casting Ayers as a "terrorist"): Why does McCain accept money from the same people who are financing a terrorist? Can you see how shallow and silly your fears are? You are letting yourself be played by the Republican fear-mongering machine. Talk about sheep. And as for Barry's "half-bread" comment- not only racist but ignorant- "bread" is what you eat. You meant to type "breed". Frankly all of your racial questions show you for what you are: a racist. Our country will be far better off when the last of your "bread" is finally dead and buried.
Posted by: Tactical | October 29, 2008 12:28 PM
Good post Howie,
"Of course, McCain got a huge amount of free ad time throughout the campaign simply by posting an alleged TV ad to the web and letting the media replay and discuss it endlessly"
In addition McCain gets millions of dollars worth of promotion everyday
on rightwing radio. Hannity and Limbaugh wants a million dollar tax cut from John McCain and they want us taxpayers pay for it with interest.
McCain tax plan will increase the deficit $3.87 million
Posted by: MrUniteUs | October 29, 2008 12:45 PM
I see you all have not lost your fight :
GOOD! Because we have a lot to do. You! (the American people) are going to have to take back control of your elected government at every level, and set your government back on the right path of service to you, and the greater good of the World.
Barack Obama and the democrats are your best hope of doing that now. Tell your family, friends, and everyone you know to support them as best they can. Because the Bush McCain vote fraud, vote cheating, vote buying, vote manipulation machine is already hard at work to cheat you again. And we all know what a disaster that has been the past 8 years of Bush McCain.
Barack Obama and the democrats will need all the power you can give them at every level of government (Federal, State, County, and local City elected governments). Obama and the democrats will have an enormous mess to fix for the American people, and the rest of the World. A mess caused by the corrupt Bush McCain administration.
You see, starting back in 2000, and before 911, it was mostly the Republican governors, Republican legislatures, and county elected Republican officials that conspired with the corrupt Bush McCain administration to raise college, and university tuitions by the fastest, and highest rate increases in American history. Some state tuitions went up by as much as a WHOPPING! 30% in one year.
The reason the Bush McCain administration did this was to force struggling working class kids into the military to pay for the sudden jump in tuition. Which was forced on them by the corrupt Bush McCain administration, and their corrupt Republican Governors, and republican controlled state legislatures.
See, Bush McCain had plans to get us into all these immoral, foolish, criminal, and unnecessary wars from the start. So they could use these wars to seize power, and later to get reelected. But, for their evil plan to work they needed more volunteer soldiers struggling to pay for an education whose blood they could spill to help them seize more power. Remember Bush McCain's "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!" theatrics.
The exploitation, and lost lives of these finest Americans is despicable, disgusting, immoral, corrupt and criminal. And it makes me SICK, and ANGRY!
You will have to vote for Obama, and the democrats in overwhelming numbers to overcome the Bush McCain vote fraud machine. Vote early if you can. Then help your fellow Americans cast their votes now, and on through election day. Vote for Obama, and the democrats like your life, and the lives of your loved ones depends on it. Because it does. You will not survive 4 more years of "Let Them Eat Cake" Bush McCain, and their republican allies.
Just look at the mess we have now.
You can fix this mess with your votes for Obama, and the democrats. And REMEMBER, no matter which of us may stumble or fall, the rest of you must continue to surge forward for Barack Obama, and the democrats, and for your-selves most of all. The children, and the World are counting on us.
It's in your hands now. And I know you will get it done.
God bless all of you.
JACK SMITH - WORKING CLASS... :-)
Posted by: jacksmith | October 29, 2008 1:02 PM
The $600 million dollar man.
President for Life Barak, The One, Obama. My pastor said all the signs pointed to the second coming of the Savior. Wrong savior.
Posted by: philip pace | October 29, 2008 1:05 PM
Hey Z; too bad you're "trying to live down the legacy of Joe McCarthy". From where I sit, watching the economy go in the tank because undercover commies like Barney Frank and Chris Dodd tried to use their positions to create free housing for their voting block, McCarthy didn't go far enough, fast enough, long enough. Collectivism NEVER works. Never.
Posted by: GFS | October 29, 2008 1:05 PM
I am an OBAMA MAMMA and he is THE ONLY choice for president of the USA.....He is the man for the job.!
OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA
Posted by: lori | October 29, 2008 1:07 PM
Obama is only an articulate speaker.
He even lies smoothly.
Watch the guy walk. Just watch.
He thinks he's "the stuff"
He isn't "the stuff"
He's full of "the stuff"
The smoothest liar I've ever encountered.
Posted by: rICK | October 29, 2008 1:08 PM
Don't believe everything you read...
Check it out on http://www.snopes.com first, they are famous for fact checking rumors and Here’s what they have (in alphabetical order) on http://www.snopes.com/politics/ of current political emails making the rounds!
2 chain mail letters, rumors and/or hoaxes about Joe Biden:
0 True
1 False
1 Multiple Truth Values
0 Undetermined
0 Unclassifiable
11 chain mail letters, rumors and/or hoaxes about John McCain:
4 True
5 False
0 Multiple Truth Values
2 Undetermined
0 Unclassifiable
44 chain mail letters, rumors and/or hoaxes about Barack Obama:
4 True
28 False
10 Multiple Truth Values
2 Undetermined
0 Unclassifiable
10 chain mail letters, rumors and/or hoaxes about Sarah Palin:
1 True
7 False
1 Multiple Truth Values
1 Undetermined
0 Unclassifiable
Posted by: Magno | October 29, 2008 1:08 PM
Hey- All of you Mccain campaign bloggers- Please stop posting fake, copied and pasted responses to EVERY blog post. I see the exact same replies on every blog post. So if you're a reader here, please realize that most of the anti-Obama comments are totally fake.
Posted by: bob | October 29, 2008 1:20 PM
I already know more about Obama than the news media aka his publicists - have ever made known. I research for my day job - researching BO was easy and very revealing - NO WAY will he ever get my vote. When he unloads his Global Poverty bill on the US (payable to the UN) - it will open the door to a global tax where we can become subservient to the UN - Sad day in the USA if he wins....
Posted by: pecanpii | October 29, 2008 1:22 PM
well NRB,
obviously you have not been very politically informed this election, but i assure you that if you make any minor efforts to find the answers to any of those questions you will find answers. i do not think that in any way you are making any valid point whatsoever against obama. you are simply showing your own lack of information. i could ask many similar questions of John McCain or whatever candidate you are supporting.
But i personally cannot wait to see the 30 minutes of Obama tonite on primetime television.
Posted by: Trevor | October 29, 2008 1:24 PM
why is it people can not see that voteing republican will give just what we have with Bush, no new thinking, some old some old, how can a old person get fresh ideas when they alway like in the past, we need young ideas Obama is the one for change and new and young ideas
Posted by: whitedog | October 29, 2008 1:35 PM
Don't assume Obama has won it already - he hasn't. People actually have to go out there and vote for him. Hopefully, they will, so we can end McSame with his silly nonsense about 'socialism' and 'wealth re-distribution' and other big words he doesn't understand. These typical Republican smears will only take him so far. He will learn that when he loses on Election Day.
Posted by: lisa | October 29, 2008 1:51 PM
Obama is making the best use of his money for sure; but, don't know that it will be assurance for him.
He feels however, that it is, and of course, why not.
It is the when, why, where, who, and how of it all that may or may not affect voting choice.
As an Independent, I am voting for McCain.
Posted by: Lulu Zoe West | October 29, 2008 1:56 PM
The IQ of someone who has to inject "Hussein" into their rhetoric to evoke fear makes me yearn for a voting system that is a privilege and not a right. When the concept of the right to vote came up many moons ago, the thought was that people would be making educated choices. Clearly we have a lot of people that just aren't that bright, but pander to irrational fear.
Posted by: DCL | October 29, 2008 2:08 PM
This response is for Jackie Morris. How do you expect your comments to be taken seriously when you can't write a coherent, grammatically correct sentence? I suggest you go back to grade school and try to get an education.
Posted by: Hazey | October 29, 2008 2:09 PM
So those of you worried about possible muslim ties...
Do you think all muslims are evil and plot to destroy america? muslim EXTREMISTS are the terrorists. Not all muslims. dont be ignorant
Posted by: josqueline | October 29, 2008 2:11 PM
I think he is using his resources to get a message through, no matter what it takes. Better than taking your money and buying something else don't you think?
Posted by: JodBronson00 | October 29, 2008 2:12 PM
Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?.....think about it. Would the country's
collective point of view be different? Ponder the following:
What if the Obamas had paraded five children across the stage,
including a three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law
Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating
class?
What if McCain had only married once, and Obama was a divorcee?
What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after a severe
disfiguring car accident, when she no longer measured up to his
standards?
What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long
affair while he was still married?
What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted
to pain killers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable
organization?
What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?
What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?
What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?
What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter?
What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included
discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?
What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many occasions, a serious anger management problem?
What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer
distribution?
What if the Obamas had adopted a white child?
You could easily add to this list. If these questions reflected
reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they
are?
This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes
positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities
in another when there is a color difference.
Educational Background:
Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in
International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
vs.
John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the land as well as our standing in the world. You make the call.
Posted by: cathy | October 29, 2008 2:13 PM
I think he is using his resources to get a message through, no matter what it takes. Better than taking your money and buying something else don't you think?
Posted by: JodBronson00 | October 29, 2008 2:13 PM
@nrb
Several of your questions are silly and irrelevant. Why should we be concerned about Obama's father's religion? Obama is a Christian (don't you believe in redemption?), and even if he weren't, so what? Why do you think we need to "counter islam?" Terrorism is what we need to counter, not any particular religion.
However, the answers to your serious questions, such as those about taxes and energy policy and so forth, can all be found on Obama's website, www.barackobama.com. On his "issues" page he explains his positions on substantive issues very well.
Turns out the answers are quite reasonable, too. You should go there and read it, it may alleviate many of your concerns.
Posted by: freejung | October 29, 2008 2:14 PM
Obama doesn't need 30 minutes to give his message. This is all it is: "Vote for me and all your dreams will come true! World peace, cheap solar energy, tax breaks, tuition credits, cheap healthcare, and free money for all!* (*Some restrictions may apply.Free money only available until we run out of "rich people" and "big corporations" to tax. Full disclosure: we plan on taxing your employer so much that the company will fold or move overseas. Either way, you'll be out of a job and need handouts, so we figure you'll be voting Democrat for the rest of your life)
Posted by: Henry | October 29, 2008 2:15 PM
Obama is an agent of change where as in my opinion Mc Cain can not be trusted. Only a fool would follow a man who snarls (half smiles), makes false statements about a person even knowing the statements to be false and misleading and who rolls his eyes as if he is still imature, I thought rolling your eyes ended in elementary school. Mc Cain talks about Obama's spending and increasing tax dollars and spreading the wealth it's all distortions of truth. Mc Cain will tell you whatever he feels that you want to hear but Obama has worked years without pay offering services to those in need. What has Mc Cain volunteered in besides acting as the bearer of distortion. These are my personal opinions and I stand behind them.
Posted by: Deshawn Addison | October 29, 2008 2:16 PM
Celiea wrote: ... I do believe that this will be the first election that has been won by millions of dollars spent in PR and media campaign.
Nope. Both Michael Bloomberg in New York City, and Jon Corzine in New Jersey, won through huge ad buys. Corzine probably had it tougher because New Jersey doesn't have a communications hub of its own, so he had to make buys in both New York City and Philadelphia, which would cost a fortune.
Posted by: Claude | October 29, 2008 2:17 PM
Shame on any American that votes for barak Hussien obama after 9/11!
This man is held in great regard buy the PLO/Hamas terrorists.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/28/la-times-refuses-release-tape-obama-praising-controversial-activist/
These are the same people that applauded 9/11 (i saw it with my own eyes)
I only know that Obama is so scary - that he can dupe so many Americans.
Posted by: american Mother in Israel | October 29, 2008 2:18 PM
Obama, for those of you who don't like him will be good medicine - has a bad taste in your mouth but in the long run will cure what ails you. Now I know why the electoral college was created - because the revolution, which will be televised, will be over by the time many of you get it. This change is good!!! Obama! The next president of the United States of America!!!!
Posted by: MaryAlice Bailey | October 29, 2008 2:42 PM
Here are my opininons about McCain
If he is elected he will be the oldest president in office.
What does he stand for apart from attacking Obama?
I havent seen his policies because he is too busy trying to find out how to attack obama.
He is a Maverick i totally agree but that does not entitile him to be the president.
He has been in senate since my mom was in school.
He has been there so long and i wonder why the change that he is offering now could not be done for the past 30 years when he was in the senate.
He has absolutely no knowledge about the economy.
May be he will be good choice if we want to stay in Iraq forever!!!!
He voted with President Bush 90% of the time.
I want to see GOP to win the election with their policies and not by threatining people like they did past 8 years. Americans are sick of that as we see in the polls.
I hope Obama wins and wins big.
Its time the newgenerations take over.
Posted by: san jose | October 29, 2008 2:45 PM
To John McCain: We'll take you serious when you stop spending campaign money on as many ads as you can afford.
@nrb, Michigan, Kate and the other old-school haters that have learned to use the interwebs: You're changing no one's mind. The only folks listening and agreeing are the ones that would never have voted for That One anyway. The polls have shown that you are actually HURTING Gramps in the polls. So keep it up!
:-)
Posted by: Franklin Hussein | October 29, 2008 2:48 PM
Obama takes the lead in east Germany! Oh wait, he's not running in Germany. My Bad!
Posted by: chance | October 29, 2008 3:00 PM
As a European I am amzed at the outcry about "redistributing the wealth" surely the wealth has been redistributed by your government to the banks of the USA.
Socialism is alive and kicking in the USA.
Posted by: JASON | October 29, 2008 3:08 PM
So those of you worried about possible muslim ties...
Do you think all muslims are evil and plot to destroy america? muslim EXTREMISTS are the terrorists. Not all muslims. dont be ignorant
Posted by: josqueline | October 29, 2008 3:11 PM
Z, you seem to comment only on the negative Obama posts - are you as biased as the "drive-by media?"
I am independent and haven't made up my mind yet ... but I think a media spend of more than $5 million in one night is disgusting! I saw your comment about McCain spending $5million in ads last month ... can you tell me what Obama spent last month? I see his mugg on every channel during prime time, a lot more often then I see McCain.
Posted by: Kristine J | October 29, 2008 3:11 PM
Umm... to the guy who posted a million questions about Obama's plans for social Security, taxes, health care, immigration, gay marriage, foreign policy, gun control, energy policy: Obama has already answered these questions and his positions are posted on innumerable websites. If you aren't aware of them, you either have chosen to keep yourself completely uneducated about politics over the past two months or you haven't understood what Obama has been repeating over and over again. Stop pretending like you're being kept in the dark by Obama when you're the one responsible for your own ignorance. Maybe you should pay attention to his infomercial tonight. You might learn something.
Posted by: Sandy | October 29, 2008 3:14 PM
We are proud to have contributed to Obama's campaign so he could spend it on critical issues in a respectful manner
Posted by: Frank Aguirre | October 29, 2008 3:19 PM
Nrb,
"How can we trust someone with TWO (2) muslim fathers?"
So, are you saying all Muslims are terrorists? I'm going to guess you probably believe all Muslims are terrorists. Brilliant!
"Why does he belong to the racist Congressional Black Caucus?"
So, what exactly makes the Congressional Black Caucus racist? Let me guess, you are a aging white male that doesn't believe african Americans should hold a public office.
Please take your bullshit to the Fox News chat board.
Posted by: bcmg77 | October 29, 2008 3:23 PM
nrb, if you were really interested in finding the answers to your questions, you'd have done so by now. Give it up.
Posted by: ccairnes | October 29, 2008 3:24 PM
As a member of the public, who has financed Obama Biden, I think he has made public financing a reality. He has gone to the public and allowed them to give as they wish, not taken from a trough of taxpayer money Government decided would be for campaigning. Obama is demonstrating through this ad, and his other funding choices, that he will be a good steward of the public trust.
Posted by: IceAngel | October 29, 2008 3:31 PM
I was watching a report on the television last night in the UK where a notable British Broadcaster went to certain parts of the US to hear what certain individuals had to say concerning Obama. He went on the radio as well as into people's homes. It was amazing! Now I know that one cannot judge a whole nation on the opinions of the few but I would argue that the media is a tool to be used in the hands of the individual. In the case of these interviews there was mention of Obama's and it being associated with him being a muslim. What made me laugh was the response of the British Broadcaster who informed the interviewee that Barak Hussein Obama was in fact a Born-again Christian. Another interviewee said that a name such as Barak Hussein Obama isn't an American name' I cannot quote vebatim, but one can read between the lines. This election is based upon the power of the media, people have developed opinions concerning this man on the basis of what they have seen or heard etc, in the same manner he and his team have responded by using the very same medium yet in a tactful and skillful manner. When it suits people they cry unfair, unfair, but in reality, the pendulum swings both ways when it comes to politics, the media is a proficient tool and if one does not use it well, cest la vie! I wish Obama well, this has been a interesting election thus far. The fear of a black man in power brings out the worst in people.
Regardless of what people think, whether its Obama or McCain in the White House, change is coming!
May God Bless America
Posted by: darren | October 29, 2008 3:33 PM
Why isn't Obama sharing his money. That's what he wants us to do but I don't see him sharing. Do as I say not as I do.
Posted by: Carol | October 29, 2008 3:34 PM
Are all Muslims evil? No only the ones that Obama supports!
Obama has strong support from the PLO/Hamas these are the same "non extreemist" Muslims that stood cheering on the rooftops while thousands of Americans were bombed and killed in the WTC. This is the same guy that CNN won't show when he talks about the destrucstion of the US and Obama is singing his praises.
This is not a scare tactic this is the truth that obama has managed to sweep under the rug.
Obama is a slick speaker with a teflon exterior -
May God watch over America
Posted by: American Mom in Israel | October 29, 2008 4:07 PM
It is good to see Obama using his campaign contributions in a productive manner! As a contributor, I would be pretty disapointed if he spent this money on a new wardrobe for Joe Biden.
Wonder if he will discuss McCains efforts towards Socialism for the rich and Capitalism for everybody else.
As for his choice of declining public financing, I am happy to see he has the capacity for critical thought and is able to adjust to the most effective methods while saving taxpayer dollars to boot!
Kudos!
Posted by: Matthew Jensen | October 29, 2008 4:19 PM
Wow. Kathy who posted at 2:13pm: Possibly the best response I've seen on any comment board about this election. I had never seen some of that info laid out like that - especially the education, or lack thereof, of all the candidates. It is crazy to think how rabidly right wing media outlets would pounce on some of McCain's credentials if they were Obama's.
I'd like to post your exact comment on my blog, with your permission and with due credit (if there's any chance you're still folllowing this comment board...).
But back to the point of this article, which seems to have been lost some where in these comments, this really is the last election that won't be dominated by the internet. Look at the sheer volume of online content (YouTube, blogs, comment boards like this) that this election has generated. I guarantee more people go online for info about the candidates than watch TV. Consider how much this will increase next election when people who are now 14 are voting...
Posted by: Edmond Hussein Zola | October 29, 2008 4:36 PM
I'm not African American, but for the first time in my life, I will vote for a Black candidate for President Of The United States (UNITED) Of America.
This is a man who made me forget my color, and look to the color of "HOPE," which is Red, White and Blue. Mccain's a great guy, but I'm not laying my family's future on him 'cause he white--sorry guys, I gotta play this one rihgt, or left--however you want to view it, and wake up a winner on November 5th! And if you "keep it real," you will too.
Posted by: Jerry Cimino Scmit | October 29, 2008 5:19 PM
Hi Zurawik.
I would like to say that I agree with you that Obama is the best TV candidate since JFK. In all honesty, I couldn't agree with you more.
But I do have one thing I would like to point out. I absolutely cannot stand people who are going to vote for a candidate simply because on TV he "looks good." Doesn't meant he's not the best candidate, no? For example, some experts say that JFK won the 1960 presidential debates, because he was youthful in contrast to Tricky Dick.
True story: I once heard a conversation when someone mentioned they would vote for Obama because "he's cute." I agree that the media has a huge impact on presidential candidate, but voting for him because of his attractiveness is just plain stupid.
Posted by: Alex | October 29, 2008 6:45 PM
Thanks for the very interesting questions at the beginining. Obviously, those are there for aliens from another planet. Anyone from planet earth already knows the answers and considering the state of planet earth, is there any other choice besides Barack Obama for President.
Just in case there is intelligent life out there, I'd like them to know my choice is OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA.
Posted by: Laura | October 29, 2008 8:36 PM
"Barack LIED to make this possible by saying first he would accept public financing and then going back on his word!"
hmm- yeah- about that! were all sorry that Obama decided NOT to use public money from Lobbyists. and to instead use donated money from his supporters.
Obama will be our next president- and a really good one at that!
McCain = Bush! He voted with him 90% of the time! NO GOOD!
Obama for America!
Posted by: American Patriot | October 30, 2008 5:42 PM
Obama is a great person doing great things. He is the making of history not just creating history. He is greater then race, religion, and faith. He is living proof of an evolved world of various people, one man bringing together many. His worth can not be denied or ignored, he is the face of change and a uniter of many. OBAMA!
WE LOVE YOU!
Posted by: Deshawn Addison Chicago,IL | November 4, 2008 1:32 PM
Thank you Obama supporters and even those of you who did not vote for him, I thank you sincerly. because you have helped to prove, that which is inspired by God can not be stopped by man. Obama! Obama!
President Elect! We Love You!
Man of God you walk and talk the
ways of success!
Posted by: Deshawn Addison Chicago, IL | November 5, 2008 9:57 AM
David Zurawik I haven't forgotten about you, to you I send a warm and grateful thank you for providing me and others the opportunity to speak out in ways we might not have other wise been able to. Thank you!
David Zurawik We Love You!
Hello Deshawn, Thank you so much for your generous comments. I am so happy to read you words on this great morning in American histoiry. Z
Posted by: Deshawn Addison Chicago, IL | November 5, 2008 10:09 AM