Posts with the tag ads

OBAMA ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

WEBMASTER — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:11:18 EST

Presidential Inaugural Committee and The Advertising Council Launch a New Public Service Advertising Campaign Highlighting President-elect Obama's Call to Service

President-elect Obama asking Americans to "Step Forward" and Volunteer in their Communities

Washington, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and The Advertising Council launched today a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at summoning a new spirit of service in America. The television ad "Step Forward" and radio PSA "Chapter" feature President-elect Obama urging Americans to log on to USAService.org to find ways to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country. Nearly 6,000 volunteer projects and opportunities across the country are listed on USAService.org.

President-elect Obama's and Vice President-elect Biden's "Renew America Together" initiative, calling on Americans of all ages to participate in community service, begins on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19th, to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life in service to others. On the eve of the Inauguration, thousands of community service events will take place in Washington and all across the country.

"President-elect Obama believes each of us, as Americans, has a responsibility to do what we can for our communities and fellow citizens. We've launched USAService.org to connect volunteer organizations with Americans in their community and make it easier to serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and beyond," said Josh Earnest, PIC Communications Director.

The Ad Council is distributing the new television and radio PSAs to stations throughout the country this week. Per the Ad Council's model, the PSAs will run and air in donated advertising time and space.

"We are delighted to join President-elect Obama and the Presidential Inaugural Committee for this poignant campaign that will inspire Americans to serve their communities and their country," said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. "Media companies have committed to support these new PSAs and I believe this critical effort will encourage Americans to answer President-elect Obama's call to service."

Several media companies have committed to support the PSAs in donated time and space. These media companies include: CBS Television and Radio; NBC Universal; CNN and the Turner Networks (including TNT and TBS); FOX Networks; Clear Channel Radio, Comcast Spotlight and Entercom Radio. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) will promote the television spots to their members and donate a satellite feed during the week of January 26 for the distribution to the cable industry. Additionally, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is donating a satellite feed for distribution of the radio and television spots to the broadcasting industry this week.

Script for "Step Forward":

President-elect Obama VO:

America's greatness was not crafted in skyscrapers alone...

But on the ground by those who could see what needed to be done.

Volunteers who in service stepped forward...
Onto the dust of the moon, a levee in the heartland, the marble steps of a dream.

You may ask yourself: "Where's my moon, my levee, my dream?"

Well, it's here...with you.

President-elect Obama: Step forward. Help renew America at USAService.org.

The Advertising Council - The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

source: http://women.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFrr

What are your favorite Obama videos, ads, songs, art, etc?

Graham — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:29:21 EST

What are your favorite Obama videos, ads, songs, art, etc? My favorites are these original animations supporting Obama, featured on CNN early in the campaign:

Barack Obama - The Next First
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVXH8K9wQ...
Barack Obama - Go Tell Mama! Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MedLL78SM...
Barack Obama - The Good, the Bad and the Rest of US:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shmqJPqL8...

McCains offer

Jean-Luc The HyperLinker — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:59:30 EDT

Why doesn't Obama retorically offer McCain the ministery of cleaning up Capital Hill since he knows most of them and he said he would.

Signed,

Jean-Luc The HyperLinker with Real solutions

New Commercial to get Undecideds and Republicans?

Matthew Lenell — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:48:14 EDT

This close to the election it is so very important to try to pull in every possible vote. There are so many Republicans and independents that are still on the fence and, though they disagree with the policies and politics of the Republican candidates, they still cannot bring themselves to vote Democratic. There is a tremendous ground game out there but these people, through experience, are likely to take offense to a Democrat showing up at their door or calling them during dinner. They can, however, be persuaded to vote "for the other side" if their privacy and pride are respected.

We attended a candidate's forum last night that at one point featured Will i Am's "Yes We Can" video. It is a powerful video based on an equally powerful speech. I propose an ad that gives the same message, but to those people who are traditionally Republican or lean Republican. This ad would be quick, easy and cheap to cut and it carries a positive message.

*******************************************************************************

"YES YOU CAN" (in black and white)

[Fade into a man holding his head in his hands, looking dismayed]

Announcer: "You feel that your party no longer represents what you hold dear."

[Fade to a woman looking off through a window]

Announcer: "You feel that your party doesn't listen to what you want."

[Fade to a contractor in Carhart clothing looking sad/worried and hugging his kids.]

Announcer: "You worry that your party broke the economy and doesn't know how to fix it. It doesn't have to be that way. Together we can be better.""

[Fade to a smiling family in a picnic setting."]

[Transition through pictures of smiling people] Announcer: "You can vote Democratic this time. You can make a difference."

[Slowly fade in each word and out each word]: "YES...YOU...CAN. Vote November 4th."

[Fade In]: "Obama/Biden '08"

Obama nears record for spending on ads

John Lewis-Dickerson, Atlanta — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:35:22 EDT

Obama nears record for spending on ads

by Jim Rutenberg

PHILADELPHIA: Barack Obama is days away from breaking the $188 million advertising spending record set by President George W. Bush in his re-election campaign in 2004, having unleashed an advertising campaign of a scale and complexity unrivaled in the television era.

With advertisements day and night, on local stations and on the major broadcast networks, on niche cable networks and even on video games and his own dedicated satellite channels, Obama, the Democratic candidate, is now running at least four times as much advertising nationwide as his Republican rival, John McCain, according to CMAG, a service that monitors political advertising. That difference is even larger in several closely contested states......

ENTIRE ARTICLE- http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/18/america/ads.php

Stop running the 90% Bush commercial (10/15/08)!!!!!!

Gil from San Francisco, CA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:23:09 EDT

The McCain is 90% Bush commercial run after the 3rd debate is a disaster for the campaign. You absolutely have to refer to Bush as President Bush or risk everything. If the polls swing negatively as of 10/16/08, this commerical is the cause. No matter how much people dislike Bush, you cannot refer to him as "Bush!"

Final Blitz Ad campaign - bring out regular folks barackTV!

Carolyn — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:13:11 EDT

What we need now, in the final blitz is (a) to blast out voting rights, polling place rules, date, time, and any other counter-voting rights tampering tactics that our best and brightest pollwatchers and voting rights experts can devise, and (b) the voices of regular Americans telling America why they are voting for Obama.

Let's see the following ad blitz:

Regular Americans, from that amazing line-up at the Democratic Convention, from the home-made video testimonials on the Obama campaign site, from youtube, from facebook postings, the best and the most eloquent of regular Americans telling everyone why they are voting for the Obama/Biden ticket on November 4.

Ending each ad with a visual, bulleted list and voice-over explaining key voting rights, and repeating accurate date and polling rules, and assuring the American people that we have poll watchers organized and local hotlines everywhere to make sure that every American will have his and her vote counted properly in this election.

youth vote: closing the deal

Daniel from Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:54:32 EDT

There is growing verbiage about whether the youth will really come out this time.

I think it woudl be a great political ad to run a montage of pundits dissin' the youth and expressing the doubtfulness of their commitment, ending with something that challenges youth to prove the old fogies wrong. I t coudl run beginning about 8-9 days before the election.

The Talk of Little Children in a Small Town

C Jean — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:47:59 EDT

Today while canvassing on my neighbor to neighor contacts I walked past a little gang of about 7 to 8 five, six and seven year-old children. They were siting on and congregated around the front steps and sidewalk on a street called Spring Garden Street between 7th and 8th street. I heard one child say, "we'll kill Obama." Then another child said "yeah, we'll kill Obama."

I was really quite shocked to hear such words from such little children in this small Eastern PA town. And I started to think about the importance of education and how the words of these children spell out what is needed in our country. Our highest priority is our children and their education. Our children are our country's future leaders.

Barack Obama promises change and one of the areas that needs drastic change is our educational system. Barack Obama will bring the educational changes we need.

The most important time for education of children is in their first six years. So it is very important to bring excellent teachers into head start programs, day care programs, pre-school programs, and Kindergarten and First and Second grade programs. The most important education begins at these early ages and in these programs are the beginnings of a college education. College education doesn't start right before you go off to college. It starts when you are young and are developing sound values, beliefs, and attitudes.

And presidential candidates should pay attention to the young people when they make up their lies to put in disgusting ads on television for every child to watch. What are they thinking when they are giving young children at the age of five, six, and seven, the kind of values they are espousing in their ads. Young children are smart and hear and see everything. They absorb more than anyone thinks.

By influencing adults with lies and distortions, they are also influencing the children of these adults. What is that going to do for our country? Will that make us a better country?

I got home and listened to a new ad that talks of Obama's statement about people "clinging to their guns and religions." This ad was put out by a right wing organization that is worried that Obama is going to take their guns away. The Right wing has got it all mixed up about Obama's statement. Obama wasn't talking about hunting rifles. He was talking about keeping AK47 asault rifles out of the hands of people intent on committing criminal acts. You don't need an AK47 to go hunting with. But the NRA and the Republicans want ordinary folks to believe that Obama wants to take all their guns away, so they are dwelling on that statement, without any real knowledge of what the statement meant. Obama was talking about security. People feel more secure when they go to church and believe in God, or when they have a weapon to protect themselves. But they are not thinking about why people are so fearful and need this security. In everywhere across the country especially in the bigger cities, crime is excessive and much worse than it has ever been. Even in my own little neck of the woods - a small city, the worst gangs operate. We are only 80 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia and oftentimes people come to areas like this seeking to hide out or go on a crime spree. And we also have our own homegrown crimes that are terrible.

And even years ago when my father was alive, he kept guns for protection out in the country on the farm, to feel more secure. He never had to use them. And even when it comes to hunting rifles way back when, I happened to live right down the street from a tragedy. The family had about six children and hunting rifles. Most all farmers have hunting rifles. Somehow one of the little boys got a hold of one of the rifles and killed his little brother accidentally. That was back about 55 years ago. So gun accidents are not new. It happened in my own back yard out in the country. But still Americans should have the right to bear arms according to our constitution, but here again education is very important. With better education at all levels, violence would decrease, gun accidents would decrease, spousal abuse would decrease, and even our economy would shape up. And certainly all people need a better education when it comes to government, the environment, and how things work in the 21st century.

Barack Obama has the vision and leadership to change our system for the better, with better schools, better teachers, more teachers, more educational resources, and better government all the way around - 360 degrees.

new ad: McCain's mortgage plan

Donegal H. — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:42:39 EDT

I think this ad is terrible. "Who wins?" Umm, people like me who wouldn't lose their homes? Why not stop deriding McCain's plan and tell us what YOURS is?

Republicans' real concerns about the bailout

Christopher — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:38:08 EDT

AP re: the attempt to reach a compromise on the rescue package:

"Some Democrats still want a provision allowing bankruptcy judges to rewrite mortgages to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Thune said that would be "a deal-breaker" for Republicans."

It has gone beyond disdain for anyone who isn't rich. Now it's just plain contempt. First they change bankruptcy laws a few years ago to make sure only corporations can have any meaningful protection in times of crisis. Now, in the closest thing to a depression we have seen since, well, the Depression, these scumbags call a 'deal-breaker' the one thing to help the middle class, while telling us all we need to get out of this mess is to cut the capital gains tax?!

We should POUND them with this. this could be the knock-out blow: show that in times of crisis, all the Reps do is look out for their own, to hell with the rest of America! This could win the presidency AND beef up majorities in both houses.

We need Obama NASCAR Ads!

Oliver — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:14:01 EDT

Here's an idea. If there are any NASCAR top 20 drivers who support Obama, please make individual ads starting each of them. I know the idea is steriotypical but it might do wonders to spread the message in states where Obama has less support. I honestly know nothing about NASCAR but I know it's one of the most popular sports in the country.

But here's the rub, are there any such drivers? What about other athletes? Is ths legal? Maybe it's just a viral YouTube campaign?

Thank you John McCain -- paid by a concerned private citizen

NYmama4Obama — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:02:40 EDT

Couldn't have said it better!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJThPjvscFs

Enough!

Amy1ynn — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:51:20 EDT

Hi,

Thanks for visiting.

I finally decided to jump into this campaign. I've never really been involved in a political campaign before. Usually I take the attitude of live and let live, but this election year I've had enough! I'm tired of the McCain/Palin ticket smearing Barack when the truth is so easy to find on www.factcheck.org. I'm sick and tired of seeing campaign ads that I can argue are false on TV. I've never been so thankful to have a DVR before because the blatant lies make me angry. I think we voters deserve the truth. I can't wait for the debates. I hope the moderators they've chosen do a good job. I really miss Mr Russert ~ I always felt that he wouldn't shy away from asking the tough questions.

So anyway, I decided to set up my personal my.barackobama.com page today. I also decided to get involved. I've signed up register voters the next 3 Saturdays to get my feet wet. I'm still leery of cold calling potential supporters or knocking on their doors, but maybe I'll be able to work up to that.

Please wish me luck the next 3 Saturdays!

~Amy1ynn

I'm not a swing-voter, but swing-voters sound a lot like me.

Jillian — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:36:36 EDT

Zogby spells out how to reach the swing-voters.

The economy, the war, the planet -- that's what swing-voters care about.

Proposed Ad Contest

Cynthia A. Casby — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:57:58 EDT

Do you remember the contest that MoveOn.org ran during the 2004 election asking supporters to create their own political advertisements? It would be even easier to do today, thanks to YouTube. If the community supported it, we could use all this talent and computer power and hope and drive to create a terrific online ad. Yes, there are many such videos already on YouTube, but most are not of the quality needed to make undecided voters see that the Obama-Biden campaign is the one with the talent, intelligence, experience and plans to repair all the damage done to this country in the last eight years, improve their lives and keep our country safe.So I propose a contest. The prize is bragging rights over hit counts. Here are the rules, based on what is truly persuasive, IMHO:

Be creative but accurate. McCain and Palin have flip flopped more than any campaign I can remember. Find clips and quotes to show their inconsistency, ignorance, or bravado and let them make your point for you, in their own words.
Be professional - No personal endorsements. Do not personally appear in your video. Voters don't care what you think because they don't know who you are (unless you are a celebrity, then this rule doesn't apply). A series of person-on-the-street interviews is acceptable.
Cite your sources- use major media to make your point; quote your sources so people can check the original for themselves.
Don't be profane, lurid, or sensational - it only makes people skeptical of your motives.
Be civil - Keep the tone and volume reasonable - when you are right you don't have to shout.
Be respectful of these two politicians and what they have done in their lives - dissing the opposition makes you look emotional, irrational and overblown.
Be positive - show why we are right, not just why they are wrong
Pick a single theme - you can put up as many different entries as you like
Keep the video to no more than 30 seconds - maybe we can get the campaign to put the best ones on TV!
Have fun.

Post your entries on YouTube, and submit a link by pasting the link to a blog post here on myBarackObama.com (click on My Blog on your Dashboard) Include a title and short description of your video. Put "Ad Contest" in your blog post title. Everyone can vote by putting videos they like in Favorites on YouTube, Sharing the best videos, and using any YouTube techniques to increase the ranking of the best videos. You can do this, even if you have never posted to a blog or made a video before. We have so much talent, computer power and Google-ability in our community. We need to use it to help the campaign. I'll have my entry up in a couple of days. Watch here for more.

Viva La Revolution!

TurtleGuy — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:22:14 EDT

It's official. This is now a revolution.

This presidential race is an open rebellion of the working class against the upper class. Low to middle income families have had enough. Their savings are vaporizing, their debt is increasing, and they are losing their homes. Now their banks and insurers may be disappearing.

Just like the French had enough and started a revolution in 1789. Our revolution will be peaceful, but no where anywhere near quiet.

DONATE!!!!!

If we get a huge influx of new money this week, it's perfect timing. The television season premieres really get going strong soon, now is the time to buy prime time ad space.

I donated $100 earlier this week, and I'm donating again at the end of the week. Any spare dime I have is going to Senator Obama, it's money well spent. I have WAAAAAYYYY more confidence in sending that money to the campaign, than to put it into a bank and pray the bank doesn't fold!

We all need to do our part!

Planning on hitting as many events as possible this weekend. Probably heading to NH to canvass and talk to voters, it's a battleground state that we need to win.

Campaign Ads Offer “Fundamentals” v. “Crisis”

Shawn O'Donnell — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:47:12 EDT

Click here to read - Campaign Ads Offer “Fundamentals” v. “Crisis”

2 Minute Ad Pushes “Plan For Change”

Shawn O'Donnell — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:42:22 EDT

Click here for 2 Minute Ad Pushes “Plan For Change”

Why is this so hard?

Meghan from New York, NY — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:48:41 EDT

Isn't it ironic that Republicans can get average Americans to vote against their own self-interest? Republican strategists are worlds away from the average American, and yet, they know how to communicate with them. They know that many Americans want to be part of the wealthy, god-fearing elite and hate those egg-head philosophers who look down on others with their noblesse-oblige.

You know what kind of words don't excite the kind of person who is still undecided? Lobbyist, Regulation, Earmark. These are political words for political people.

My guess is that if you asked an undecided person without prompting what they think the biggest problem with government is today, those three words would not come up. My guess is they'd talk more about taxes, energy, war and maybe social issues (abortion).

You know what kind of words people who don't much care about politics do respond to? Greed, Sex, Celebrity.

Faced with a monumental crisis in the banking industry, McCain blames it on "greed" and Obama is talking liberal-speak "regulation." Obama is right, but I just don't think that is a word that will capitalize on this game-changing moment.

Why not run this ad (or use it as a talking point): "Eight years of Republican rule has brought you this - (headlines about banks, mortgages and job losses). Isn't it time to change the direction in America? Obama: Renewing America's Promise."

Don't talk about these issues with words that bore and lose Americans who don't care much about politics.

KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Balance in coverage

Jeanine — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:41:35 EDT

For the last few days, there has been light rain, generally during the night, in my town. It has had little effect on our lives, and I did not even bother with an umbrella when I went out. Down in Houston and Galveston, there have been hurricanes, with considerable damage to homes, roads, buildings, and infrastructure; the total cost is still unknown, and millions are without power. It is, then, technically correct to say, "Precipitation has occurred both here and in Houston." However, the statement is highly misleading.

A similar situation has occurred regarding media coverage of the presidential race. The terms “low road,” “deceptive,” “over-stating the facts,” and “lying” have been applied to both campaigns. This is equally misleading. Perhaps one can attempt to make the case the Obama campaign is exaggerating when they say McCain said he is a computer illiterate, or that he defines rich at the level of $5 million, or that he doesn't know how many houses he owns. McCain actually made these statements, just as he used the “lipstick on a pig” saying. But perhaps we weren't meant to take them seriously.

In contrast, McCain is outright lying when he says Obama will raise “your” taxes, and points to everyone in the hall when it is a surety that these people make less than $250,000 a year. Independent analysis indicates Obama's plan will NOT raise taxes for the vast majority, and in fact taxes most people at a lower level than does McCain's plan.

McCain is outright lying when his ad says Obama's one legislative achievement was a bill for comprehensive sex education for kindergarteners. Senator Obama has sponsored and championed legislation for a variety of significant issues, including non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, ethics, transparency in government concerning earmarks, and equal pay for equal work. The 'sex education' bill in question actually focused on age-appropriate lessons so young children could avoid predators.

So, yes, ads and political speech often take dramatic license. But lies are lies. And one side, the McCain/Palin side, is guilty of lies of hurricane strength.

Lies

Jeanine — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:08:27 EDT

For the last few days, there has been light rain, generally during the night, in my town of Mt. Kisco. It has had little effect on our lives and I did not even bother with an umbrella when I've gone out. Down in Houston and Galveston, there have been hurricanes, with considerable damage to homes, roads, buildings and infrastructure, the total cost is still unknown, and millions are without power. It is, then, technically correct to say: "Precipitation has occurred in Mt. Kisco and in Houston." However, the statement is highly misleading.

A similar situation has occurred regarding the presidential race. The terms aggressive, low, deceptive, over-stating the facts, and lying have been applied to both campaigns. This is wrong. One can attempt to make the case that the Obama campaign is guilty of exaggeration when they point that McCain said he was a computer illiterate, that he put the level to be considered rich at $5,000,000, that he doesn't understand economics, or that he didn't know how many houses he had. McCain actually made these statements, just as he used the lipstick on a pig saying, but perhaps we weren't to take them seriously. Sarah Palin has said she said "Thanks but no thanks to the bridge to nowhere". The truth is that after making campaign promises to build the bridge, she dropping support of the project after the general outcry against it. She and Alaska kept the money as they did the large number of other earmarks gathered by Alaska, far more in terms of dollars per resident than the national average.

In contrast, McCain is lying when he says that Obama will raise 'your' taxes, pointing to everyone in the hall when it is a surety that these people make less than $250,000 a year. Independent analysis indicates that Obama's plan will NOT raise taxes for the vast majority, but impose lower taxes for most people than McCain's plans. McCain is lying when an ad says Obama's one legislative achievement was a bill for comprehensive sex education for kindergarteners. Senator Obama has sponsored and championed legislation for a variety of significant issues, including non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, ethics, transparency in government concerning earmarks, and equal pay for equal work and the 'sex education' bill focused on age-appropriate lessons so young children could avoid predators. And Palin is not telling the truth when she says she is against earmarks. Yes, ads and political speech often take dramatic license. But lies are lies and one side, the McCain/Palin side, is guilty of lies of hurricane strength.

Send out the Hope

Mags — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:06:53 EDT

I was going to suggest to the campaign to use McCain's comment today about "the fundamentals of the economy are strong" for some ad ideas:

1 - at 9am John McCain thinks the fundamentals of the economy are strong (show clip of speech); at 2pm John McCain thinks the fundamentals of the economy are at risk (show clip), then some clever closing line about flipping, about how we are not sure of who the real McCain is, blah blah

2 - compare the quote of McCain with an equally out of touch quote from W and show how this will be more of the same (Glenn's idea)

but I think that what Obama must do is remind people about why they MUST vote for him - do ads that are positive, filled with hope and unity, and even drop in a few specifics about what he will do to make that hope a reality. Let Biden stump the tough/negative/truth-seeking questions that will get air play on the news and hopefully reach people who still think the McCain campaign is worthy of their vote. Obama must remind people about what they have been missing the last 8 years and what is within their power to make happen. I've just seen a few on these ads on this website - do more of these and use that $66 million to get the message of hope out to swing voters.

Why Doesn't an Obama Ad State the Following?

Frustrated Democrat — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:05:45 EDT

I received this email. If all of this is accurate, WHY doesn't the Obama campaign create a commercial stating these facts? THIS would be effective and puts some untruths and misconceptions in perspective.

> "I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this
> straight.....
>
> * If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents,
> you're "exotic, different."
>
> * Grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, a quintessential
> American story.
>
> * If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic
> Muslim.
>
> * Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, and you're a
> maverick.
>
> * Graduate from Harvard law School and be President of the
> Law Review, and you are unstable.
>
> * Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating,
> you're well grounded.
>
> * If you spend 3 years as a community organizer, create a
> voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters,
> spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8
> years as a State Senator representing a district with over
> 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's
> Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the
> United States Senate representing a state of 13 million
> people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign
> Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's
> Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership
> experience.
>
> * If your20total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on
> the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with
> less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state
> with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to
> become the country's second highest ranking executive.
>
> * If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years
> while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant
> churches, you're not a real Christian.
>
> * If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress,
> and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the
> next month, you're a Christian.
>
> * If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education,
> including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding
> the fiber of society.
>
> * If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence
> only, with no other option in sex education in your
> state's school system while your unwed teen daughter
> ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.
>
> * If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a
> position in a prestigious law firm to work for the
> betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to
> raise a family, your family's values don't represent
> America's.
>
> * If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude",
> with at least one DUI conviction and no college education,
> who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a
> member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska
> from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.
>
> OK, much clearer now.

You Know You've Gone Too Far When ...

Tom Siegel — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:24:47 EDT

Even Karl Rove thinks your ads are too sleazy.

Honestly, I thought the illegitimate black love child was the lowest of the low, but now Karl Rove says that John McCain's recent attack ads have crossed the line of ... of ... well, if not of decent society, at least the line of political effectiveness. I suppose it's a little much to think that Karl Rove might be offended by lies and distortions, but that doesn't seem to be the case. What Karl Rove said was "Do we really need to go that far in this ad? Don't we make our point and won't we get broader acceptance and deny the opposition an opportunity to attack us if we don't include that one little last tweak in the ad?"

No, he seems to be offended that McCain's ads are not as effective as he thinks they could be. After all, in Karl Rove's world morality is defined by whether you win or lose not by what is decent or right. And how ironically appropriate that it's the Republican Party that, while believing that it owns morals and values, is so quick to spew hate and lies. As long as they keep winning, they'll never learn.

Republicans fault both campaigns for negative ads, By HOPE YEN Associated Press Writer

Change O'8 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:54:03 EDT

This article is a publicity stunt, by Karl Rove, to accomplish at least three things:

1. Make it look like the GOP really is at odds with McCain, and therefore McCain really will bring change to Washington.

2. Truly warn McCain to tone down the negativity of his adds because they are making him look bad.

3. Scare Obama away from being more aggressive, which he actually needs to be.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CAMPAIGNS_NEGATIVITY?SITE=CARIE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Funny video ad for Obama

Steve from Carbondale, CO — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:13:55 EDT

I'm an Obama supporter from Carbondale, been into digital-video for awhile, thought I'd make a few short "ads" for the campaign.

If you have a minute, take a look on YouTube. I think you'll find this one mildly amusing -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwxoEMYTPA0&feature=related -- The other two are there on my YouTube channel.

Thanks, Steve Saylor

Two new ads from the campaign: 'Real Change' and 'Still'

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:18:07 EDT

Today, the Obama campaign released two new 30-second TV ads, Real Change, which details what "change" is to Senator Obama and Still which details why John McCain would just be another out of touch president offering more of the same.

Watch Real Change...

Watch Still...

Click on "mail to a friend" to share this page with your friends to they can watch the new ads too.

Calling All Celebrities

Mary Bell from Alpine, TX — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:16:30 EDT

We need to get celebrity folk doing ads on behalf of the campaign - either ads debunking the BUNK or ads in support of Obama and Biden. There are a number of progressive celebrities, with good recognition and good credibility. The reason why the polls are all over the map is that some people are making a decision based on emotion or image, not issues. They will be drawn to Obama by appeals from celebrities they respect because it hits their emotional button. Not that Barack and Joe don't do that; I think they do. But there is a great need for emotional reinforcements. We need to recruit celebrities who will reach, emotionally, people among our various constituency groups - like some CW singers or celebrities middle-aged women are attracted to. Celebrities who cherish their privacy need to be reminded what is at stake here. Their country needs them now as never before!!!

Stuck In The Muck

Steve — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:06:47 EDT

This New Republic article points our that we have a lot of positive substance to focus on:

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=47d43e3b-197b-4674-b82b-c5953737f2a9

Watchdog group says McCain aired negative TV ad in violation of 9/11 pledge

Jennifer Mohr — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:22:24 EDT

Associated Press | 6 hours, 52 minutes ago in Politics

An independent watchdog group says that Republican John McCain's campaign violated a pledge not to air any negative TV ads on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Read more of the article

Real Change

WI — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:36:00 EDT

I like the new ad, "Real Change." I am glad to see Barack Obama continues to stick to the issues. It is refreshing compared to the mudslinging we have seen in past elections.

"Enough" is not enough

steve4obama — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:29:59 EDT

If today’s new ads are what we call going on the offense, then the Dems might as well pack up shop.
You don't bring a knife to a gun fight.
And, despite conventional wisdom that it's the "Top of the Ticket" that matters, it doesn't in this election. Go after Palin. She is propping up McCain. Knock out his crutch and he will crumble.
Palin is scary. Use a witch, a dominatrix , a nasty nun, to identify her with. I don't care if they say it's sexist, inflammatory, whatever.
This is a war for our country. If Obama doesn't win, this country is done. We might as well start calling it the United States of the Corporation, hell bent on anything that makes money for the wealthy, including wars. "Enough" is not enough, and if us Dems can't fight, dirty if necessary, than we don't deserve to take power.
"Enough" is like a pea shooter.
Time to launch a "take no prisoners" war.

When McCain's Ads are On - Turn the TV OFF

Meghan from New York, NY — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:13:45 EDT

I don't know how people start email chains or get an internet movement going, but I have an idea - and if anyone reads this, maybe you can help pass it along.

Let's SHOW McCain how contemptible we find his ads. Let him waste the money. I say we tell everyone we know to change the channel or better yet turn off the TV whenever a McCain attack ad appears. If it isn't an ad about how McCain will make this country better, we don't want to watch it. Even if we can get noise going about this so that the mnedia cover it, that's something! It will show McCain we're serious!

If anyone thinks this is a good idea and knows how to get it done, please let m eknow. Or by all means get it done... Take it as your idea and run!!!

This is the email I sent to my friends (if you want, copy and paste it for your own use). I made it non-partisan so it can reach a wider audience:

We should tell politicians to stop running their negative attack ads. The best way to change behavior is through people's wallets. An ad that no one watches is a waste of money. Let's turn off the TV (or change the channel at least) when the negative ads run.

Let's let the politicians know - if you're not telling me what you're going to do to make the country better, I don't want to hear it.

If you think this is a good idea, please spread it to anyone else you think might be interested. We can take this country back!

CALL THEM OUT, BARACK!

Meghan from New York, NY — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:49:03 EDT

Barack - you don't need to go negative by finding dirt on McCain/Palin, but what makes people angry is that they are lying about you and getting away with it. I say the way to stop them is to call them out on everything they do! I thought you handled the lipstick jungle perfectly and I think you should use your humor and eloquence to combat all their lies.

The sex ad - Stand up in a swing state and say - "It's the same disgusting tactic used against Harold Ford of Tennessee." And when they say you're pulling the race card, say to them, "No, I'm pulling the truth card. If you think your ad is about race, you said it, I didn't!"

Speak directly to women. Ask them if they want their right to choose protected? If they want their environment protected? If they want their children to be taught evolution? If so, they should vote for the democratic ticket because if they vote republican, those issues are all at risk.

BE BOLD. BE DARING. BE DIRECT. BE HONEST. BE YOURSELF.

Don't let a single smear go unaddressed.

Make sure people know you will call a bully's bluff. Change the headlines from "McCain attacks...." to "Obama calls on voters to reject McCain lies... Turn off TV when swift boat ads appear."

McCain and Palin can dish it out, but can't take it

Ken in Squirrel Hill — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:39:34 EDT

Palin and McCain can dish it out, but they can't take it. I guess Phil Gramm was talking about the McCain campaign when he said this was "a nation of whiners." Palin criticized Hillary Clinton for complaining about criticisms from Obama, and here the GOP campaign does the same, playing the gender card in a totally transparent ploy to try to gain advantage. Next, Palin will be saying she's a uniter, not a divider.

Even when the McCain campaign is called on their sleazy ads, they continue to lie. A McCain rep last night on the PBS Newshour continued to claim an ad on Obama's Education record was accurate and encouraged viewers to go online and find out about it. Well, a NY Times article examined it carefully and concluded it "seriously distorts the record." The ad talks about Education Week’s impressions of Obama without mentioning that they thought McCain was worse. As the article says, ‘Early this year, in an article titled “John McCain Where Art Thou?” it complained that he offered “a laundry list of fairly vague answers” on how to improve schools and did not make education a priority. “Education is not his thing.”’

As even many Republicans are now admitting, these McCain ads are all part of the distraction campaign by McCain to steer the discussion away from the issues, because he gets creamed if the campaign is about the issues.

So, Republican hypocrisy will be the norm from here on out, unless McCain is made to pay a price with dropping polls. Earlier this year, a woman at a McCain townhall meeting asked him, "What do we do about the bitch?", referring to Hillary Clinton. McCain smiled as everyone else laughed, and then addressed the question. Now his campaign is calling Obama "sexist". I've said this many times but I'll say it again, if hypocrisy was outlawed, Republicans would go mute. They would have nothing to say.

Election Ads

Monica F. Koziol, OCP — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:22:32 EDT

Dear Barack, Michelle, Joe and Jill:

I am so proud to suppport you! I have been watching the campaign ads on "corporate" media stations and am disgusted with the oppositions' use of negative attacks which twist your words to fit their agenda! I know it's par for the war before the elections. {I am a Chicagoan born and bred}
When Senator Clinton was campaigning, her campaign manager wanted suggestions about what they'd [supporters} like to see and hear from Hillary. Well, I thought that you would like to hear from me - for what it's worth.

I wonder if you, Senator Obama could come out plainly in an ad to say that you are not running for office to slander {their words}, malign, or bicker about the facts of your campaign that are at the forefront of voters in this Election year---and that you are running only two ads- The one where you speak about equal pay so that your daughters can achieve an equal footing and living wage as our sons -- AND to talk about the issues and plans you have to bring about a genuine change. By listening to the people - by letting the people become informed at your website, by involving the people in their government. By being in touch with the people who are not just the middle-class, or the upper-class but those who are classified as the working-poor in this country. Because these are serious times and it is the time to stop mudslinging and name calling. It is the time for Democracy for the people and by the people; no matter what their class.

I wonder if this would place you in the position you were before - above the fray. note: Please don't cave into them. We need you!

Blessings to all of you, this is a challenging road to the White House, and I want you to represent me, my friends and my family!

Please visit my website:http://www.economicturn.net

The Sure Way to Win This Election

Anthony from Jamaica, NY — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:32:40 EDT

Turn this into an ad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa20q2s2BRs

It'd be over.

How to lose to McCain ..... his propaganda

Mike SC — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:21:54 EDT

If McCain is allowed to continue promulgating his ads that are riddled with complete lies, Obama is not going to be able to win.

Ads like this are disgusting, yet effective:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZd_Y_D-RaA

2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVLQhRiEXZs

The outright distortions made here are ridiculous. It's long past time to call out the conservative propaganda machine for their outright lies. Nothing less than a strong statement casting light directly on these lies will do. Nothing less than a strong and explicit counter to these will help. I hope Obama's campaign formulates an answer to these that is of the strength required.

Republicans blocking Wind Energy Tax credits that save farms

ML — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:05:23 EDT

Many small family farms around the world are turning to wind energy as a way of keeping the family farm going.

For small family farms to be able to participate in the production of wind energy we need the tax credits that the repulicans are blocking.

Comparing Tax Policies

WinBigBlogger — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:42:16 EDT

For months, the McCain campaign has been trying to gain traction with their lies/distortions on the Obama tax plan.

This can be easily refuted through a positive ad by just showing how the two tax plans compare - in fact CNN showcased a very good - clearly independent - study on this:

http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/11/news/economy/candidates_taxproposals_tpc/index.htm

I would just use the data through 600K... Also, I am not sure if this includes the effect of TAXING HEALTHCARE BENEFITS, but that can be another point in the ad.

This would be a POSITIVE ad that would truly help in gaining traction amongst the middle class - many of whom believe that Obama would raise taxes due to the fact that the Republicans are masters of fact distortions.

Great Campaign Ad Ideas from OpenLeft

Barb — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:24:24 EDT

http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8094

Paul Rosenberg on the OpenLeft website had a great blog today and provided ideas for the Obama team for a couple of hard hitting ads. I am getting angry and sad seeing how the lies of the Republicans are being scooped up and eaten whole by the media and the general public as gospel truth. The Obama campaign has to call them out as the liars they are and show examples of it!!

Check out Paul's full blog, but here is one idea he had for an ad:

Voiceover:

"They think you're stupid. They think they can just lie with impunity."

Screen shows shots of McCain & Palin overlayed with series of
headlines and quotes about McCain/Palen lies from "mainstream" media.

"Just like the last team their party gave us."

Switch to shots of Bush/Cheney with lies--WMDs, Katrina (shots of flooding/devastation), "strong economy" (back to Bush/Cheney).

"They ran as reformers, too."

Headlines/guotes from Bush's "reformer with results" phase.

"They may be nice people to the people they like."

Back to McCain/Palin with puff piece headlines/quotes.

"Or the people like them."

More McCain/Palin pics, headlines/quotes all about McCain's "how many houses?" and his wife's $300,000 outfit.

"But the people they like aren't you."

Switch to pictures of ordinary Americans, headlines/quotes--maybe even a chart about how McCain's tax cuts benefit him, while Obama's benefit the vast majority.

Let's play a little hard ball here! This election is too important to win by a small margin - we need to win big!! Let's knock it out of the park!!

How to Counter The Big Lie

SteveG — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:48:44 EDT

The only way to counter a Big Lie campaign is to tell the Big Truth many more times than your opponents can tell the Big Lie.

There should be a constant component to all Obama ads from now on.

Most of us have seen a tachometer that measures RPM. Obama needs a tachometer that measures LPM - lies per minute. I can just imagine hearing the sounds of a revving engine and seeing the Lieometer needle jumping up. It could even red-line. A car could catch fire when the Lieometer red lines just once too often. Maybe someone's pants can catch fire.

This would also go with the image of a motorcyclist or potential drag racer sitting at a stop light revving the engine and the Lieometer needle keeps jumping

I herebey give the Obama campaign the right to use this idea in any way they wish without the need to compensate me or give me attribution in any way. I am also sure that clever advertising people can embelish this idea to no end.

GET ANGRY - TELL AMERICANS WHAT YOU THINK

Meghan from New York, NY — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:41:55 EDT

Senator Obama, Senator Biden - are you there? Are you reading anything that's out there? David Brooks? The Washington Post? They're all telling you what you're doing wrong and more importantly, how to fix it!

YOU ARE GETTING SWIFT BOATED. You sit there cool and calm in your interviews and you don't stand up to the bullies. Your headline: "Obama acuses Republican rivals of dishonesty" - it makes you sound like a whinytypical democrat.

People want a tough commander in chief - they want "Tear Down That Wall" moments. You've got to show you can give it to them.

Biden, you need to say to the American people: "Sarah Palin would be the worst Vice President since Dick Cheney. I don't say that because she's a woman, I say that because she uses her power for personal vendettas; she wants to ban books; she wants to destroy the environment to make oil companies rich; she said she doesn't know anything about foreign policy or the economy. I think she would be the worst VP because I fundamentally disagree with all her positions on just about eveyrthing."

You need to call her out louder than you have been - say why is she hiding from the press? Equal treatment, right? This isn't about sexism, it's about her record, her positions, her character - just the same as it is for a male candidate.

You need an ad showing her laughing at the radio shock jock who called her opponent a bitch and a cancer.

You need an ad that shows Palin saying that Fannie and Freddie are taxpayer funded and then have the narrator say, "Sarah Palin mistakenly thinks your mortgages are paid for with taxpayer money. John McCain doesn't know how many houses he has. With your own house on the line, now is not the time to trust these two with our national housing policy."

And you need a Daily Show montage that shows McCain and Palin contradicting themselves.

Obama, you need to come off tough. You need to sound definitive - like you have actual opinions. Right now you are having the same impact John Kerry had when he was windsurfing while the swift boaters rowed all over him. Say ENOUGH.

You're so worried about being the angry sexist black man, that you have become the bland, whiney candidate. You don't need to be rude (use the contradicion montages to tell that story), just tell people that a man who is just learning "a google" isn't the man to lead the country in a new millenium. McCain will take away healthcare and social security and regulation and environmental protection.

MAKE THE PEOPLE AFRAID TO ELECT HIM. THEN GIVE THEM HOPE - THE REASONS THEY SHOULD ELECT YOU - NOT POLICY WONK

(PEOPLE DON'T CARE ABOUT THE ISSUES, THEY CARE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES. BUSH I LOST BECAUSE HE WAS A "WIMP", KERRY LOST BECAUSE HE WAS AN ELITIST SNOB. MCCAIN'S TOO OLD AND SARAH'S TOO UNINFORMED - MAKE THE CASE)

TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT YOU THINK!

You need an Aaron Sorkin moment - you need to watch the debate episode of the West Wing (10 word answer) and you need to watch the American President. This is what you need:

From the American President:

SHEPHERD
Yes, he will. 'Morning.

ROBIN
Good morning, Mr. President.

SHEPHERD takes the podium. There's a palpable BUZZ in the
room as video operators adjust their equipment, etc. People
starts to stand.

SHEPHERD
That's all right, you can keep your
seats. For the last couple of
months, Senator Rumson has suggested
that being president of this country
was, to a certain extent, about
character...

ANGLE - ROBIN

who's picked up the receiver from a wall phone and punches in
four numbers.

She turns in to the wall to shield her conversation from the
rest of the room.

ROBIN
   (into phone)
Lewis...call A.J. and come on down
here...I don't know, but
something's happening.

SHEPHERD
...and although I have not been
willing to engage in his attacks on
me, I've been here three years and
three days, and I can tell you
without hesitation: Being President
of this country is entirely about
character.

LEWIS enters with A.J. and KODAK.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
For the record: Yes, I am a card-
carrying member of the A.C.L.U. But
the more important question is why
aren't you, Bob? This is an
organization whose sole purpose is to
defend the Bill of Rights, so it
naturally begs the questions.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
Why would a senator, his party's most
powerful spokesman and a candidate
for president, choose to reject
upholding the Constitution? If you
can answer that question, then,
folks, you're smarter than I am,
because I didn't understand it until
a couple of minutes ago. Everybody
knows American isn't easy. America is
advanced citizenship.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's
gonna put up a fight. It's gonna
say, "You want free speech? Let's
see you acknowledge a man whose words
make your blood boil, who's standing
center stage and advocating, at the
top of his lungs, that which you
would spend a lifetime opposing at the
top of yours. You want to claim
this land as the land of the free,
then the symbol of your country can't
just be a flag; the symbol also has
to be one of its citizens exercising
his right to burn that flag in
protest." Show me that, defend that,
celebrate that in your classrooms.
Then you can stand up and sing about
the land of the free. I've known Bob
Rumson for years. I've been operating
under the assumption that the reason
Bob devotes so much time and energy to
shouting at the rain was that he simply
didn't get it. Well, I was wrong.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't
get it. Bob's problem is that he
can't sell it. Nobody has ever won
an election by talking about what I
was just talking about.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
This is a country made up of people
with hard jobs that they're terrified
of losing. The roots of freedom are
of little or no interest to them at
the moment. We are a nation afraid
to go out at night. We're a society
that has assigned low priority to
education and has looked the other
way while our public schools have
been decimated. We have serious
problems to solve, and we need
serious men to solve them. And
whatever your particular problem is,
friend, I promise you, Bob Rumson is
not the least bit interested in
solving it. He is interested in two
things and two things only: Making
you afraid of it and telling you
who's to blame for it. That, ladies
and gentlemen, is how you win
elections. You gather a group of
middle-aged, middle-class, middle-
income voters who remember with
longing an easier time, and you talk
to them about family and American
values and personal character. Then
you have an old photo of the
President's girlfriend. You scream
about patriotism and you tell them
she's to blame for their lot in life,
you go on television and you call her
a whore. Sydney Ellen Wade has done
nothing to you, Bob. She has done
nothing but put herself through law
school, prosecute criminals for five
years, represent the interests of
public school teachers for two years,
and lobby for the safety of our
natural resources.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
You want a character debate? Fine,
but you better stick with me, 'cause
Sydney Ellen Wade is way out of your
league. I've loved two women in my
life. I lost one to cancer, and I
lost the other 'cause I was so busy
keeping my job I forgot to do my job.
Well that ends right now.

SHEPHERD
   (continuing)
Tomorrow morning the White House is
sending a bill to Congress for its
consideration. It's White House
Resolution 455, an energy bill
requiring a 20 percent reduction of the
emission of fossil fuels over the
next ten years. It is by far the
most aggressive stride ever taken in
the fight to reverse the effects of
global warming. The other piece of
legislation is the crime bill. As of
today it no longer exists. I'm
throwing it out. I'm throwing it out
and writing a law that makes sense.
You cannot address crime prevention
without getting rid of assault
weapons and handguns.
I consider them a threat to national
security, and I will go door to door
if I have to, but I'm gonna convince
Americans that I'm right, and I'm
gonna get the guns. We've got
serous problems, and we need serious
men, and if you want to talk about
character, Bob, you'd better come at
me with more than a burning flag and
a membership card. If you want to
talk about character and American
values, fine. Just tell me where and
when, and I'll show up. This is a
time for serious men, Bob, and your
fifteen minutes are up. My name's
Andrew Shepherd, and I am the
President.

Campaign Ads

Nicole — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:56:41 EDT

I'm watching the TODAY Show right now and have seen ads for both Obama and McCain. McCain's ads have been all about celebrity and unpreparedness. Since Sarah Palin is currently on the cover of no less than 5 national magazines, I am unclear on why Barack Obama is the celebrity candidate.

As for the "Not Ready to Lead" ads, I have an idea for the Obama campaign- "John McCain says we're not ready to lead. Well, maybe he's right. We are not ready to make reckless, rash decisions and call them leadership. We are ready to serve the American people. We think they'd rather like that. Obama/Biden- READY TO SERVE."

Obama's ads with the perky music make me giggle.

Where are the scathing ads

Barack Supporter — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:23:05 EDT

I think the campaign needs to go into overdrive now since the convention is over. Why is the Obama campaign not using McCain's actions and words to show that he is an agent of change - BUT - only to do and say whatever it takes to win this election.

Today McCain on a stump speech accused Barack Obama of putting on more than $319 million in earmarks which amounts to $25 per person residing in Illinois. Gov. Palin requested $190 million in earmarks and that amounts to more than $2,500 per person residing in Alaska. Is this what McCain means when he says that he cannot wait to introduce Sarah Palin to Washington, D.C.

What about the time when McCain described Pat Robertson as an "agent of intolerance" and now open embraces him and seeks his support. Is that the change he wants to bring to Washington, D.C.

McCain describes himself as a maverick. Yes, a maverick who voted with Bush 95% of the time in Senate and says that the last 4 years have been really bad for the country.

McCain is an agent of change - ONLY when it suits his political need.

Why is the campaign silent on these issues. McCain camp talked about that this election is going to be personality based. Well, show the true personality of McCain.

And if they dare talk about Bill Ayers and others....well let's talk to Keating Five, his endorsement of James Higgie (not sure of the name or spelling) which he said that he sought feverishly.

WAKE UP guys. Unless you want to lose this election that can be won easily, time to act now and put out this ads all over the country, on the web, YouTube and anywhere and everywhere. Once the election is over, left over money has no use.

Obama needs civilized attack ads

Unknown user — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:14:03 EDT

I sincerely hope that Obama and his campaign staff know what they are doing. To be honest McCain/Palin ads seem to be more dominant than the Obama ads. They leave an impression on your mind. They have used smear ads and I know Obama has specific portions of his website promoting the reduction of smear ads but he needs to be more scathing in his attacks. But he must do it on the ISSUES. In this way, it is definitely not a smear ad but pretty much an attack ad on issue. Obama desperately need attack ads on issues. I suggest to the Obama campaign to make the following ads: (1) Contrast John McCain's voting record on wind energy (he voted against all wind and alternative energy reforms but now he's campaigning for alternative forms of energy), (2) I was looking at Jon Stewart's Daily show on McCain's acceptance speech vs. George Bush's acceptance speech and they're pretty much the same....USE IT! It was loud and clear the same promises made by Bush 8 years ago are the same McCain is making. Besides there was already an ad up comparing Bush and McCain from the Obama campaign. It needs to be refreshed, more new ones need to be made, put it on cnn or other major networks at peak times, keep it going so it sticks in the minds of the American people. (3) attack John McCain's own admission in January of 2008 that he would not even vote for his own immigration reform bill if it was brought to Congress (4) attack his judgment: in 2001 McCain said the war would be easy, in 2006 he said if anyone thought the war was going to be easy needs to have their brains checked. These are just very few I have in my mind; there are lots more and maybe they don’t want to blow their budget on ads but it is critical. All I'm seeing in a McCain ad is hard hitting stuff while Obama's ads are much tamer. Hire the Daily Show staff for crying out loud.

The Obama campaign seriously needs to organize some clips showing McCain criticizing his own self. It's quick, straight to the point and shows immediate contrast. Furthermore it's not smear. Smear is when you put up an ad comparing Paris Hilton to Obama, that's smear! Or putting up ads showing Obama's children asking if they're ready to lead: "They're the cutest children in the world - but are they ready to lead?" while McCain answered to a journalist about the ad: "we had to do something to give the American people some straight talk on those two brats". I thought both parties agreed that family was off limits? Or did that come after McCain already put out those ads and Palin's family are now under attack by the media? This is what I'm saying, in either case; Obama's camp is too soft on these things. They need to rise to the occasion and make some intelligent ads. Shun the new "maverick" ad by showing specific things John McCain voted for with Bush (or the fact that he voted with Bush 100% of the time in 2008). Do it in the same style as the "maverick" ad to add some juice to it. That's not smear, that's campaigning wisely. Obama's camp has so many things to go on when it comes to John McSame and Same-ah Palin but I get the feeling they don't know how to use it properly and wisely.

Dealing with Palin...Criticize McCain critical and Judgement

Ronald from Cheyenne, WY — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:52:30 EDT

Commercial:

Voice: "Would you let a stranger watch your kids if you met with them once for 5 minutes?"

"Then what kind of person would give the keys to someone that they knew only 15 minutes?"

"Now they have to hide her in a closet so that hse can study for Foreing Affairs"

"Sen McCain, does not have good judgement control"

Show a hand rolling a dice. "We should not gamble with out country"

OK...I give up....The Dems have not learned anything

Ronald from Cheyenne, WY — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:43:52 EDT

Logical logical logical....but the fake polls are showing a dead even race...so what's going on?PLEASE LISTEN TO ME:

Analysis: Sen McCain - High Energy - Lots of Viewers

McCain is running on energy and lies with empty statements with no data to back up his claims.

The results: His Poll numbers goes up

Analysis: Sen Obama - Low to Moderate Energy - Minimal TV Coverage

Sen Obama runs on Truth and logic and have great data and explains it in detail.

Results: Fake Polls numbers decrease

Solution: Bring back the rock star. Have events such as conventions in stadiums (HS etc). Use your Hollywood base

GIMMICKS

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:54:39 EDT

I think we should DRILL THEM on their GIMMICKS...

End it with "that's not progress, that's a gimmick"

Example:

Summer fuel tax break

Tax cut for the rich

Taxing your health insurance/giving you a tax credit to buy your own insurance

Name some other gimmicks...let's get back on the issues and away from the biggest gimmick of all SARAH PALIN.

Our Campaign's Speeches & Ads: Be More Honestly Factual

Philip Steven Knight — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:09:00 EDT

Below is a note I sent to the campaign on the eve of Barack's nomination speech in Denver. It will probably will get lost in the magnitude of feedback this site gets.

But perhaps others will resonate with its respectfully simple suggestion.

_____________

100% for Obama/Biden But... Let's Keep It Honest Too. One Example with Solution.

I understand the need to emphasize certain things about one side or the other, pros and cons, etc. but it always disappoints me when exaggeration or omissions show up in ads or speeches. Regardless which campaign does it.

And especially mine (ours :)

So here is a recent example where the truth could have been included without excluding the point:

Biden made the point that McCain voted "95%" of the time with Bush. Only partially true: that applied for one year out of the last 8. The fact is that he went as low as +/- 77%.

Biden could have said that he had voted an average of more than 85% (or whatever the exact average is).

I check Politifacts and Factcheck and other sources, so do other.

Why I am sensitive to (and/or pontificating on) this?

Not only because I am like most voters, but I also did some spec speech work for Kerry in 2004. And my father wrote speeches for Democratic Senator and Presidential candidate Estes Kefauver in the 50s.

Kefauver was a very honest man and probably not "political" enough and this may have been one of the reasons he didn't win.

But this is 2008 and an historic moment for all of us.
Elegance and power, honesty and persuasion, humility and conviction -- NONE of these are mutually exclusive.

Applying those more IS part of the change we can believe in.

Joe and Barack have strong moral, ethical and honor centers within them. PLEASE find a way to be more accurate yet still be effective in all future speeches and ads.

Sincerely,

Philip S. Knight

Cowboy Politics

Dan — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:07:34 EDT

Here's and idea for an ad...

Use video of John McCain walking up the airplane ladder as he does in his "Original Maverick" ad. As he walks the narrator says "John McCain wants to define himself as a maverick. We know what a maverick is... " and then the scene shows a cowboy, like the TV series Maverick. "It's a cowboy. Just like George W. Bush and the last four years". Show McCain and Bush hugging. "We don't need 4 more years of cowboy politics, we've had enough of that."

The experience issue

Kevin from Tampa, FL — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:26:30 EDT

I'm in advertising and know the power of tv and negative ads, the republicans are attacking obama on his readiness. I think this presents an excellent opportunity to respond with a clever way to turn it around.

THE SPOT:

There was an untested young man from the illinois general assembly..

He served one term in congress...

People said he was not ready to lead as president...

That man was Abraham Lincoln.

Leadership is more than just experience. It is courage, character and vision.

Barack Obama, ready to lead.

McCain and the McCain Campaign and Alternate Reasoning

Simon — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:03:07 EDT

I've been digging up alternate reasons why recent polls show McCain gained supporters.

The strategy being used by McCain is to..
First their plan was to be direct, having McCain deliver negative speeches against Obama, at that time Obama was ON the issue.
Their reason for doing so was to force Obama to change his position and add criticism on McCain
Then, the next phase of the McCain campaign is to..
-Portray McCain during his speeches as "the straight talk"
-Portray Obama as the one who DOES the negative talk
-And by using negative attack ads, McCain campaign keeps Obama under the "negative talk" status

Simply put, their strategy is to make Obama as the "bad" guy and McCain as the "good" guy.

Where are Obama's Character Witnesses?

Jeff Klawiter — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:07:39 EDT

Throughout the Campaign Obama's gone on and off talking about his background. He came from humble origins and his current "higher than middle class" status is very recent and mostly due to his books.

With the introduction of Joe Biden, CNN was saying Joe is acting as a Character Witness for Barack. He did a decent job talking about Obama's background but I think it's still not enough. I have friends that I have been trying to convert to Obama they don't trust him. They think he's just another politician. I know he's more than that.

What amazes me is we have not seen much in political ads or testimonies from the people from his past and present. The steele workers and constituants he has helped. These "character witnesses" would be extremely helpful to his campaign. The constant stream of ads attacking John McCain are getting boring and I think are hurting more than helping.

Obama did very well in the primaries by taking the high road and concentrating on the issues and his background. Since the the negative ads against McCain his position in the polls keeps dropping. It's hard to push a platform of change when the things people see are the same ole attack ads.

Please give us ads about how Barack has changed peoples lives, how he's struggled to get where he is now, how he's taken leadership roles as he's progressed. I know he tends to come off as arogant to an average american because he is a smart man and thinks things through. I do look forward to having another scholar in the white house. But we need some oridinary Americans confirming the fact that Barry is more like us than he is like the Elite.

While his intellect may be a great asset as president, look at Bill Clinton one of the smartest presidents we've ever had, it is hurting him now. My girlfriend and I wathced the Saddleback forum and loved his answers vs. McCain's single liners. The problem is average americans tend to get bored when someone talks more than a few sentences on a subject. The straight to the point, no thought approach works with them. I was amazed by how many people think McCain won the forum. He showed no interest in actually thinking things through objectively, it was all "I was a POW, I'm one tracked and we should destroy evil and do things without thinking them through". Obama gave some very good answers that demonstrated how he thinks, how even if he doesn't agree with something he may make the decision that way if it's the best option for the people of the country.

We need a leader that analyzes the choices and makes informed decisions. Someone that can admit when he was wrong and continue to do what is best for his country and for our world. I believe Barack is that man.

"No Harsher Critic?" McCain statement includes old Biden quotes about others, out of context, etc.

Tom H — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:17:32 EDT

By now, you may have heard the McCain camp's ~~wail of desperation~~ statement regarding the Biden announcement:

"There has been no harsher critic of Barack Obama's lack of experience than Joe Biden. Biden has denounced Barack Obama's poor foreign policy judgment and has strongly argued in his own words what Americans are quickly realizing -- that Barack Obama is not ready to be President."

They included a list of quotes they purport to back up their claim and they put together a commercial with a scary-voiced dude also pushing this. Like much of what comes from McCain's campaign, the statement and ad are a mix of lies, exaggerations, and distortions. As detailed below, their background material is all at least 11 months old and includes quotes about other people and ones taken completely out of context to change their meaning.

What is up with these ads?

Ansa — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:35:04 EDT

I recently moved to SW Ohio from Texas. I have been shocked by what I have found. Perhaps it is a Texas misconception, but to me Ohio has always been "the north" which equals "more liberal than Texas". But instead I have found this area to be incredibly disappointing. For one thing, the racism around here is far more poignant. And as one half of a bi-racial relationship, I am not alone in believing that it is worse here than it was back in Texas.

While that is not the point in making this point, perhaps it has something to do with why McCain's team can get away with some of the ads I am seeing around here. Some of these things are out and out obvious lies. If you are watching Obama even as an active skeptic you know that the stuff in McCain's ads are pure fiction. How could this actually work in his favor? Is it just because its what people around here want to believe? Any insights out there?

Disappointed: Updated

Jude — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:13:35 EDT

I am disappointed in Barack Obama right now. I never expected anything good about Sen. McCain, so not a big surprise that he is constantly using misleading truths and outright lies about Sen. Obama in his ads. But, I expected better from Sen. Obama. He strikes me as a "stand-up guy."

However, lately I have seen some new ads on television from Sen. Obama that disturb me. These ads use the same tactics that were so disgusting to me in Sen. McCain's ads!

Yes, I believe that Sen. McCain is basically clueless about most things. I believe he is too old and set in his ways to make a good President. I believe he doesn't have the right temperment or mentality to improve our economy or be the Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Forces. I believe that he would lead us in 4 more years of the same thing we are getting with George W. Bush.

I am not sure our Country would survive it and I am REALLY sure that he would not improve things!

Using dated(misleading) and partial quotes(misleading) of Sen. McCain is stooping to the same slimy politics-as-usual that Americans are SICK of!

I cannot argue that Sen. Obama is a straight-up-guy when he is using the same slimy tactics as Sen. McCain!

The American People DESERVE a President with Good Integrity! I have been keeping up with things at FactCheck.org and was not surprised to see a LOT more lies and false insinuations from the McCain camp than the Obama's!

But, the number of Sen. Obama's ads that are misleading are beginning to look a lot more even with Sen. McCain's lousy tactics. Frankly, it isn't even NECESSARY when Sen. McCain shows us almost daily how clueless and out-of-touch he is!

I see Sen. Obama as a very intelligent, patriotic and diplomatic man with a lot of personal integrity. I would like to continue to see him that way. But, I am having trouble doing that when Sen. Obama's ads take a page from Sen. McCain's slimy playbook.

I am disappointed and expect better from Sen. Obama. The American People DESERVE better from him!

update:

Sure! I should have been more specific anyway. The ad in particular that I am talking about is being run in Indiana. I have no idea if it is showing elsewhere or not.

It shows soundbytes of McCain stating different things. Namely, his quotes back in January talking about how the economy is doing great, unemployment being down, Americans being better off than they were, etc. Interspersed with that is soundbytes of regular folks talking about how worried they are about losing their homes, their jobs, etc.

McCain has since changed what he says about those things. Personally, I think one of his advisors drilled into him that he can't be seen as that out-of-touch.lol

My point being; McCain has been using misleads and downright lies in his attacking ads on Sen. Obama. You can go to factcheck.org to check it out for yourself. Using such old quotes(while ignoring his current ones) makes Sen. Obama look like he is trying to do the same thing.

Do me a favor; go to factcheck.org and count how many times McCain has used deceptive practices
in his Ads. Just a month ago; it was about 10-1 on the ads they checked out. With McCain being the 10, of course. But, Sen. Obama's ads are popping up more and more and I don't like that. Not to mention the fact that it makes Sen. Obama look slippery with the truth; and I don't think he is that way at all!

Hope that clarifies things.

As far as my being a Troll....whatever. Last I checked everyone is allowed their own opinions...and you are allowed yours too.

Have a great day, all!

http://myspace.com/judes_spot

http://heyjude.name

Jude Bourff

The power of negative ads and fast response

Ronald from Cheyenne, WY — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:13:55 EDT

All of the news experts monitoring the polls are stating that those silly negative ads are having an effect. I do not know how accurate those polls are but it is something to consider.

Kill the Messenger

Peter from New York, NY — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:25:06 EDT

We forget that when vicious, personal attacks are made, there is a simple, fallible human being behind each of them. We all saw how McCain's negative ad campaign kicked into high gear when he hired Bush's ad team.

Why do we only take on the ad itself, or the "journalistic work", instead of it's creator?

The Bush team's advertising men are fair game, and so is Jerome Corsi, of swift boat fame, and more recently, his new Obama hatchet job. McCain himself is protected, his problems are "vetted", and we don't want to be seen on his low road, but the people around him can be poked, prodded, inspected and ultimately, thrown under the bus. The individual people behind the smears may whither beneath the kind of scrutiny given to a presidential candidate, and we can pick them off, one by one.

FOX news could not care less about how we refute the claims against us, step by step, but they will certainly cover a story about how so and so cheated on his wife, etc. The whole idea is to get on FOX news. That's the only way to get to the unconverted.

Strike first and hit hard

Roy from Aurora, IL — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:42:59 EDT

The current ad from the campaign turning the table on McCain about his own celebrity status is well and good but sounds defensive and un-original. What Barack's campaign should put out are ads that highlight McCain's shortcomings as a person and as a policy maker. These ads must be creative, original and hard hitting. Point out his involvement in the Keating Five, his coziness with the economic elite and the fact that he crashed numerous aircraft back in his younger days at taxpayer expense no less! These are just samples of material that the ads can use- I'm sure the campaign staff has more of these.

Playing Mr. Nice Guy was what Gore and Kerry did in their campaigns- and both times the Right Wing took them to the cleaners! It is time to play tough in order to get our message through because the right wing echo chamber can easily drown it out. And now with the recent successive arrivals of right wing smear books, the cacophony of the lies being repeated by the MSM will surely blanket the airwaves. Putting out hard hitting ads that carry both attacks on McCain as well as highlighting Barack's policies will hopefully counter the danger of BO's message being lost in the noise.

Fight Back with Focus

Libby - San Francisco — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:43:01 EDT

Sen. John McCain has a long history of lying to his constituents. If we can harken back to his heroic days in Vietnam, let's then fast forward to the 1980's and the Keating Five*, (Senator McCain was one of the five involved in the S&L scandal). Or his own party in his home state of Arizona calling for his censure in 2006.

I recently heard a pundit on MSNBC say that the Republicans are very good at being focused and consistent with their messages, no matter how untruthful the claim, or how nuanced and shallow the topic, everyone gets on board with the mantra, giving it the credibility it does not deserve.

Senator Obama has responded with denouncements. But when McCain tells out-and-out lies about Barack, "Mr. Maverick" turns the remarkable events of Obama's recent tour of Europe and the Mideast into a sophomoric mocking of his rival's "celebrity", it's time to set the record straight.

Obama's ad response to the "celebrity" issue is very clever, but it focuses on McCain's theme of the week, not Obama's. The Obama campaign's response to the Republican Senator's attack ads and negative jabs on the campaign, should be that of outrage – by Mr. Obama, David Plouf and the heavy hitters of endorsers such as the Clintons, the Kennedys, Govs. Richardson, Sebelius, Kaine and Rendell, Al Gore, Speaker Nancy Peliosi – the whole team. Let's get them in a room together – unified –on camera, facing the viewers and calling McCain on his baggage. The public has a right to know more about the real John McCain in clear, direct terms.

The backdrop has signatures of the backbone of Obama's successful rise to the Democratic Party's nomination: us, the grass roots, volunteers and supporters. On the national stage, for the general election, WE NEED THE PARTY LEADERS TO STAND UNIFIED.

Speaking of the Clintons, why are there still reports in the mainstream media about her "bitter" supporters? I heard a comment on the news today that Clinton supporters (or was it the Clintons themselves?) believe that had John Edwards confessed to his affair before the Iowa primary, Hillary would have won the nomination. This is not unity, folks. Or reality.

How can such a well oiled campaign such as Obama's allow the Hillary factor to continue to try and dilute his leadership and rightful place as the party's nominee for President? Reign her in before it's too late.

It's impressive that Obama is responding to current events "as if" he was the President. I understand that line of thinking.

But first, Senator Obama, you have to win the election.

Libby Klitsch, San Francisco

Obama Volunteer, Supporter and convention volunteer

Debunking McCain Campaign Ads & Other Propaganda

Chris 11 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:42:40 EDT

You may have seen the ads for McCain claiming that Obama would raise middle class taxes, or you may have received an email shuddering at the claim that Obama painted over the American flag on his campaign plane.
What's the truth? More . . . .

A Whole New McCain?

BP Cohoon — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:02:00 EDT

The current issue of Time magazine (August 18, 2008) runs an article entitled "A Whole New McCain". In it, Michael Scherer portrays this "new" John McCain as "tight and focused", somehow more muscular, one who "hits hard". However, the McCain we see continues to come off as confused with no coherent strategy save his attempts to smear Barack Obama at every opportunity with half-truths, innuendo and outright lies. To hear Sen. McCain say he was "proud" of his Brittney/Paris ad showed me a new low to the depths he's allowed himself to plunge.

Obama Fatigue

Kevin Taglang — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:34:11 EDT

For a campaign that's needed to introduce a junior senator to the nation, lots of press attention is a good thing, no? Well, Pew Research Center for the People & the Press has just released new numbers suggesting that the Obama campaign is getting just a little too much of a good thing.

Political Messiah?

Alice AN — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:39:40 EDT

McCain might want to tred carefully in his attempt to frame Obama's popular support as a negative. Such an action of course only increases my determination to work as hard as I can to get Obama elected, and there are many more like me - say about a million.

But, ironically the real danger is that some people who are currently bearing the brunt of all that has gone wrong in the last eight years might decide a Messiah sounds just good to them.

Mother of Iraqi vet about to be redeployed for the fourth time - might decide only a Political Messiah could end the war.

A family of four about to lose their home - might decide only a Political Messiah can help them now.

The 50,000 people who lost their jobs last month - might decide only a Political Messiah can offer them some hope.

The greatest thing about Barack is that people identify with him, largely by projecting, because Barack's campaign is less about Barack and more about America, we the people and the best of what this great nation has to offer.

How does attempting to define Obama as Messiah-like help McCain's campaign? Especially when you use extremely flattering images of Obama, complete with cheering crowds?

"Ready to lead?", you ask. How can one conceed Obama might be the one, and then question leadership? What a mentally incoherent campaign! This is all they have, and it's pathetic.

Political Messiah? Indeed! Come to deliever us from the Rovian idiocity that transforms dysfunctional campaigns to dysfunctional government.

Reading. Watching. Thinking about equality, education, and Britney?

Monica — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 12:08:04 EDT

Since my last post our man Obama has returned home to ads comparing him to Britney and "she who shall not be named".

Really. Is that the best they can come up with?

Granted, it was painful to watch McCain grocery shop, hold hands with the Dalai Lama and hang out with the common folk in front of a fudge shop. I hear he's even started looking into the internet.

I respected him in 2000. Now he's had a taste of the W. kool-aid, and methinks he likes it.

Who's been guiding Mr. McCain's ad campaign? Can you say swift vote? In 2004, McCain called these tactics dishonest, and defended Kerry. Hmmm. Wonder what's changed?

On July 3, news reports said Senator John McCain, worried that he might lose the election before it truly started, opened his doors to disciples of Karl Rove from the 2004 campaign and the Bush White House.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/opinion/30wed1.html?hp

http://theboard.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/obama-britney-paris-the-low-road-express-goes-lower/

Read on for more about McCain's record on women's equality. Also, an editorial that addresses education.

The positive rewards from negative ads (Sen McCain's plan)

Ronald from Cheyenne, WY — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:37:07 EDT

Why use a negative ad. If a campaign has limited money to finance a campaign then a negative ad will get world wide attention through the news channels. I was angry at how many times the news showed that ad without show an ad of any kind from Sen Obama. The news were all showing that ad to a global audience that Sen McCain could not afford to do. This was affective and saved the campaign of Sen McCain millions of dollars in advertising.

McCain's Ads.

Chris Comninel — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:25:10 EDT

Has anyone seen these ads.

The Best They Can Do...

Seems someone is a bit jealous here. Also the campaign (McCain include) should regard context with respect to each comment used and only use quotes when such words were actually spoken. Life is all about context and little sound bites don't really respect our intelligence and shows that the McCain campaign does not believe we as citizens are capable of understanding more than little bits of information.

The One...

Another bit of fact check again? Yep.

Obama says no to new off shore drilling because it is more important that we look to fix to our problems not a hold over. By the way, there are many acres of off shore land that are sanctioned for drilling that oil companies are not drilling in, so this whole argument is being used to solely pick a fight. Also, Barack Obama does not want to raise taxes of anyone who makes less than $250,000, and anyone who makes less than $150,000 will see their taxes lowered, sounds like a good idea to me. Oh and by the way, is it really a bad thing for German people to be chanting USA, as far as I can tell Obama being elected would go a long way in restoring our respect around the world. I mean he's not even president yet, think of how much the country could get done if he were elected.

In my humble opinion, they are completely ridiculous and baseless. And here's the kicker...John McCain is proud of these ads. Proud? He said..."All I can say is that we are proud of that commercial."(http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/default.aspx?p=3).

McCain has gone from an honorable war veteran and 'maverick' to a dirty politician who uses the same low road tactics as George W. Bush and Karl Rove. Are these the things that are really important, mocking and name calling, or can we all hope for better. Shouldn't we focus on the real problems plaguing this country. Record gas prices, crazy inflation, loss of respect around the world, hundreds of young men dying in a war that should have never happened in the first place, record high college costs, etc. I just named all of these important issues of the top of my head. John McCain is running for president, and these issues are not significant enough to discuss in his ads. This says a lot about his real character and apparent lack of any moral compass. We need someone who will address and resolve these problems, someone who will discuss real ideas and solutions the difficulties we face today and in the future.

Here are some Obama adds, for a little bit of context.

Obama...

Hope: It Could Happen to You

McNegative

Media Maven — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:09:34 EDT

John McCain’s campaign has descended to the ninth level negative attack-ad purgatory because he abandoned principled positions on issues that made him unique and appealing. He has nothing positive to say. He can’t tout actions he took during his senate career on campaign finance reform, torture, or religious intolerance because he sold out to far-right fundamentalists and big business. When he woke up to the fact that he couldn’t remain a true maverick and command enough support from his party to be elected, he dumped his principles and went shopping for endorsements.

But he was not a careful shopper. In his haste to garner approval from right wing, mega-church religious leaders, people he used to call the “agents of intolerance” he ignored the repugnant preaching’s of wing-nut reverends including John Hagee and Ron Parsley who advocates the destruction of Islam.

Had he not turned his back on the principled positions he took on campaign finance reform, offshore drilling, protecting the environment and tragically torture, he would have material for many positive campaign ads. So he’s come under the spell of big oil and neocon ideology. McCain is now afflicted with George Bush’s economic math dyslexia that leads him to believe he can blow $12 billion a month on Iraq and cut taxes and eliminate the deficit. John McCain is a desperate candidate so immersed in failed ideology it’s no wonder he can’t think. But maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that a man so addicted to war would think he can bomb his way to the presidency with attack ads.

Fire With Fire

Charley Warady — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:13:02 EDT

Sometimes it's a shame I live in Israel. I don't say that often, even though I'm still a registered Democrat and vote in every election. But the reason why I say that this time is because I'm missing these John McCain ads everyone is talking about. And now that he has gone completely over to the Dark Side with the Boys From The Bush Campaign, it's almost a shame I don't get to see Karl Rove back in action.

I'm thinking that McCain truly believes that Americans are idiots. I also believe that Obama feels the opposite. Personally, I don't think Americans are idiots. Although by the number of viewers Fox News attracts, I have to admit that there are plenty with questionable cranial capacity. Then again, I watch Fox News here in Israel. But that's only because we don't even get CNN anymore. But I digress.

The Obama campaign shouldn't let this kind of slamming go unnoticed. Would it be so hard to shove it back in McCain's face? Wouldn't it be a great ad if Obama just replayed the Britney/Paris commercial and at the end have a voiceover that simply says, "John McCain thinks Americans will believe this." Then the standard "Paid for by the Barack Obama For President campaign..."

Or have another of McCain's Bush-style ads with the voiceover at the end saying, "...and we thought we were done with this kind of campaigning with the last administration..."

The psychology behind this is obvious. Nobody likes to be perceived as being stupid. If Americans believe McCain thinks they're stupid, they're not going to let this kind of commercial be made. It jsut quickens the backlash.

Anyway, I think it's a great idea and I hope this blog is read by the right people. But I always feel that way.

The Real McCain

Ryan Kamphuis — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:12:27 EDT

So, a lot of new ads are coming out of the McCain campaign. It's kind of surprising, but these ads are nothing about McCain, they are all about Obama. These new attack ads are positively shameful. They are all bind stabs in the dark, all in an effort to blacken Obama's good names. The sad thing about this, though, is the fact that they probably will work.

As an intern at the DFL, I have seen some of the statistics and talked to people about these ads. What negative ads do is get people not to vote at all. They don't make people vote for one candidate, they make voters stay home. That's shameful. America is a democracy where every person has a say, but McCain is working to make people stay at home this November 4th!

This is really showing us who McCain is. He's not a straight talker. He's not someone who wants to focus on the issues. He is willing to do anything to get elected, just like the legions of politicians before him. While Obama works to create the politics of hope and empower the people of America, McCain works to create barriers, induce fear, and not get the vote out.

This is the real McCain.

We need to fight this. We need to volunteer. We need to fight the smears. We need to spread the truth. We need to stand together and show McCain that America isn't going to accept a cheap politician who attacks everyone else in order to get ahead. Yes we can show McCain that America won't accept Karl Rove tactics anymore, and that America wants a real leader who represents truth and morality. America wants a leader like Barack Obama. And McCain is doing everything in his power to stop America from realizing that.

That's all I have today, I'd write more, but these new McCain ads just have me so riled up, and I'm going to go volunteer for a couple hours at the Obama office right away to fight this.

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for." -Barack Obama

Racism Reality Check "Arrogant"

PolitiGal — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:49:15 EDT

I had a sucessful business career and often times I was the first woman executive in a company or industry for that matter, so it was automatically assumed that "I slept my way into the job" when in fact I had not. I just got a bigger title, and while my male counterpart got congratulated I was reviled and gossipped about and did essentally more work for less money. When I was self directed, focued, demanded the best for my clients, I was a "bitch" while my male counterpart was a "decisive leader.".

So, when they say Senator Obama is "Arrogant" I am darn sure if he were white they would be lauding his confidence and leadership style.

This my friends is RACISM. It is petty, venial and revolting and I am disgusted. Just like the McCain ad that had a headshot of the Senator with the word FORIEGN. Who do they think they are kidding? They are trying to stir up fear and bigotry in middle America.

How about an ad about the Keating 5, adultry, dumping a disabled wife, lying about his age on his wedding license, Cindy McCain's stealing drugs bound for sick children overseas to feed her habit and then lying about it? How about some ads on McCaines flip, flopping. Anything to win McCain. Do we really need a first lady like this? Do we really need another D student in the White House? How about an ad on his verbal gafs. Bury this guy. Just tell the truth in these ads and the election will be done and let America return to greatness with a President that will really lead us back to the world stage. Do an ad featuring the McCain /Bush kiss.

I have had it with Repulicans they are wrecking this country. I WANT A CHANGE!!!!!!

You don't have to be so darn cool Senator, This guy is hitting below the belt. Take the high road. Let the ads just tell the truth about McCain and that will be enough to put him away.

Here we go again

Rick Adis — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:19:57 EDT

Here we go again. McCain has once again reversed his position on running a clean campaign. He has stooped to a new all time low in Republican politics. His political ads indicating Obama is responsible for high oil prices are down right false and smacks of dirty politics.

When you listen to McCain talk he offers no real solutions to Americas problems. His only platform seems to be in support of the big oil companies, drilling off the coast and in ANWAR or criticizing everything Obama has to say.

Frankly, I have heard just about enough dirty politics. The Republicans offer drilling as some pie in the sky solution to high oil prices. Even if we were drilling today it would take at least five to seven years before that oil was discovered and placed in line to fuel depots. Republicans seem to think the American people are just a bunch of passive dumb asses who can be easily manipulated by the politics of fear and false promises of simple solutions. The worst news is they are right.

I will readily agree 911 was one of the most tragic events in our recent history. It unfortunately presented the opportunity for Republicans and the powerful special interests they represent to hi-jack the United States Government in a silent coupe. By removing the rights of the American people and substituting their surrogates powerful special interests have trampled on the very Constitution, which has made this great country, what it was.

I say what it was because of the destruction of our civil rights, tapping of our phones, reading our mail, detaining American citizens without legal justification and the endless and unjustified war in Iraq. A war in which powerful American companies are robbing the American people blind. Millions and billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This does not even take into account the men and women who are serving our nation and the hardships for them and their families. Not to mention the dead and wounded on our side. Remember there are innocent Iraqi men, women and children who are suffering and dying in this war.

The worst part is the McCain campaign talks up the success of the surge. This so called “success” is another Republican load of crap. Credit should go to the “Sons of Iraq” who have, along with large sums of money from the Bush Administration, risen up against Al Quida. The surge was only another excuse to stay in Iraq and allow American contractors to pillage the United States Treasury.

Its time to get all Republicans voted out of office so we can return reasonable representation to the people of this country. Its time the American people had a leader with vision and a real plan to turn things around and save us from becoming nothing but economic slaves to the rich and powerful. Its time for them to go!!!!!! Vote Democrat in all National and Local elections.

Next Oil Company Ad Campaign

Jerod Poore — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

I'm registered with Harris polling as a representative member of a target demographic for all of those ~~propaganda pieces~~ informative advertisements that sponsor Countdown and other news programming on MSNBC and the other cable news channels. Like the one that touts 2/3rds of our oil and natural gas coming from North America. Or the one about if you own a mutual fund you own an oil and/or natural gas company. You can also blame me for those ads running incessantly on cable news (that and the ad rates are cheap).

They key factor in all of the statistics they present is lumping natural gas in with oil.

So I get contacted whenever they're ready to create another ad.

The selection process for those being polled includes the typical demographic questions: age, gender, where I live and how much money I make. Then they get into politics. Liberal vs. Conservative vs. Middle-of-the-Road (their terminology), did I vote in 2004 (I love the "I don't know" answer), and 20 or so questions on how politically active I am. Everything from writing letters to the editor to going to school board meetings and political rallies to running for office.

And my favorites, how informed I am on energy issues and much I like the oil and natural gas companies, on a scale of 1-100. I consider myself reasonably informed. Because natural gas companies are involved I give them a 25. If it were oil alone I'd give them a 10. Mainly because I don't have anything against most of the people who work in the industries.

What's likely to be coming soon: ads dealing with how the oil and natural gas companies are involved in helping you carpool and do other things to conserve oil and natural gas. Plus they are being ever so involved in designing cars that are more fuel efficient. Because everyone is worried about what is going on in the Middle East. Not that they ask about Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola or Venezuela. Or the commodities traders who know about what is going on in those countries and freak out. Or even the extended hurricane season and strengths of the storms which will, on average, cause more interruptions in production of both oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Results of the polling so far:

86% are worried about US fuel consumption.

A whopping 21% carpool. Don't look at me, I live near the crossroads of No and Where and leave my house once a week at the most. I do give a neighbor a ride or pick something up for them so they don't have to make a drive (as do most people around here), and I'll pick up a hitchhiker every once in awhile, but I don't think that counts.

91% are doing stuff to conserve fuel other than carpooling.

For 92% fuel efficiency is going to be a major influence on their next purchase of a new vehicle. Which was true the last time their was a big spike in gas prices. Once prices leveled off and the economy picked up it was SUV city for all of those freaking soccer moms.

Get Ready. Something Wicked This Way Comes . . .

Deborah Simmel — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:46:01 EDT

Well folks, you knew it was coming. Joe Conason of RealClearPolitics.com reports on two books due out in August, ready to stoke the fires of fear, from some of the same people who managed to swiftboat Kerry with "Unfit for Command."

Better to know what we're up against, and be prepared. Be very prepared.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/06/inventing_a_countryclub_muslim.html

New FactCheck Article: Distorting Obama

Curtis — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:28:44 EDT

Read it at:

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/distorting_obama.html

Defeating McCain

bfree — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:26:53 EDT

I like McCain and supported him during the 2000 primaries; however, I feel that he's past past his political peak - and that Obama is our best choice for president.

The best way to defeat McCain (while avoiding Rove's smear tactics) is to run ads showing McCain's position on a topic back in 2000, then show Bush's opposing position, followed by McCain's current position. Couple this with ads showing Obama's forward-looking, positive message - will make Obama unstoppable.

Most moderates liked McCain's 2000 positions, but dislike how he's had to kowtow to the extreme right in order to win the GOP primary. This will demonstrate McCain's willingness to "flip-flop" and adds fuel to the argument that he would simply be running a 3rd Bush term. This approach will be effective towards liberals, independents and conservatives.

McCain's running ads during my soaps.

Jillian — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:07:28 EDT

It's his ad about how he hates war.

The politics of racism

Larry Gaissert — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:25:31 EDT

I recommend Obama supporters watch Elizabeth Dole’s “Illegal Immigration” ad. Even though it is for her senatorial campaign, there are good reasons for watching it and learning from it.

https://dole.politicalsupport.com/Donate.aspx?cid=6zZHrcgnep5KcFNmdkq8YA%3d%3d&dcid=ffbcc4

I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1950’s and 1960’s. I know racism when I see it, and this is a racist ad. Except for a few real nut cases out there no serious politician would dare be openly racist today. This is racism in its late 20th and early 21st century incarnation. And in what may be its most dangerous form, subtle (It appeals to people’s fears and prejudices without actually naming them.) and with deniability (“We’re not talking about all immigrants, just criminals.”). Remember “Willie Horton?” Remember “You deserved that job?” Remember “Call me sometime?” This ad is cut from the same cloth. Obviously the Dole strategists believe racist politics will still work here in North Carolina.

There is talk that Senator Obama may have a chance to move North Carolina back into the blue column. We all hope it will happen and are willing to work to make it happen. But rest assured that if the McCain people begin to believe it may happen they will not hesitate to resort to the same type of political strategy the Dole people have already employed. We Obama supporters need to be prepared. Prepared to name racism when we see it and to counter it with our voices, our pens and our keyboards.

MORE ATTACKS!

ObamaBob NSB — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:39:25 EDT

For those of you that have heard about, or maybe even seen the attack ads the clinton camp is putting out just before Indiana and NC, it's now requiring more response ads from us:

Here's one if you haven't seen it and i'll post any others as they become available:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QDqScU1GsQ

YES WE CAN!!

SNEAK PREVIEW - OBAMA TV ADS

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:47:34 EDT

Want to peek at the new Obama ad going on TV in Tuesday's primary states?

The ads are 2 minutes long. There's one for Indiana and one for N. Carolina. It will be on TV mainly during the evening news Monday night, but will appear in some places on Sunday.

Obama speaks out against a gas tax holiday, saying it's only the usual Washington politics. He outlines his plans to stop the divisive politics in Washington.

(Indiana version here). (N. Carolina version here).Carole

check them out if you get the chance...

Chris — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:49:37 EDT

hey guys,

let me start out by saying that none of these videos is in the spirit or the name of the obama campaign. it turns out that i myself am far less lofty or reserved or intelligent than he is. you see, when i get angry about politics, i make poop jokes. so, in the spirit of the times, here are some spoof campaign ads for hillary i just made. hope you find them mildly amusing, if not vaguely offensive--and certainly juvenile. and if you pass them along to anyone else, that'd be great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4weKtB0uYM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHJc4QQ6rsk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBPgkKMv3RQ

PS--if you are easily offended, probably best not to watch. if you do watch anyway, i apologize. to each his/her own.

ad idea

John Hussein Stifler — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:02:20 EDT

Clips of Rev. Wright, Clinton saying we can obliterate Iran and little anything from the crazy talk express followed by Barack saying its time to get serious and finally bring an end to "silly season". Or maybe clips of the three acting both collected and crazy. The key is comparing a surrogate to people who are actually running, implying that if you think this guy is nuts listen to these two kooks that are actually vying for the presidency. The Rev. is no more bipolar than either of them, swinging radically between egotistical and empathic, crazy and caring.

Watch National Ads for Obama

boomboom — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:58:55 EDT

Check out one of the better submissions for MoveOn's 'Obama In 30 Seconds' competition-filmed right in Oakland, California -with a car crash showing the current state of the nation. http://obamain30seconds.org/vote/?v=view-1661-mwoMaf
It's a cool video that could be a national ad. Hurry though, competition and video posts end Sunday at Midnight!

MoveOn.org has gotten over 1000 entries, from amatuer to professional, for their search for the best ad for Barack Obama and his campaign. ALL want to help the campaign and ALL want Obama to be President of the United States! Keep watchingand you can vote on ads you like by rating them yourself!

Great Ad

Angel — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:44:10 EDT

We ARE Changinging America!

NC Join TV Ad -- Click Here >

"Yes, we will America, yes we will..."

Great ad, love it!

Obama♥08

Si Se Puede!

Obamacast I

Mid America Mom — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:47:44 EDT

Today the Headquarter's blog featured the newest Ad ---> Here .

Yesterday someone commented that they wanted to link a CNN clip and could not. At an event I attended the topic of video came up and just how much we see out there. And then I have had a hard time this week keeping up as my kids are going to bed later (they just do not understand that is when Mommy gets alot of work done) !

Please Add Closed-Captioning to TV Ads

Jawn from Erie, PA — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:01:31 EDT

My family and I live in Pennsylvania. As you know, Pennsylvania voters will be headed to the polls in just a few short weeks in these primaries.

My family and I have begun seeing the TV advertisements, with great delight because we know what Barack Obama stands for. We support you all the way, Barack Obama.

There is just one glitch. We don't know what the ads are saying.

My family --- is partly made up of Deaf people.

"Not Scared" Ad

Steve — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:31:09 EDT

I'm amused that the little girl in the 'scare' ad (link) is actually 17, almost 18, and was a precinct captain for Obama (here's the local news report). The footage was stock footage (which explains why the Obama campaign could use it, too), and she found out about it's use along with the rest of us. She mentions doing an ad, and I wrote this. I wonder if anyone had (a) any suggestions and (b) knew to whom it should go, because it would be a very effective counter-punch, but they'll have to use it soon or people will forget the ad.

[fade in to sleeping girl stock footage]

Casey [voiceover]: "Hillary Clinton recently used stock footage of a happy little girl sleeping in bed to make a political ad, but tinted it blue ..."

[fades to dark, scary blue like the Clinton ad]

[Casey, cont'd.] "...and used a gravelly voice to scare you into voting for her."

[fade out ad, fade in Casey in brightly-lit room]

Casey: "That was me, eight years ago. And I'm here to tell you I'm not scared. You could even say I'm full of hope. Before I even saw the ad, I was a proud precinct captain on Barack Obama's campaign."

[Barack Obama walks up next to her]

Barack: "Let's put an end to politics of fear that uses scare tactics to drum up votes, and to justify bad decisions."

Casey: "And instead of relying on scary stock footage to get votes, Barack's campaign will rely on the people who've volunteered for his campaign. Like me. I'm Casey Knowles..."

Barack: "...and I'm Barack Obama..."

Both: "...and we approve this message."

Casey: "And not that other one!"

[Campaign logo fades in]

Live With Dave Abrams Show Email

Lashawn from Inglewood, CA — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:59:42 EST

I wanted to post my comments that I sent to the Live with Dan Abrams show about for the POed part of his show. I had some good ideas and hope someone can let me know what they think.

Example idea that I sent (I am new at this so bear with me...):

"Segment about contracts to foreign companies
I work for one of the two companies (I wont say which one because I am not speaking on their behalf) but you would think that yes American jobs would be key in awarding these contracts, but the superior technology used, which helps keep our superior edge military wise, would be paramount. Surely, Hillary Clinton and her "vast" national security experience that supposedly has over Obama would tell her that. Also, someone please remind her that there were two companies that won the contract one well known American aerospace company and one well known fore gin aeronautics company, Does she really think that those planes will be built overseas? (would we even allow that?)"

Click Read More for the rest....

Anyone else feeling challenged?

Larry Cage — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 23:14:06 EST

I guess I knew this was coming -- this period of feeling a little off the game, off message, off kilter. Who wouldn't be distracted a bit when you are trying to run on ideas and issues that affect ordinary Americans and then someone SWIFTBOATS you all in the name of self-preservation. The irony of Hilary claiming shame on you to Senator Obama! What I think is so tough about this is that anyone supporting Obama is no longer running FOR something in the purest sense, like him -- we too now are forced to run AGAINST something. And that's a wicked damn shame, for real people. Because what it's done is force all of us who were optimistic about a different tone and tenor to this election, all of us who wanted and pushed Obama to rise above it, which he did ... ALL of us are now in some mini-version of this National Fight in our Daily Lives.

And who did that? Shame on YOU Senator Clinton. See, I'm in it now too. She hasn't robbed us of delegates, she's robbed us of something new.

Age, Sex, Race: Obama's Triple Whammy Advantage

Virginia Elliott — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:12:22 EST

Gender, age, ethnicity: Obama CAN + SHOULD punch up this TRIPLE WHAMMY ADVANTAGE. Do not let Hillary steal these away and spin them!

How to Punch up: NEW ADS, personal appearances, interviews, speeches, supporter letters to MSM
Use as COUNTER-JABS Not a negative that Obama has a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural background!! Let her show the pictures! And take back gender!! And expose "inexperience" as THEIR fuddy-duddy ageism.Their old ways, old ideas, old alliances. Point up: OLD AGE is dangerous. And boring.
Examples of TRIPLE WHAMMY ADVANTAGE (a post on a supporter debate forum)

AGE, GENDER, ETHNICITY: OBAMA'S TRIPLE WHAMMY

Consider this: If you were an undecided, which debate

would you most want to see? Two middle aged plus

white people who look like they should get a cabin on

The Love Boat? An AARP match-up between a nagging

woman in a pantsuit and a bristly old guy with

expensive dentures or THIS:

The Lincolnesque anti-war and civil-rights activist,a

multi-cultural youth hero bearing a message of hope

for a new America, vs the elder statesman and former

war hero bearing a message of fear to defend Politics

as Usual? Which story-line is the most dramatic?

Which can set America’s collective imagination on

fire?

CHOOSE ONE:

Two guys on opposite sides of the political and

cultural war go mano to mano.

Two middle aged, middle of the roaders, go

panty-hose to penny loafer.

Think on it because when it comes to the national

debate, most American voters won't be reading

Salon.com, they'll be watching T.V.

Honestly, if you weren't a Hilary loyalist? You'd

rather watch a historic match-up between an old

warrior and a rising star, not an exchange of

posturing between folks who see the same dentist.

Excerpt of another post on Gender:

FAUX FEMINISM

As a woman, I find Hillary's riding on the pillow she

shared with Bill nothing short of sickening, even more

so because she’s a privileged, well-educated lawyer

with unusual access to the rich and powerful. Her way

padded resume on national security and foreign policy warns America that she can't be trusted to tell the

truth.

Ad I'd Like To See

Zev — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:47:25 EST

Est. Shot: Night Outside At The White House. The Camera moves from the outside through the doors inside. The shot goes through into the residence.

Sound; A Phone Rings.

Shot: A phone ringing next to the President's Bed. A hand reaches out and picks it up. The receiver moves out of shot. Bill Clinton's voice is heard: "Its for you Hil."

Voiceover: "Who do you want to answer the phone in the White House at 3AM?"

Great Leaders

Joanie Hussein Sweeney / NH Bottom Up Volunteer — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:06:19 EST

Nehemiah Principles

1. Great leaders respond clearly and distinctly to slanderous situations.

2. Great leaders address the issue head on and take action.

3. Great leaders understand integrity and exerise it in thier daily dealings.

4. Great leaders know how to wait out the opposition so that the real motive is revealed.

5.Great leaders spend most of their time in strategic issues, not fire drills.

6. Great leaders do what is right even when doing so is costly.

7.Great leaders provide a strategy for people to rally around.

8. Great leaders have concern for the condition of others.

9. Great leaders have the ability to listen.

9. Great leaders not only have concern for others, but they also have compassion.

10.Great leaders do not allow stress or discouragement to derail them from the vision.

11.Great leaders allow God to use them to turn despair into hope.

12.Great leaders explain the facts, explain the plan, and touch the hearts of the people.

This is why I support Senator Obama as our President & leader.

Thank-you Barack Obama! Yes We Can ! Si Se Puede! I Am My Brothers Keeper!

Regarding the Latest Ad Snafu...

Agnostic Unicorn — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:40:48 EST

I really wish that political campaigns could stop running ads that attack their oponents, of any sort. I personally don't really care whether or not what was put in those mailers about Clinton was true or false. We need ads that show why you are the best candidate for the post, not why your oponent isn't. If Obama really wants to tap into voter disenchantment with politics as usual, I think that's what he should do: build up his own positions and ideas, counter attacks against him, but not respond in kind, regardless of the "factuality" of the arguments.

Now more than ever, support is needed

Chris S — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:06:24 EST

According to the Washington Post...

"Obama's fundraising edge in January and early February allowed him to put ads on the air in many markets before Clinton, helping to offset her greater name recognition. With Clinton's recent surge in online fundraising, she is now matching him with TV advertising in Texas and Wisconsin and going negative in some ads. Continued fundraising will be critical to Obama's ability to introduce himself to voters in upcoming primaries. read more » "

Let's rally the troops and get more people giving to our cause.

Visual & Noticable Obama Support. Get Creative!

Shane Remington — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:02:35 EST

I was in Wisconsin last week for work. During a lunch break I noticed the following sign! I couldn't help pull in and have a bowl of soup. Are you a business owner with a way to advertise publicly on your street? Why not show your Obama support in a creative way?

Use your Business roadside advertising space to creatively support Barack Obama. Think of a creative slogan that also supports your business.. Have a business and want a creative idea? Post a comment, tell me about your business and available space and I will draft out a few ideas personaly suited for you and your company

Cheers

Shane

Hillary's negative ad in Wisconsin

Andrea from Staten Island, NY — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:31:08 EST

CNN reports that Clinton is taking aim at Obama after his refusal to participate in weekly debates. (For further information, visit: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/13/clinton-goes-negative-in-new-ad/#addcomment.) These ads, being aired in Wisconsin, make remarks such as "He would rather give speeches than answer questions."

The article goes on to say that "the Clinton campaign is still aiming for a strong showing in Wisconsin." If this is true, then Hillary should have held her rally in Wisconsin after the Potomac primaries. Although the Texas primary is being held on March 4th, Clinton televisised her rally in El Paso, dismissing her supporters in Wisconsin. If actions speak louder than words, then Hillary just demonstrated that Wisconsin is at the end of her totem pole.

Obama, on the other hand, gave his victory speech in Wisconsin and continues to meet with representatives there to promote his message of change. He leaves no stone unturned and his actions are a clear indication that he believes that every person can make a difference in this country. Maybe Hillary should take a page from his book!

Obama's Strategy after Hillary's show

EMK — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:35:39 EST

Here's what I think Obama needs to do: Get Edwards, Gore, and Richardson to endorse him ASAP. He will need to blend his ads with his speeches, as well as information from his website. Also, he's got to get CA as well as any hotly contested states tomorrow. Afterward, he needs to send ads in such a way that the information isn't just focused on one message, so he'll need to mix ads on education, health care, environment, etc, so in every state, so that everyone in every state knows what's he's about on every issue.

Advertisement Suggestions for Super Tuesday

EMK — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:00:52 EST

I agree about the info contained from the blog "Obama Keeps winning....news and info from around the world," but one thing that Clinton's got on Obama are that her ads have more elaboration (and are longer), and her interviews also have more explanation and plug-in style answers than Obama. Part of Obama's strategy are one-on-one, interactive campaigning (as mentione on some of the links from the referenced blog); however, Super Tuesday will have nearly half of the states voting at once, so he needs to get his message out in a way that a lot of people can get to know him.

Obama will need his ads to have more detail about his plans while maintaining the inspiration from his speeches, and maybe he can use some of his speeches from his early states in his ads. Those speeches are really good. In his interviews, he'll need to plug-in some of his plans. Two weeks isn't enough time to see nearly half of the country, but it may be enough time to get out his message and plans.

It may be possible for freelancers to create some ads and send them to him. Very useful, wouldn't it?

Any other suggestions, or problably some improptu ads?

I hope someone from Obama's advisors will read this blog.

Just my 2 cents,

EMK