Obama To Advertise In Arizona
On a conference call this morning, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe told reporters that his campaign is expanding advertising into three states in which few expected the Democratic nominee to be competitive: North Dakota, Georgia, and John McCain's home state of Arizona.
McCain has represented Arizona in Congress for 26 years, but recent polls have shown Obama by just the low single digits in the state.
Pressed on why the campaign was advertising in the three states when other battleground states remain tight, Plouffe said the polls were close enough to justify the effort. "We're just going to give it a go in the last 4 days and see how close we can get it," he said, adding that the campaign's push in the three states would not detract from its efforts in more traditional battlegrounds.
We wrote about the two spots now set to air in the three states, "Rearview Mirror" and "Something," yesterday. Check them out here.
"Something," which Plouffe referred to as a "positive closer," will be airing in Arizona. He said "Rearview Mirror," which links McCain to President Bush, will air in the other two states because "we've seen movement" there. He cited "highly encouraging" early voting numbers in Georgia and noted the campaign has organizations in all three states.
The Obama campaign would not release the size of the advertising buy.
McCain has represented Arizona in Congress for 26 years, but recent polls have shown Obama by just the low single digits in the state.
Pressed on why the campaign was advertising in the three states when other battleground states remain tight, Plouffe said the polls were close enough to justify the effort. "We're just going to give it a go in the last 4 days and see how close we can get it," he said, adding that the campaign's push in the three states would not detract from its efforts in more traditional battlegrounds.
We wrote about the two spots now set to air in the three states, "Rearview Mirror" and "Something," yesterday. Check them out here.
"Something," which Plouffe referred to as a "positive closer," will be airing in Arizona. He said "Rearview Mirror," which links McCain to President Bush, will air in the other two states because "we've seen movement" there. He cited "highly encouraging" early voting numbers in Georgia and noted the campaign has organizations in all three states.
The Obama campaign would not release the size of the advertising buy.
McCain Ad Touts Obama's Praise
A new ad out this morning from John McCain's campaign features Barack Obama praising the Arizona Republican for his work on a a bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "The right approach begins with the proposal put forward by Senator Lieberman and Senator McCain," Obama is shown saying. "The Lieberman-McCain bill establishes limits for greenhouse gas emissions. It's a framework that's not only good for the environment, it's also good for business. I want to thank Senator Lieberman, as well as Senator McCain, for the outstanding leadership that they've shown." The ad will air in key states. Watch it:
Starting Gate: Campaign Fatigue Cure
If you're still looking for just that right costume for the Halloween party tonight, you might want to consider going as the economy or maybe a 401k plan or upside-down home mortgage.
Or maybe, among select company, go as one of the presidential candidate. People seem to find plenty to be frightened of there (in the newest CBS News/New York Times poll, 57 percent of likely John McCain voters said the thought of Barack Obama being elected "scared" them – 47 percent of Obama supporters said the same of McCain).
No doubt you'll see a lot of Obama and Sarah Palin lookalikes out on the trick or treat circuit tonight but it's a pretty good bet that most voters are ready for this never-ending election to finally come to a conclusion. The campaigns can't afford to let up now – in fact they're in the midst of their final blitzes, revving their get-out-the-vote machines to full throttle and blitzing the battleground states with visits.
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Or maybe, among select company, go as one of the presidential candidate. People seem to find plenty to be frightened of there (in the newest CBS News/New York Times poll, 57 percent of likely John McCain voters said the thought of Barack Obama being elected "scared" them – 47 percent of Obama supporters said the same of McCain).
No doubt you'll see a lot of Obama and Sarah Palin lookalikes out on the trick or treat circuit tonight but it's a pretty good bet that most voters are ready for this never-ending election to finally come to a conclusion. The campaigns can't afford to let up now – in fact they're in the midst of their final blitzes, revving their get-out-the-vote machines to full throttle and blitzing the battleground states with visits.
Continue »
Democrats Target McCain In Arizona
With polls showing a surprisingly close race in Arizona, Democrats are upping their activity in John McCain's home state. MoveOn.org announced it would begin airing an ad on broadcast and cable in the state over the weekend. An NBC News/Mason Dixon poll out today showed McCain ahead by just four points.
The MoveOn ad features former Staff Sergeant US Air Force John Weiler, a "lifelong Republican" who won a contest the outside group conducted earlier in the year. "I'm a Veteran, I served under President Ronald Reagan and under the first President Bush," Weiler says in the ad. "I've been a Republican since before I could actually vote. We need somebody in the White House that is strong. We need somebody who's gonna represent the left and the right, the Democrat and the Republican, everybody. I'm a lifelong Republican and I'm voting for Barack Obama." You can see the ad here.
Also, CBS News chief political consultant Marc Ambinder reports on an e-mail sent to Obama supporters in Arizona urging them to double their efforts and try to pull off a "real upset" on Election Day. "The Arizona Republic is now reporting that a series of new polls show us 'neck and neck' with John McCain in Arizona," the e-mail says. "According to the Republic, Senator McCain is 'struggling in his own backyard.' Arizona is his home state. He should have a comfortable lead with voters who've known him for nearly three decades. That says all you need to know about the strength of Barack's message and the grassroots movement we've built. With Election Day just 5 days away, this surge of support for Barack couldn't come at a better time. But we have to act immediately to take advantage."
The MoveOn ad features former Staff Sergeant US Air Force John Weiler, a "lifelong Republican" who won a contest the outside group conducted earlier in the year. "I'm a Veteran, I served under President Ronald Reagan and under the first President Bush," Weiler says in the ad. "I've been a Republican since before I could actually vote. We need somebody in the White House that is strong. We need somebody who's gonna represent the left and the right, the Democrat and the Republican, everybody. I'm a lifelong Republican and I'm voting for Barack Obama." You can see the ad here.
Also, CBS News chief political consultant Marc Ambinder reports on an e-mail sent to Obama supporters in Arizona urging them to double their efforts and try to pull off a "real upset" on Election Day. "The Arizona Republic is now reporting that a series of new polls show us 'neck and neck' with John McCain in Arizona," the e-mail says. "According to the Republic, Senator McCain is 'struggling in his own backyard.' Arizona is his home state. He should have a comfortable lead with voters who've known him for nearly three decades. That says all you need to know about the strength of Barack's message and the grassroots movement we've built. With Election Day just 5 days away, this surge of support for Barack couldn't come at a better time. But we have to act immediately to take advantage."
Poll: Voters Believe McCain Running More Negative Advertising
As part of a poll to be released in full later today, CBS News and the New York Times asked voters who have seen television ads for both Barack Obama and John McCain about the tone of those ads.
Their responses suggest there is a gulf in voter perception of the candidates' efforts, with Obama widely seen as running the more positive advertising campaign.
Half of those surveyed say Obama's ads are primarily focused on what the candidate stands for, while thirty percent say they have been mostly concerned with attacking his Republican rival. Fifteen percent say both.
The perception is far more negative for McCain: Just 21 percent say the Arizona senator's ads are primarily focused on what he stands for, while the majority – 64 percent – say the ads have been largely concerned with attacking Obama. Twelve percent cite both.
We'll be making further results from the poll available at 6:30 this evening, so check back with CBSNews.com and watch the Evening News for a full report.
Their responses suggest there is a gulf in voter perception of the candidates' efforts, with Obama widely seen as running the more positive advertising campaign.
Half of those surveyed say Obama's ads are primarily focused on what the candidate stands for, while thirty percent say they have been mostly concerned with attacking his Republican rival. Fifteen percent say both.
The perception is far more negative for McCain: Just 21 percent say the Arizona senator's ads are primarily focused on what he stands for, while the majority – 64 percent – say the ads have been largely concerned with attacking Obama. Twelve percent cite both.
We'll be making further results from the poll available at 6:30 this evening, so check back with CBSNews.com and watch the Evening News for a full report.
Candidates To Appear On Monday Night Football
Barack Obama and John McCain will participate in one-on-one interviews during halftime of next week's installment of ESPN's "Monday Night Football," the Associated Press reports.
The interviews, set to be taped via satellite during the day on Monday, will air during halftime, ESPN says. Voters (who have not voted early or absentee) go to the polls the following day.
"I am ready," Obama said, a reference to speculation that he would run for president. He then put on a Bears cap and added, "for the Bears to go all the way, baby!"
The interviews, set to be taped via satellite during the day on Monday, will air during halftime, ESPN says. Voters (who have not voted early or absentee) go to the polls the following day.
"I am ready," Obama said, a reference to speculation that he would run for president. He then put on a Bears cap and added, "for the Bears to go all the way, baby!"
Candidates To Appear On Monday Night Football
Barack Obama and John McCain will participate in one-on-one interviews during halftime of next week's installment of ESPN's "Monday Night Football," the Associated Press reports.
The interviews, set to be taped via satellite at some point earlier on Monday, will air during halftime, ESPN says. Voters who have not voted early or absentee go to the polls the following day.
The interviews will be conducted by ESPN's Chris Berman.
"Monday Night Football" has averaged 12.2 million viewers this season, the AP notes. Obama appeared on the program in December of 2006, when his hometown team, the Chicago Bears, was playing.
"I am ready," Obama said then, a reference to speculation that he would run for president. He then put on a Bears cap and added, "for the Bears to go all the way, baby!"
The interviews, set to be taped via satellite at some point earlier on Monday, will air during halftime, ESPN says. Voters who have not voted early or absentee go to the polls the following day.
The interviews will be conducted by ESPN's Chris Berman.
"Monday Night Football" has averaged 12.2 million viewers this season, the AP notes. Obama appeared on the program in December of 2006, when his hometown team, the Chicago Bears, was playing.
"I am ready," Obama said then, a reference to speculation that he would run for president. He then put on a Bears cap and added, "for the Bears to go all the way, baby!"
Nielsen: 21.7% Watched Obama Infomercial
Barack Obama's infomercial last night was seen by 21.7 percent of households in the top local television markets, Nielsen reports.
The three presidential debates, by point of comparison, were watched by (in order from first to last) 34.7 percent, 42.0 percent, and 38.3 percent of households in these markets.
Nielsen also notes that Ross Perot's 1996 Election Day telecast, the last similar political program, was watched by 16.8 percent of households.
The infomercial ran live on CBS, NBC, FOX and other networks.
The three presidential debates, by point of comparison, were watched by (in order from first to last) 34.7 percent, 42.0 percent, and 38.3 percent of households in these markets.
Nielsen also notes that Ross Perot's 1996 Election Day telecast, the last similar political program, was watched by 16.8 percent of households.
The infomercial ran live on CBS, NBC, FOX and other networks.
Obama Unveils Closing Argument Ads
The Obama campaign has released two new, 30-second ads, "Rearview Mirror" and "Something," that the campaign says will begin airing tomorrow in "key states."
"Rearview Mirror" picks up on a familiar Obama criticism of John McCain – that he is too closely tied to President George W. Bush.
"Wonder where John McCain would take the economy? Look behind you," an announcer says as the spot opens. Onscreen, a man driving his car is shown looking in his rearview mirror, where he sees Mr. Bush's face.
"John McCain wants to continue George Bush's economic policies," the announcer continues. "As president, he'd provide no tax breaks to 101 million Americans, but keep tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas. He wants $4 billion dollars in new tax breaks for big oil and would tax your health care benefits for the first time ever. Look behind you: We can't afford more of the same."
"Something" is a positive spot that suggests Obama has begun unifying Americans.
"Something's happening in America," an announcer says in the spot as a variety of Americans appear onscreen and uplifting music plays in the background. "In small towns and big cities. People from every walk of life, uniting in common purpose. Barack Obama. Endorsed by Warren Buffett and Colin Powell. A leader who'll bring us together."
"We can choose hope over fear, and unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo," Obama is then shown saying. "That's how we'll emerge from this crisis stronger and more prosperous – as one nation, and as one people."
"Rearview Mirror" picks up on a familiar Obama criticism of John McCain – that he is too closely tied to President George W. Bush.
"Wonder where John McCain would take the economy? Look behind you," an announcer says as the spot opens. Onscreen, a man driving his car is shown looking in his rearview mirror, where he sees Mr. Bush's face.
"John McCain wants to continue George Bush's economic policies," the announcer continues. "As president, he'd provide no tax breaks to 101 million Americans, but keep tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas. He wants $4 billion dollars in new tax breaks for big oil and would tax your health care benefits for the first time ever. Look behind you: We can't afford more of the same."
"Something" is a positive spot that suggests Obama has begun unifying Americans.
"Something's happening in America," an announcer says in the spot as a variety of Americans appear onscreen and uplifting music plays in the background. "In small towns and big cities. People from every walk of life, uniting in common purpose. Barack Obama. Endorsed by Warren Buffett and Colin Powell. A leader who'll bring us together."
"We can choose hope over fear, and unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo," Obama is then shown saying. "That's how we'll emerge from this crisis stronger and more prosperous – as one nation, and as one people."
Starting Gate: Hope Or Irrational Exuberance?
Barack Obama opened his campaign with a message of "hope" and "change" and he's closing it the same way. What's changed from here to there is not what he's pitching but the circumstances in which he's selling it.
Two years ago, Obama opened his argument largely based on his initial opposition to the war in Iraq, targeting a Democratic Party whose opposition to that war had grown exponentially since Howard Dean used it to propel his campaign in 2004. Now, he's closing it amidst an economic crisis and signs of a deep and lasting economic recession. In both cases, public sentiment has been strongly on his side, but is it real "change" or a case of what Alan Greenspan once called "irrational exuberance?"
Obama and his team have put together an outstanding campaign by any measure and a large part of that has been their attention paid to issues and details. They've put together a large-ranging agenda and stuck with it throughout the primaries and general election campaign. The candidate known for his high-flying rhetoric has just as often sounded like a policy wonk at times, combining minute details with his overarching theme.
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Two years ago, Obama opened his argument largely based on his initial opposition to the war in Iraq, targeting a Democratic Party whose opposition to that war had grown exponentially since Howard Dean used it to propel his campaign in 2004. Now, he's closing it amidst an economic crisis and signs of a deep and lasting economic recession. In both cases, public sentiment has been strongly on his side, but is it real "change" or a case of what Alan Greenspan once called "irrational exuberance?"
Obama and his team have put together an outstanding campaign by any measure and a large part of that has been their attention paid to issues and details. They've put together a large-ranging agenda and stuck with it throughout the primaries and general election campaign. The candidate known for his high-flying rhetoric has just as often sounded like a policy wonk at times, combining minute details with his overarching theme.
Continue »
New RNC Ad Hits Obama Hard On Experience
The Republican National Committee has released a new ad, "Surgeon," that compares Barack Obama to "a surgeon who has never operated."
"The ad goes on air Thursday and will run in target markets in Ohio, Indiana, Florida and Virginia over the campaign's final days," said Brad Todd of OnMessage Inc., speaking for the RNC Independent Expenditure Unit. "The RNC IE remains on the air in those states plus Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Montana and North Carolina – with a total airtime budget exceeding $25 million over the last 15 days."
"Would you get on a plane with a pilot who has never flown?" an announcer asks as the spot opens. "Would you trust your child with someone who has never cared for children? Would you go under with a surgeon who has never operated?"
"Can you hand your nation to a man who has '…never been in charge of anything?'" she continues. "Can you wait while he learns?"
"The ad goes on air Thursday and will run in target markets in Ohio, Indiana, Florida and Virginia over the campaign's final days," said Brad Todd of OnMessage Inc., speaking for the RNC Independent Expenditure Unit. "The RNC IE remains on the air in those states plus Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Montana and North Carolina – with a total airtime budget exceeding $25 million over the last 15 days."
"Would you get on a plane with a pilot who has never flown?" an announcer asks as the spot opens. "Would you trust your child with someone who has never cared for children? Would you go under with a surgeon who has never operated?"
"Can you hand your nation to a man who has '…never been in charge of anything?'" she continues. "Can you wait while he learns?"
McCain Robocalls Running In Arizona
Sen. John McCain and the Republican National Committee are reportedly running anti-Barack Obama robocalls in Arizona – McCain's home state.
Talking Points Memo reports that the calls hit Obama for being inexperienced and soft on terrorists. The script:
Talking Points Memo reports that the calls hit Obama for being inexperienced and soft on terrorists. The script:
I'm calling for John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama is so dangerously inexperienced, his running mate Joe Biden just said, he invites a major international crisis that he will be unprepared to handle alone.Few expected McCain's home state to be within Obama's reach, but recent polls have suggested McCain's lead has shrunk to the single digits in the state.
If Democrats win full control of government, they will want to give civil rights to terrorists and talk unconditionally to dictators and state sponsors of terror. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the experience and judgment to lead America. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and authorized by McCain-Palin 2008.
A Preview Of Obama's Infomercial
The Obama campaign has released an excerpt of tonight's half-hour infomercial that will air on CBS and other stations. Watch:
Bill And Hillary Jump In
Former President Bill Clinton will be making his first joint appearance of the campaign with Barack Obama in Orlando, Florida tonight. This afternoon, he and Hillary Clinton have sent out a get-out-the vote video on Obama's behalf. Importantly, the video was not sent from the Obama campaign but to supporters of Hillary Clinton from her HillPac organization.
"We worked awfully hard in this election because you've got a lot at stake," Bill Clinton begins. "It's still important, it's more important than ever," he continues. "Boy, is that true," Hillary continues, "and we're asking everybody to get involved. Get out, do what you can, talk to your friends and your neighbors, make those phone calls, walk those streets – get the word out that this election is really important." Bill Clinton: "Senator Obama and Senator Biden need your help November 4th." Hillary Clinton: "So please everybody, get involved and don't forget to register and don't forget to vote November 4th." Watch it:
"We worked awfully hard in this election because you've got a lot at stake," Bill Clinton begins. "It's still important, it's more important than ever," he continues. "Boy, is that true," Hillary continues, "and we're asking everybody to get involved. Get out, do what you can, talk to your friends and your neighbors, make those phone calls, walk those streets – get the word out that this election is really important." Bill Clinton: "Senator Obama and Senator Biden need your help November 4th." Hillary Clinton: "So please everybody, get involved and don't forget to register and don't forget to vote November 4th." Watch it:
Both Campaigns Hit Experience In New Ads
Both campaigns have new ads out this morning focusing on the experience – or lack of it – on the part of the opposition. John McCain's ad tweaks Barack Obama's scheduled 30-minute ad tonight and claiming that Obama is not prepared to be president "yet."
"Behind the fancy speeches, grand promises and TV special, lies the truth," the ad begins. "With crises at home and abroad, Barack Obama lacks the experience America needs. And it shows. His response to our economic crisis is to spend and tax our economy deeper into recession. The fact is Barack Obama's not ready yet." Watch it:
Meanwhile, Obama's campaign is out with an ad that uses no words but relies on quotes made by McCain over the course of the campaign on screen and clearly aims at the perceived inexperience of running mate Sarah Palin.
The ad flashes this quote from McCain first: "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated." Followed by this one: "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should." And finally another: "I might have to rely on a vice president that I select" for expertise on economic issues." The ad asks, "his choice?" then moves to footage of Sarah Palin winking. "On November 4th, you get to make yours" the ad concludes. Watch it:
"Behind the fancy speeches, grand promises and TV special, lies the truth," the ad begins. "With crises at home and abroad, Barack Obama lacks the experience America needs. And it shows. His response to our economic crisis is to spend and tax our economy deeper into recession. The fact is Barack Obama's not ready yet." Watch it:
Meanwhile, Obama's campaign is out with an ad that uses no words but relies on quotes made by McCain over the course of the campaign on screen and clearly aims at the perceived inexperience of running mate Sarah Palin.
The ad flashes this quote from McCain first: "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated." Followed by this one: "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should." And finally another: "I might have to rely on a vice president that I select" for expertise on economic issues." The ad asks, "his choice?" then moves to footage of Sarah Palin winking. "On November 4th, you get to make yours" the ad concludes. Watch it:
