From The Road
August 3, 2008 4:34 PM

O-Force One

From CBS News' Allison O'Keefe:

Barack Obama’s new campaign plane is nothing short of grand. Well, for the candidate that is.

Obama’s section of the plane rivals that of any first class. Recently the front cabin of the Boeing 757 was retrofitted to install four individual chairs that resemble La-Z-Boys. They are free-standing and made of plush leather with pockets on the sides. There is also a booth which seats four for a meeting or a meal.

His chair has his name and campaign logo embroidered on the back top -- “Obama ‘08” on one line and “President” underneath. To one side is a small table stacked with newspapers ready for the candidate’s arrival. The table of the booth is always covered in snacks and cheese and is where Obama spends most of his time during flights meeting with staff and sitting for the occasional interview.

“Typically the candidate's cabin is like business class -- roomier and less chaotic than the staff and press areas, but still short of the accoutrements of a pro team's charter,” says Politico’s Mike Allen, a frequent campaign flier.

After looking at a few photos of Obama’s cabin, Allen quipped, “Air Force One may seem a tad claustrophobic.” Check it out for yourself:

(CBS/Allison Davis O'Keefe)


(CBS/Allison Davis O'Keefe)


(CBS/Allison Davis O'Keefe)











There are five sections on the 757, the first of which is Obama’s section, which can seat up to eight people at a time, although rarely are all eight seats taken. Depending on the destination or length of trip, Sen. Obama is joined by body man Reggie Love and a few senior staff members or perhaps a key Senate colleague. Recently, Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., hitched a ride from Washington, D.C., to her home state for a full day of campaign events.

The next two sections are outfitted with expansive business class seats for senior and junior level staff including Obama’s media team, which films all of the candidate’s events for promotional purposes.

The back two sections are traditional coach seats where the Secret Service, reporters, cameramen and some of the communications staff sit. It is a rite of passage each election cycle for the party’s nominee to retrofit an aircraft to distinct specifications. While the campaign pays for their share of the plane, the news media also pay thousands of dollars to fly with Obama for each leg of his campaign.

CBS News’ John Bentley, who's covering the John McCain campaign, reports that McCain flies in a slightly smaller Boeing 737, which has four compartments: the first class area, where he sits; the “straight talk” area for interviews; a business class section for staffers; and the back of the plane, where the press and secret service sit.

In McCain's spacious first class area, there are 12 plush leather seats for the candidate, his wife and senior staffers. The “straight talk” area features a long leather bench and another first class seat which McCain sits in when he talks to the press – or would, if he used the area.

Since they acquired the plane with its specially modified area, McCain has spoken to the press there precisely once, over a month ago. All of these sections are separated by curtains, which are always shut as tightly as possible as soon as the plane takes off in order to keep the different sections of the plane from interacting with each other.
Tags:
Barack Obama ,
airplane ,
o-force one
Topics:
Barack Obama
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by msherer August 3, 2008 5:12 PM PDT
Well, I guess this is the recurring theme of the campaign--McCain''s got a plane, Obama''s got a plane, but Obama''s is cooler. O-force One--gotta like that.
Reply to this comment
by brudert1 August 3, 2008 5:16 PM PDT
A blogger by the name of Bill Dupray on The Patriot Room claims that Obama purposefully had the American flag removed from the tail of the 757. Can anyone confirm whether this is true or not?
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by brudert1 August 3, 2008 5:25 PM PDT
A blogger by the name of Bill Dupray on The Patriot Room claims that Obama purposefully had the American flag removed from the tail of the 757. Can anyone confirm whether this is true or not?
Reply to this comment
by rafterman1 August 3, 2008 5:32 PM PDT
"After looking at a few photos of Obama%u2019s cabin, Allen quipped, %u201CAir Force One may seem a tad claustrophobic.%u201D"

Well, duh. Air Froce One is loaded with command and control equipment. Of course room is tighter on AF1.

Reply to this comment
by pvperson August 3, 2008 5:46 PM PDT
brudert1, Bill Dupray on The Patriot Room is known to spread viruses to people logging in to the site. Be careful.
Reply to this comment
by noozguy1 August 3, 2008 5:56 PM PDT
True, the big flag on the tail of Obama''s plane was removed and replaced with one found on most planes. Look at photos to see -- it''s not as though he''s being unpatriotic.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/airplane.asp
Reply to this comment
by redford52-2009 August 3, 2008 6:05 PM PDT
Love the huge size of the photographs. If you write an article about Obama''s new plane, don''t you think people will want to see it? Nobody at CBS thought that perhaps people might want to click on them to see a larger image? CBS is in the news business right?
Reply to this comment
by allurfears August 3, 2008 6:17 PM PDT
John McCain gives DIRECT REWARDS to reporters for POSITIVE REPORTING about him. He is BUYING REPORTERS- HE IS PAYING THEM OFF.

How can you trust reporters who are paid off by McCain?

The McCain campaign recently acknowledged that seats on the new "Straight Talk" airplane are assigned to reward "positive" reporters with special access seating in the front of the plane. These seats are REWARDED TO REPORTERS WHO PROVIDE POSITIVE COVERAGE TO McCAIN. The Washington Post reports that Sen. John McCain''s new airplane %u201Cfeatures a special area%u201D where %u201CMcCain will conduct group interviews with the press.%u201D Top McCain aide Mark Salter said "Only the good reporters would get to sit in the special section. You%u2019ll have to earn it." How can reporters %u201Cearn%u201D a seat? Never challenge the Senator.

These special seats provide direct access to McCain, access denied to other reporters. "ACCESS IS MONEY." Reporters are rewarded by their bosses and employers for gaining access to candidates. More access means MORE MONEY AND MORE PROMOTIONS.

This is nothing less than FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL BRIBERY TO REPORTERS THAT PROVIDE McCAIN WITH POSITIVE COVERAGE.

CBS should create a new section, "WHO IS THE McCAIN CAMPAIGN REWARDING TODAY?" It would report the daily seating assignments on the McCain plane. Who got the "SPECIAL ACCESS SEATS"? Who is being punished for critical reporting and is sitting in the back of the plane?

This "Obama" reporter is looking for a reward.
Reply to this comment
by dl0507 August 3, 2008 6:19 PM PDT
You Obama haters need to understand, Obama is covered by the blood of Jesus Christ! No one can harm him, I mean no man!
Reply to this comment
by allurfears August 3, 2008 6:19 PM PDT
Amazing how biased this reporter is against Obama. "O-force one"? LMAO. Allison must want a job at FIXED NEWS, or as Press Secretary for McCain.

Where is the full report on McCain''s plane and the special treatment given to reporters who post "good" stories about Bush''s third term?
Reply to this comment
by ac7880 August 3, 2008 6:22 PM PDT
No need for the actual election. Obama has already assumed all the trappings and ego of a sitting President. Nice logo on the chair there Obama - President 08. Does your huge swollen head fit in the head rest of your throne on the jet?

What a egotistical meglomainiac!!!
Reply to this comment
by jcpok August 3, 2008 6:25 PM PDT
I''m proud to be a part of voter-financed campaign and I''m proud of the fact that our candidate is able to use that financing to secure the most effective air transportation.

So, when will the mainstream media do an investigative story into McCain''s illegal - yes, highly illegal... almost all campaign finance experts agree - use of his wife''s fleet of corporate jets to skirt as part of his campaign?
Reply to this comment
by jcpok August 3, 2008 6:27 PM PDT
I am proud to be a part of a voter-financed campaign and I am even more proud of the fact that our candidate is able to use that financing to secure the most effective air transportation.

So, when will the mainstream media do an investigative story into McCain campaign''s illegal - yes, highly illegal... almost all campaign finance experts agree - use of his wife''s fleet of corporate jets?
Reply to this comment
by bondud August 3, 2008 6:35 PM PDT
Obama is totally unelectable. A joke.
Reply to this comment
by slickwill9 August 3, 2008 6:49 PM PDT
The guy who says that Obama is covered in the blood of JEsus christ, should go and read the book of Revalations. Read about the anti-christ who will create the illusion of world unity and then betray Israel.....more like annointed by Satan. Defeat Obama or we shall all perish.
Reply to this comment
by wellhell3 August 3, 2008 6:58 PM PDT
So the good old boys ponied up for Obscamma''s new plane. Wonder if it was the corrupt Muslim ones, or the oil and energy, insurance, and telecom ones!

How terribly nice that he gets to travel in the manner to which he expects to become accustomed!
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:08 PM PDT
The posters here did not even read to the bottom of the article. The article should have been titled M Force One. McCain is the one who has over spent. It is a real stupid article and some of you commenters here are falling right in line with the stupid "Obama is elite" mantra of the elite Republican right wing. Really, do you think everyone is going to believe this stupid line you are pushing? I give the majority of right thinking Americans the intelligence to see through this stupid comparison of Obama to God or the Anti-Christ, to the untouchable. You know, you look like a bunch of kids in the park. If this is what America is about today, and if this is what you people have time to do instead of focus on the real issues, then Empire America deserves to continue her ungracious fall off the face of the earth.
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by scola91660 August 3, 2008 7:10 PM PDT
He has already used his own version of the presidential seal. He has already taken a victory lap around the capital, and engaged in premature president like activity in Washington, D.C. What is the surpise that he is flying the friendly skys in O-Force One.

I for one feel fortunate to be walking the earth during the time of the Obamessiah.
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:12 PM PDT
To WellHell3 who posted the following at 06:58 PM : Aug 03, 2008

"So the good old boys ponied up for Obscamma''''s new plane. Wonder if it was the corrupt Muslim ones, or the oil and energy, insurance, and telecom ones!

How terribly nice that he gets to travel in the manner to which he expects to become accustomed!"

Me thinks you misread the article. You need to get all the way down to the bottom. And, the press needs to supply McCain''s pics too. And the press needs to remind everyone about his wife''s private jet that he uses too from time to time. Get your head out of your "but". Or maybe not. Your thinking seems to be in tune with the environment there.
Reply to this comment
by larysinclair August 3, 2008 7:13 PM PDT
Obama remove''s the Americn flag from the tail and replaces it with his logo,.....and you want to be president of what country? That is not my America!!!!! Obama should be ashamed!! He is an idiot of the highest degree,...only trounced by his supporters!!
Reply to this comment
by broncfan1661 August 3, 2008 7:18 PM PDT
Posted by PaulStewart9 at 07:08 PM : Aug
_________________________
Spoken like a typical Obama is God follower.
Reply to this comment
by scola91660 August 3, 2008 7:18 PM PDT
Somebody please tell me anything of note that Obama has ever done?

He looks good. He sounds good. He should be high school class president.
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:19 PM PDT
The following was posted by LARYSINCLAIR at 07:13 PM : Aug 03, 2008

"Obama remove''''s the Americn flag from the tail and replaces it with his logo,.....and you want to be president of what country? That is not my America!!!!! Obama should be ashamed!! He is an idiot of the highest degree,...only trounced by his supporters!!"

That is really funny, and if he kept it he would be an arrogant "a**" for presuming to represent the United States people. I know, like all the right wing elitist bloggers, you want to have it both ways. I get tired of reading this drivel, so every once in a while I strike back. I know that the real people are not even taking the time to read through your foolish comments.
Reply to this comment
by broncfan1661 August 3, 2008 7:23 PM PDT
Lyndon B Johnson was the last one I remember that had such a big ego when it came to his plane. But HE WAS ALREADY PRESIDENT. Even though he got it by default.
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by broncfan1661 August 3, 2008 7:26 PM PDT
That is really funny, and if he kept it he would be an arrogant "a**" for presuming to represent the United States people. I know, like all the right wing elitist bloggers, you want to have it both ways. I get tired of reading this drivel, so every once in a while I strike back. I know that the real people are not even taking the time to read through your foolish comments.

Posted by PaulStewart9 at 07:19 PM : Aug
_____________________
Not so. Many coporate aircraft have the American Flag on the tail. Unless they are trying to hide the fact that they are an American company.
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:26 PM PDT
broncfan1661 posted at 7:18 today the following "Posted by PaulStewart9 at 07:08 PM : Aug
_________________________
Spoken like a typical Obama is God follower."

Well if you think Obama is a God that is your delusion.

Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:29 PM PDT
To broncfan1661 - well I am not aware that corporate planes have politicians on them who are openly being criticized for being presumptuous and arrogant. I think it is appropriate that the flag not be on the plane. After all, he is not the President. You can try to paint this a different way. I don''t mind, my point is made. You do not have to agree with it. I know many will.
Reply to this comment
by ralph287 August 3, 2008 7:29 PM PDT
What a sad state of affairs America is in. It doesn''t matter who you vote for. The government is no longer for the people but for
the financial kings who control it.
God help us all.
Reply to this comment
by abouttime11 August 3, 2008 7:31 PM PDT
Sen. Obama needs the plane to campaign around the clock to wear out and beat the tired war horse he will soundly defeat in November. How nice a President with style and who appreciates something more than the someplace as ugly as Crawford, Texas
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:32 PM PDT
Posted by scola91660 at 07:10 PM : Aug 03, 2008

"I for one feel fortunate to be walking the earth during the time of the Obamessiah."

You too, are clearly delusional. Obama is no more a Messiah than is John McCain. Clearly, it is impossible, look at all the faults that everyone here is pointing out. No way can he be a Messiah. He might not even make human.

Reply to this comment
by scola91660 August 3, 2008 7:33 PM PDT
Obama = little substance, experience, accomplishments, but has a great marketing team.
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by scola91660 August 3, 2008 7:34 PM PDT
Posted by PaulStewart9

Mr. Steward, do you know irony when you see it? When Hilary referred to the celestial choirs she was right.
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:35 PM PDT
Obama = little substance, experience, accomplishments, but has a great marketing team.

Posted by scola91660 at 07:33 PM : Aug 03, 2008

My comment: McCain = little substance, too much of the wrong skills and abilities, weak leader, and has a childish marketing team with a infantile message.
Reply to this comment
by mesndblues August 3, 2008 7:36 PM PDT
The ego of this man is what bothers me most. It is extremely unsettling to think this country could be led by such a self-centered person. He was recently quoted as saying "this is the moment we have all been waiting for"...in a way, I''m glad he is showing his true colors, as it will probably wear thin on the average American, but it''s still tough to not get angry at his boastful,arrogant self. Let''s hope all Americans see the "throne" this man who would be king, sits in..
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:36 PM PDT
Posted by scola91660 at 07:34 PM : Aug 03, 2008

I don''t get your comment. Hillary is no authority on God or the Messiah any more than I am, and perhaps even you for that matter. Good Day.
Reply to this comment
by scola91660 August 3, 2008 7:37 PM PDT
My favorite is "WE are the ONES that WE have been waiting for". Excuse me whiel I puke.
Reply to this comment
by broncfan1661 August 3, 2008 7:39 PM PDT
I think it is appropriate that the flag not be on the plane. After all, he is not the President. You can try to paint this a different way. I don''''t mind, my point is made. You do not have to agree with it. I know many will.

Posted by PaulStewart9 at 07:29 PM :
______________________
I am sorry that my post went over your head. I was trying to say that if you are proud of your country, you will display it''s flag.
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:43 PM PDT
I believe Obama is neither right or left, Democrat or Republican in his thinking and views. He is simply an intelligent commonsense person with a broad perspective. He also has a strong moral core, and I believe the steely determination to do what is right for America -- yes, including the dealing with terrorists and the wars. I believe this is what America needs -- what is right for America at any given one time is a mixture of the liberal and conservative ideologies. Not necessarily one or the other.

In fact, I would argue that neither liberal or conservative ideology is particularly better or correct. America''s parties, particularly the Republican Party led by Bush and Rove, have tried to split America down the middle ("divide and conquer" strategy 101) in order to execute a philosophy of 50% plus one vote is enough to govern the other 50% minus 1 against their will. This has been more than misguided -- it has led to disastrous consequences for the country and indeed for other countries, and arguably the entire world.

I also believe Obama is in fact the mainstream here; he might not look mainstream on the outside, but inside, he is mainstream to the core. And, its what''s inside that counts.
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by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:49 PM PDT
Obama has simply been saying the obvious - the Republicans are saying he is not the main stream, he is different, does not represent the typical American. The right wing bloggers of course are saying much much worse. Trying to pin the race card on him and elitism.

Of course, with Rovian/Bush philosophy guiding him, McCain is looking to reverse the responsibility to the one who he is attacking. Great eh, get your issue tabled in your favor and you paint it as the other guy''s bad for raising it. I think right thinking Americans will see through this. What I think is that if American''s fall for this kind of tactic on the basis that it somehow means that McCain is strong and manly and will keep them safe, well, they will get what they paid for. It is mean, whiny, mealy mouthed stuff from a man with no vision.

The Republicans and the right wing elite extremists of course must resort to trying to embarrass Obama or personally discredit him with racism, fear mongering and the like. This is because their views and policies are inferior and they have no strategy figured out for themselves other than to attack his character.

McCain''s dealing with all of this shows a small mind and a reactionary agenda. It shows he is not made of the right stuff to be a strong leader. I respect him. He is a patriot, he served his country, he suffered torture. However, that does not necessarily make him Presidential material. The more I see of him, the less I like.
Reply to this comment
by arkie72802 August 3, 2008 7:49 PM PDT
dec 21, 2012 will be here soon. find out about it and see who would be president and sit at the end.
Reply to this comment
by condumbism August 3, 2008 7:49 PM PDT
Posted by PaulStewart9
McCain = little substance, too much of the wrong skills and abilities, weak leader, and has a childish marketing team with a infantile message.

You nailed it! High fives to you from all over this board.

Reply to this comment
by ralph287 August 3, 2008 7:51 PM PDT
Have you ever heard of ZEITGEIST?
Look it up on yahoo. Then you will see the whole picture.
Reply to this comment
by broncfan1661 August 3, 2008 7:51 PM PDT
Obama will be just as devisive as the rest of the Washington estabishment. It is evident by the company he keeps. Tom Dashle for one. The only Senate majority leader to not only lose his position but not even be re-elected because the people viewed him as an obstructionist. And he is one of Obammie''s top advisors?
Reply to this comment
by rayyman August 3, 2008 7:56 PM PDT
Did anyone else notice that Ms O''Keefe had to include info on McCain''s jet? Now there is nothing wrong with that, but as everything Obama, Ms O''Keefe had to play down the grandiose of Saint Obama, umm I mean Sen. Obama by stating facts that are stated in a slanted fashion to make it appear that Obama is not living it up in near presidential luxury. I point out her comment that "McCain flies in a slightly smaller Boeing 737." Now either she Ms O''Keefe has never been on a 757 or a 737 but a 737 is NOT SLIGHTLY SMALLER than a 757, it''s A LOT SMALLER. The length of a 757 is 155ft, while the 737 is 102ft ... hmmm if my math is correct that makes Obama''s jet about 50% bigger than McCain''s. Not exactly "slightly smaller" wouldn''t you say. The 757''s first class area usually has 6 rows of seats while the 737''s first class seating area is 3 rows .... hmmmm, Obama has 4 plush seats in his area and McCain has 12 ... does this say something about Obama''s knowledge of efficiency perhaps? Or is it a sign of his elitism that he doesn''t want too many people around him when he doesn''t want to talk to them. What the adoring media will do to protect their chosen one from criticism for being elitist. And what about the seat with "President" on it? The ego on this man!!
Reply to this comment
by paulstewart9 August 3, 2008 7:56 PM PDT
broncfan1661 - to your rather arrogant and elite comment "I am sorry that my post went over your head. I was trying to say that if you are proud of your country, you will display it''''s flag."

You know what, it did not go over my head. I would refer you back to what I said in my earlier comments on this which I repost below. You know, he is indeed proud of his country. The point is he is too savvy to put the flag there and have you and your fellow elite egotistic bloggers say he is presumptuous and arrogant. You need only look in the mirror to see someone who aptly fits that description. My final comments....

"To broncfan1661 - well I am not aware that corporate planes have politicians on them who are openly being criticized for being presumptuous and arrogant. I think it is appropriate that the flag not be on the plane. After all, he is not the President. You can try to paint this a different way. I don''''t mind, my point is made. You do not have to agree with it. I know many will."
Reply to this comment
by jpdunlop August 3, 2008 7:59 PM PDT
Let''s all get on our knees and pray to the Anointed One.

Supreme Elitists have NOTHING on Obama!
Reply to this comment
by johnhubbard2 August 3, 2008 8:02 PM PDT
"Obama is no more a Messiah than is John McCain. Clearly, it is impossible, look at all the faults that everyone here is pointing out. No way can he be a Messiah."

Messiah has nothing to do with faults. Messiah means "The Chosen (One)", particularly someone divinely chosen. Modern interpretation is that there is a potential messiah in every generation. I agree he is not the Messiah but he sure acts like one.
Reply to this comment
by johnhubbard2 August 3, 2008 8:04 PM PDT
Gotta go inflate my tires. LOL
Reply to this comment
by msrxbear-2009 August 3, 2008 8:05 PM PDT
Sheesh!

Some of you folks need to quit smelling the depakote!

I think that for president, our choices are UNDERWHEKMING one is just worse than the other,

One is a Jimmy Carter Type re-tread (Yes To get us out of our oil crisis all we have to do is to inflate our tires and get a tune up IS equivalent to "Wear a sweater and turn the thermostat to 58 degrees").

The other is a conservative leaning contrarian.

One seems to not have a brain in his head except reading a teleprompter.

One seems to say all sorts of things that the press likes to skewer him about, the other, well the other is above reproach. Anything that questions any policy is racist.

Reply to this comment
by tmos3 August 3, 2008 8:11 PM PDT
Boy, you conservative Obama haters sure make a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes.

Is it something in the water that makes you close-minded and half-literate?
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