Obama's Prime-Time Appeal To Voters

Democrat's Half-Hour Infomercial Appears On Numerous Networks In Campaign's Final Stretch

(CBS/AP)  In a campaign ad aired at a cost of millions, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama promised a rescue plan for the middle class in tough times Wednesday night as he reached for victory in his 21-month quest for the presidency.

"I will not be a perfect president," Obama said in the commercial. "But I can promise you this - I will always tell you what I think and where I stand."

Aides described the unusual ad as a final summation of Obama's campaign. They put the total cost at roughly $4 million, enough to show it simultaneously on CBS, NBC and Fox. It also was running on BET, Univision, MSNBC and TV One.

In the spot, Obama asked voters to "choose hope over fear and unity over division" in Tuesday's election. Republican John McCain derided the event as a "gauzy, feel-good commercial" paid for with broken promises.

Across 30 minutes, the ad blended views of Obama speaking in a setting that resembled the Oval Office, at the Democratic National Convention and elsewhere. It also included scenes of Americans discussing their economic and health care troubles and testimonials to the Democratic presidential candidate by politicians and business executives.

“Ronald Reagan had ‘morning in America,’ but this 30-minute infomercial had the feel of ‘mid-morning in America,’ said CBSNews.com senior political editor Vaughn Ververs. “Obama’s message of change and hope is a powerful one and the primary reason he is clear front-runner in this election. As the examples his campaign chose to highlight in their made-for-Hollywood ad illustrated, however, the message runs up against a harsh reality. It will be up to voters to decide whether he can deliver on the promises."

The ad showed Obama's wife, Michelle, and his two daughters as well as past photos of his black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas.

The program ended with a live transmission of Obama speaking at a campaign rally in Florida, one of several states where Obama is trying to capture traditionally Republican territory.

"we will win this election," he promised. "The time for change has come."

Without the money to match the commercial, McCain sniped at the man and the moment.

"He's got a few things he wants to sell you: He's offering government-run health care ... an energy plan guaranteed to work without drilling ... and an automatic wealth spreader that folds neatly and fits under any bed," McCain said during a campaign stop in Florida.

McCain also criticized Obama for having signed a pledge to accept federal funds for the fall campaign and then breaking his word.

By opting out of the public financing, Obama was free to raise unheard of millions for the final weeks of the race, and afford costly events such as the television commercial.

After months of campaigning, Obama offered no new proposals in the ad. Instead, he stressed his plan to offer tax cuts to the middle class, "restore the long-term health of our economy and our middle class."

Obama said the nation's neglected problems predate President Bush, but that the economic crisis that erupted a few weeks ago was a "final verdict on eight years of failed policies."

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Read Wyatt Andrews' Reality Check On Obama's Campaign Pledges

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Earlier, taping an appearance on the Daily Show for later in the evening, Obama said he had to reassure one of his daughters that the commercial would not pre-empt all programming.

"I was describing this to Michelle and my daughters, and Malia, who's 10, said, 'Hold up a second. Are you saying that my programs are going to be interrupted?' I said, 'No, we didn't buy on Disney.' So she was relieved."

[demwatcher]

Maybe Obama will finally show his skills and try to sell us the Sham-Wow, Garden Auger, or Space Bag in this infomercial.

[jumkey]

Hey Speakinup21, it''s PRESIDENT Obama to you.

HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! LOSER!!!!

You aren''t fit to shine his shoes.

[repforbarack]

I can''t wait! Go Barack!!!

[pensacola98]

I am watching the infomercial airing at this time.

It is a very effective presentation and provides detail about each of his intiatives.

A president who cares about the citizens of this nation will try to satisfy the majority. The majority of citizens in this nation are the kind of people who wil benefit from leadership under Barack Obama.

I will concede that some will never need benefit and others will not accept it from anyone who opposes their ideaology, and add these are a minority of the citizens in this nation.

Most who seek benefit from their government really want to be able to provide benefit for theirself and others.

Most who recieve benefit from government are not quitters and do reach their goals, and succeed in providing education and independance to their family and theirself.

A poor economy and expensive war benefits few.

[tribalscribe]

whoa! check out all the far-right knuckle draggers whining about obama. sounds like losers with way too much time on their hands....unless of course they''re being paid by the repugnicans to lurk on network sites

[jschmidt27]

what a bunch of bull- He will say anything to anyone to get elected. Lobbyists have surrounded him from the beginning and paid big bucks for the extravaganza called the DN Convention. I can;t believe this guy can sucker in as many people as he has.

[apinchofsalt]

he started the ad with "i''m going to give you specifics"

...how is he gonna do all this again? specifics?

[jesuit12]

Barrack Obama wishes to mirror US governmental policies to that of Francois Mitterrand. France still reeling from failed Mitterrand economic and social policies ushered in sweeping reform by electing Sarkozy one of the most conservative politicians in France%u2019s history. Obama%u2019s implementation of Mitterrand style economic control policies will wreak havoc on a US free market economy. This socialist form government has failed in every country that tried to implement it. Theoretically it should function for small and mid size countries the size of Cuba or France. Large countries like the former USSR and China do not bode well with this form of gov%u2019t. so it takes the form of the more radical form or communism. This central gov%u2019t relies on and depletes its satellite members of their resources to the benefit of the central party. Democrats in Congress are now entertaining the idea of nationalizing individuals 401k plans placing in a social security account. They want to transfer amounts at August levels before the market meltdown to try to gain support. Everyone would draw from the social security account. This effort will no doubt be supported by Obama as an excellent solution to spreading the wealth.

[hobiedan]

Obama knocked it out of the park!!!!!outstanding!!!

[pensacola98]

I agree - Obama hit a grand slam!!!

No one was left stranded on the bases. They all came home and scored!!!

[robert2237]

So if this is his closing statement then lets have a party. Maybe he is done now and will go back to Ill and play with Ayers and the other fine citizens he like hangging out with. Oh I guess I am dreaming, I am sure we will hear more out of his mouth in the next 5 or 6 days. Wonder who''s money is paying for this bet its not a US citizen paying for he want to bet.

[jesuit12]

It''s true that anything is for sale in America. People are becoming as naive as they were before 911 so complacent in their views. Rome is falling before your eyes. Beware or hope for the Chinese as they will not have mercy on the weak.

[hatenomore-2009]

Obama is a leader and will help the middle class!

Obama/Biden 2008

[bobbytspin]

Barack cares only about Barack.
Crafty and slick with words, though.
Man this guy is big trouble.

[robert2237]

Pensacola98 - I can see only about 20% or less citizens that will benefit any from the obama but they will do good. NIce way to buy votes promise the a check and they will always vote for you. Poor economy if you would do a little research is caused by the congress not the president. The war has been a major expense but we can''t cut and run now as the obama wants to do. If we did we would be back in a few years costing a lot more in life and money.

And last but not least most people look to the goverment to protect us and run the business of goverment and keep out of our lives. I don''t know where you get the ideal that most who recieve benefit from the goverment reach their goals. Man it sure takes a long time some of these families have been in the welfare program for years not just one generation but many. Got a family I know who has had Grandad, Mom and Dad Children and now grandchildren all on welfare. Yeah they reach their goals sure. They will never as long as we are giving them a hand out. No need to. Wake up you must work for some DHS or ACORN group to think like this.

[hobiedan]

Obama did not slander, he had enough class not to. He did not attempt to rebut the accusations that his opponent has conjured. He appeared Presidential. This is the guy we need. We have had enough of diplomacy by sledgehammer. It is time for a rational diplomat to assume leadership. And Obama is that person.

[bigjoe-24]

The polls are all trending toward John McCain. BAD NEWS for Barack Obama. Whoever the polls trend towards normally win on Election Night. Sorry Obama, better try in four more years.

Posted by scb1111_1

.............

Are you serious??? show us some of them... links please LMFAO!!!

[FHMullane]

Obama did a great job. He showed his understanding of the middle class and made it clear he will address their problems.

No matter how you feel.. he offers hope and puts a good positive spin on things. We cannot sit here listening to the same OLD ***. It hasn''t worked.

[kiwiw]

it was excellent and there''s no doubt about it, he''s a good man, you hater''s can spew all the hate you want, its not going to stop nothing. He''s more qualified more human and down to earth and recognizes the problems that people face. He knows how many houses he has, and he''s going to be the next president of the United States. And all you fools who are dumb enough to think that anybody in their right mind wants another 8 years of republican''s needs to be deported.. Good Luck to ya

[bobbytspin]

Barack cares only about Barack.
Crafty and slick with words, though.
Man this guy is big trouble.

[themassesi]

God bless you Obama!

[interobserv]

To all of you paid bloggers at this and other sites I have only one thing to say to all of you:

Senator Obama sealed the deal!

Now it''s up to the rest of us to get out and make it so!!

Thank you Senator Obama!!

OBAMA/BIDEN ''08

[bobbytspin]

Your infomercial makes a very good case... for voting AGAINST you! America wants to end poverty, that''s why we can''t afford your confused policies. You talk a good game, but your track record indicates you''re all B.S.!!!!!

[bobbytspin]

You speak of "dignity and respect"... how about starting with yourself and respecting our constitution.

[platteman]

If you can''t dazzle them with brilliance, you baffel them with BS. Were the Chosen one real, he would be up by 40 points. The problem is he is a socialist and he want my money, my neighbors money and he wants to give it to people who don''t work at all.
BO is for one thing, robbing from the rich and then giving it to the people who won''t, don''t work.

[wakfromdawic]

Excellent work. Wow. A candidate that actually wanted to talk to the country about what we''ve shared with him for the past 20mos. Absolutely splendid. I''m so impressed. I cried almost through the entire airing. Sensational. I will be more active in my community as a result of his speech. Oo-Ra. Semper Fi.

[clestes-2009]

Finally, a president and vice pesident who might actually care more about us middleclass people than than their f*cking careers and who might actually be effecive.

Maybe this man is different, someone who can restore our faith in government. For way too long there has been a cynical feeling that Washington doesn''t care about upholding the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. It cared only about power and keeping power and rewarding the big businesses that put them in power. All at the expense of the middle class.

Someone actually WORTHY of this great country''s most prestigeous job.

Dare we actually HOPE?

[shelagh6]

BRILLANT! i DID NOT WANT IT TO END- TIME WENT SO FAST.

THIS MOVED ME TO TEARS. YOU HAVE MY VOTE.

[yeswecan09]

It was an absolutely wonderful half hour presentation that showed the problems this country is facing and what solutions Obama will take to solve them.

There was no naming calling or slander in the presentation, just a simple honest man who is willing to work hard to help the middle class.

This is the man who is going to be President.

[b0bbytspin]

President Obama just showed America the passionate side of a human being that loves people and can really understand our suffering!

His message made Palin/McCain''s campaign a real perversion of a desperate cruel, selfish dirty old man!

[b0bbytspin]

President Obama just showed America the passionate side of a human being that loves people and can really understand our suffering!

His message made Palin/McCain''s campaign a real perversion of a desperate cruel, selfish dirty old man!

[hawksprings]

Can you feel the love in this ''news'' story for Obama?
Thank you, cBSnews, for your unbiased, objective reporting on Obama.

[truthhonor]

Poor john mccain he is about to lose his home state of Arizona. He only leads Obama by 2% points in Arizona. Ouch!!!!

[daderf-2009]

For the first time I was impressed with Set. Obama with one exception he seem to keep from his age to the present and did not mention SS at all which bothered me.

[bobbytspin]

That''s nice Obama that your grandparent''s defended this country. However, they''re not running for office, you are.

[b0bbytspin]

You know what I changed my mind about Obama! I think he will be better for national security and the economy!

Plus sarah palin $150,000.00 on clothes, most Americans could have bought a home for that amount!

Besides I think Sarah Palin is really a Terrorist

Breaking News: The Terrorist Group AKA Alaska Independent party Calling on Russia to help secede from the Union
www.chilitoz.com
Extremists Mark Chryson and Steve Stoll former leaders of the Alaska Terrorist group AKA Independence Party and friends of Sarah Palin are calling on Russia to help them gain independence from the United States.

Watch video of Sarah palin addressing The Alaska Terrorist Group also known as The Independence party. They are calling for a civil war against the mainland.
www.chilitoz.com

[onarollagain]

Everyone...Repubs and Crats...email the LA Times to release the tape...it is our civic duty to do this and their responsibility to release the tape. Take action...let''''s get control of the United States of America again and out of the mainstream media''s bias release of information

[bobbytspin]

Barack Obama and Joe Biden are both fantastically-skilled liars.

[truthspeake2]

The true terrorists and insurgents have been the GOP!

[hobiedan]

It amazes me that someone can actually accuse an American Presidential Candidate as a terrorist. How small minded can you get? Obama showed class and resolve tonight. Quite unlike his opponent.

[o_the_potus]

I LOVE Barack Obama!!!

[jlp28481]

My entire family did a blackout of all stations carrying Obama''s commercial.

Just like we are doing a blackout of all the bias news anchors that have not given any investigative information to the American public. Our little way of protesting Communist 3rd World media tactics - telling one side of a story. Where are you CBS, NBC, ABC with the truth about Rezko, Ayers, Kladihi, Wright, ACORN, and lie after lie Obama has told - the truth behind the Chicago district Obama represented as a state Senator - horrible conditions. Where is the media?

[sereptaann]

Am I the only one who heard him lower the amount of the tax cuts to 200k for families (it used to be 250k for families, 200k for singles) Now that would be 200k for families 150k for singles. Meaning Joe Biden didn''t misspeak. They just keep lowering it, John McCain was right, you getting the picture here?

[o_the_potus]

Like I said, find out who controls the media and you will know who is destroying our country.

Posted by mr22585 at 09:04 PM : Oct 29, 2008

---------------------

Like I said -- find out who has been in control of the ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH

[stevekelson-2009]

I have never in my life seen such a difference in "Americans." The amount of utter nonsense typed by whacked out GOP Nazis... so few are well thought out obervations and most come off as "F -ing infants" as described by thee CIA man in Charlie Wilsons War. Maybe 5% of them post anything thats remotely reasonable...on any site on the entire internet.

Compare that to the 90% intelliegent comments from an Obama supporter. Never in my life would you ever get me to believe America was so full of wackos.

I learned by lesson. And it''s not a pretty sight

[truthspeake2]

So wait, I''''''''m confused. What is rich: 150k, 200k, or 250k?? Is this downward trend going to continue?

Posted by breginel at 09:06 PM : Oct 29, 2008


Actually, none of the above...being rich is when you don''t know how many houses you own!

[o_the_potus]

Thank God for Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. Without them, all will be lost.

[truthhonor]

Posted by jlp28481 at 09:08 PM : Oct 29, 2008

I think this is about the 20th conspiracy theory on this blog. It must be hard for the media to coordinate their opinions, after all they are all looking for ratings. They must have a hard time to determine who comes in 1st LMAO

[stezzer]

Barack Obama reminds me of ex UK leader Tony Blair. Both nice blokes but very left wing.

I voted for Tony. Ten years later, with my country in a mess and my pocket fleeced, I can honestly say I will never vote for a socialist again.

I hope you have better luck America.

[bobbytspin]

Crafty and slick with words. Man this Obama guy is big trouble.