Obama, flush with cash, buys up primetime network TV
By Jimmy Orr | 10.10.08
Well it looks like Barack Obama can have the stage all to himself after all — and he doesn’t need John McCain to suspend his campaign to do it. The Democratic nominee for President is going the route of Matthew Lesko, Miss Cleo and Richard Simmons. He’s doing an infomercial.
Prime time
The Obama campaign is buying up the equivalent of waterfront property on the airwaves, purchasing 30-minute blocks of prime time on CBS and NBC. Expensive? Very. Although campaigns receive discounted rates, it’s not like he’s buying a combo meal at Burger King. It’s still estimated to cost $2 million per episode.
But he’s got the money to do it. You think Obama is glad he changed his mind on the campaign public financing thing?
While there are plenty that called that move one of a master flip-flopper, Obama’s got so much cash that he can now ignore those critics and buy up air time. At least for 30 minutes at a time.
Savvy buy
The Obama show will air at 8p.m. (EDT) on Oct. 29. That’s a savvy buy. Oct. 29 is the anniversary of the stock market collapse known as Black Tuesday. The day that ushered in the Great Depression.
Although there is no official word, The Vote is predicting Obama just may bring up the economy during the 30-minute address.
The Associated Press reports that CBS is already moving its lineup around to accommodate the politician. An episode of “The New Adventures of Old Christine” is getting bumped back — leading many to ask profound questions like: “Is that an actual television program?”
Word has it Obama is also looking at buying time on ABC and Fox. The difficulty with Fox, however, is that the World Series might interfere with his schedule.
Sports
If Major League Baseball is going through the same “difficult” financial challenges that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced earlier this week, perhaps Obama could just buy up the league, thereby getting his message out and saving America’s pastime.
(Memo to Goodell: The average NFL ticket costs $72. The minimum salary for a rookie is $285,000. The average NFL salary is $1.7 million. It’s the most popular sport in the country with more than 17 million fans attending games last season. Roger, baby, it’ll be all right.)
Equal time
The McCain camp will be offered equal time. But because McCain opted for public financing, he has a smaller war chest. It will be difficult for him to afford the buy.
Perhaps he could work out a deal with NBC. Maybe he could do a sitcom with a bunch of 30-somethings and call it “My Friends”.
<< McCain’s poll numbers have fallen and he can’t get up! | MainComments
3. Chris | 10.10.08
Maybe in this time of crisis Obama should be doing something more useful with $4 million than spending the money to line the pockets of CBS & NBC executives. If he wastes his own money so easily just wait and see what he’s going to do with taxpayer money. Chicgo has the highest taxes in the country, its also where Obama is from.
4. Jennifer | 10.10.08
Hard not to be sour. John McCain is pulling a GWB and going negative to divide this country so he can win — leaving (for now) half of this country miserable for another four years and who knows how many miserable people there will be by the time he is done putting us in the toilet. I hope he sinks himself something deep before that can happen because that is what he deserves for his childish tactics. I’ll be watching Obama on Primetime! Obama 08!
5. carlos | 10.10.08
I know Obama has the enough support to even purchase as mush advertisement as he needs. which is good. So far, Obama has the sufficient experience in the economic field that now is needed the most, war no so much although that’s why his VP pick. these two candidates if elected for the presidency will fix out country. Mccain in the other hand is only shows emotions when speaking on debates and speeches, im not a big fan on emotions. ” i will bring my troops with victory and with honor”. thats phrase just does not do it for me. something intellent would have worked much better.
hopefully obama wins!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Am | 10.10.08
I don’t see it as a “waste” of money. A lot can happen in the campaign right now. Obama raised that money, and he’s going to use it to try and convince voters that he is the best candidate for the job (maybe even get to those “hockey moms” who have yet to see what policies Sarah Palin REALLY stands for, and how much McCain has changed).
7. Jackson Coleman | 10.10.08
Don’t turn against Obama when it is too late
Do it now.
African American Democrat voting McCain
10. lucy2008 | 10.10.08
Nice to see the money at work. I’ll contribute a little bit to this effort.
Infomercial is a lot better than lot’s of 30sec hate and lie ads.
Look forward to watching the program.
11. rt | 10.10.08
Obama seems like a go-getter. He seems to think out-of-the-box, not the old dirty politics. If he is doing this for his campaign, imagine what he can do for this country. He can only take it higher, not any lower than where it is now.
12. erik | 10.10.08
Every time I read another headline about Obama and this retarded guilt by assoc. I donate $50 dollars to his campaign. McCain has proven he is the worst for America and would rather divide it even in a time of such economic uncertainty… The guy knows nothing of true leadership…
Obama-Biden 2008 all the way……
13. Peter Truong | 10.10.08
Where does he get so much money from outsiders? Who are they? Is it from drug lords, or terrorist? Someone need to look into it.
14. Maverick | 10.10.08
Earlier in this fray, I was positioned closer to McCain… being a Vietnam vet myself… but since his campaign has gone downhill, and taken a more negative tact, I am now leaning towards Obama… whichever candidate does the least mudslinging and most constructive argumentation, will get my vote at this point.
15. The Rodentman | 10.10.08
Sicko, If McSame wins you will never be able to have your own car, job, or house. If McSame wins, which he won’t, we’ll all be living in the terlet unless you’re a millionaire. Those are the people McSame rolls with, and takes care of, not the little people.
16. Mrs. Tony Monroe | 10.10.08
I feel what Obama is doing is called “good politics” he is trying to sell himself to the masses. Give it all he has because election time is here. I bet McCain is mad he didn’t think of it first.
17. John Smith | 10.10.08
Obama is getting money from Martians and is planning to help them attack small towns in the United States. He hasn’t said that he isn’t getting money from them, so it must be true. Someone needs to go live with this story right now!!!
19. Joe Hell | 10.10.08
‘Perhaps he could work out a deal with NBC. Maybe he could do a sitcom with a bunch of 30-somethings and call it “My Friends”.’
That last line was classic!
21. Christian Soldier in Iraq | 10.10.08
Obama was given this money by voters that support him. They gave him that money knowing he would use it to do his best to win the election and he is doing just that. This notion that this is an inappropriate use of his money or that he got this money from druglords is totally ridiculous.
Obama 08
22. Average Joe | 10.10.08
Hey Peter Truong, get your head out. The money is coming from people who care about where the country’s going. I’m not a terrorist, or a drug dealer (are you a racist? cause it sure sounds that way), I’m an average guy who’s given to the campaign, probably along with half the other posts here. Really? you think he’s getting $ from terrorists and drug dealers… really? no, REALLY??? Get your head out of.
23. Angela Vlahos | 10.10.08
Buying my vote doesn’t work not even for primtime. I guess that is why Senator Obama turned down public financing.
I think Mr Obama is using the same old same old McCain is like Bush tactic as a ploy to deflect from his seedy friends. Senator Obama has accepted more money from Fannie Mae, his current staffers are ex FNMA execs, his tie to ACORN which started the whole CRA process which got us into this mortgage mess. CRA mandates relaxed debt to income ratios on mortgages. Mandated the no money down payment process known as my community program.
I wll not watch this expensive prime time event. There are other options, read a book or watch TNN they are forever running Law and Order.
24. White Male Republican voting Obama | 10.10.08
The republicans have spent more money during their 20 years in charge, since 1980, then the democrats could every dream of spending. Where’s the fiscal responsibility? At least with Clinton we had a surplus!
After reading The Wrecking Crew by Thomas Frank, I’m convinced that the republicans have put themselves first and their country last.
I’m done with them!
25. Dhanna | 10.10.08
Hey Chris,
Your argument is really flawed. This is campaign money, not Obama’s money. He has to spend it on the campaign. I personally want a president to use the money I give him according to our agreement. Not pocket the money for his own personal gain like Republicans are so often inclined to do.
26. Capitalist | 10.10.08
Can’t wait till he is spending my money. I thing he should do this every week at 2 million an episode. That way we will all be Kool-aid drinkers. Wake up AMERICA socialism is knocking on the door.
27. Les | 10.10.08
I agree with James Carville’s post debate statement that the game is over. It is now a matter of how badly the Maverick One gets trounced.
I also agree with his assesment that this country will burn to the ground if the Republicans steal another election as they did in 2000. We are in a very dangerous period given the open hostilities being stoked at the Maverick rallies along with the fact that millions of Americans have been reduced to bankruptcy and foreclosure. There is perhaps nothing worse than being lied to when you are totally down and out but the Mavericks just don’t get it.
The anti-tax brigade has been reduced to a pitiful sideshow. People have finally realized (the hard way of course) that de-regulation and a market free-for-all ideology are the worse of two evils. At least taxes buy us tangible benefits such as public safety, education, public works, etc. (and hopefully health care in the near future). And we do have input via our representatives how our taxes are spent. Meanwhile, corporate America just laughs at us while they spend lavishly on executive retreats and golden parachutes.
The Republican party is dead. Either they reinvent themselves our they’ll be replaced be a party emergent from the largest block of voters - Independents. The trickle down experiment is over. The only thing that comes down is that which we flush down the toilet every day!
Clearly, Obama made the right decision to forgoe public financing. I am looking forward to viewing the Obama show later this month. It’ll be a nice break from the mean-spirited Republican attack machine. It is something we need more than ever given the potential consequences.
28. From PA | 10.10.08
Ok, sounds like we need someone who will play nice with Communists, Socialists, and Iran…So keep donating to Obama’s campaign, you’re funding that idelogy. His associate blew up the Pentagon because of his views about the Vietnam War, then Obama launched his campaign for Illinois Senate out of the “associate’s” living room? Pick you friends, pick your future.
29. Saxxon Domela | 10.10.08
Yesterday I watched in horror one of the McCain-Palin hate rallies. After listening to the raw hatred and emotion they incite I turned on my laptop and donated another $150.00 to the Obama campaign. Next I called several friends and they too donated over $100.00 each. They said they were going to call several friends to ask them to donate. I can’t stop the hatred spewing from McCain and Palin’s mouths, but I can react to it. I am glad Obama is buying prime time on the networks. I am proud that I am paying for a second or two. Bush has run our country into the ground, now the Democrats will have to scrape and work hard to try and pick up the pieces.
30. ObamaAlltheway | 10.10.08
Obama-Biden all the way! McCain is a dumb-arizona red-neck. Obama is totally right, if you dont want more of the 8 last years with another red-neck, vote Obama!
31. Tim James | 10.10.08
911 was the start. Financed by corruption in the housing market and the stock market Obama and his friends have the finances to finish it. Vote Obama! Let’s change America. The Socialist Republic of America. Doesn’t it sound great? If you would like to be a part of this change contact the Weather Underground today!
32. JBGoode | 10.10.08
Dear Misinformed Angely
He’s trying to deflect eh? That’s the tactic McCain used on you and its apparently worked. Obama has been on the campaign trail for 2 years now and anything and everything that could be dug up about him and his family HAS been and yet he’s in the lead. WHY? Because he’s clean. Everyone knows and has ties to someone who’s done or said something shady in the past. Many of us have donated to organizations that we thought were doing a good thing, then find out they’re crooked. Do either of these things make us bad or dishonorable? No. We heard about all of Obama’s shady characters long ago. Wright was all over tv for 6 WEEKS STRAIGHT (Liberal bias? erm, no.) McCain and Palin have far WORSE ties that they KNOWINGLY and INTENTIONALLY got involved with that we only get to hear about on Jon Stewart, Colbert Report, and MSNBC or obscure articles here on the net. Obama’s staffers are FNMA execs? No. McCain’s head campaign adviser fannie mae lobbiest? Yes. Get the facts straight, and look at what the REAL issues are. Not McCains “what economy> look over here” tactic.
ps. That “My Friends” comment was a riot!
33. Ronaldo | 10.10.08
What do you think? Would the show “My Friends” last more than one week? Might, if he revealed his true nature and Smashed something on camera. This guy is scaring me. On the other hand, maybe if the show aired on Sunday Morning, either before, or after Church, so the Christian Right, who seem to be his only supporters these days, could watch.
34. Karen Solheim | 10.10.08
I’ll watch the Obama show. I hope he uses the time to tell us what he is going to do during his first 100 days to get us out of this economic crisis. He is very intelligent and I don’t think he is going to waste a half hour just touting his qualifications. He is the presumptive next president and he is inheriting a horrible mess. He needs to use the time to convince Americans that he has already determined what needs to be done to fix the economy and that he will lead us into recovery.
The crisis has moved from real estate to banking to construction to manufacturing to retail. Companies are forming lay-off plans and trying to stockpile cash from whatever source they can find it. Averge Americans are tightening their belts and putting off purchases. The last week of October is a great time for Obama to provide his economic recovery plan, just before the Christmas buying season. If Americans are convinced he will put it off, they will shop. Otherwise, retailers will find a lot of stock remaining on their shelves come January.
35. cd | 10.10.08
@ Peter Truong
Well, I’m not a terrorist or an illegal alien. I’m not chinese, or georgian, or russian either. And yet, I’ve donated money to Obama’s campaign!
Weird.
It’s almost like you republicans are trying to make up more lies and innuendo to further divide the American people and ensure that the keys to the US treasury remain firmly in the hands of CEO’s and lobbyists. I guess that’s all you’ve got left since the American public is seeing the fruits of your economic ideology up close and personal.
If you want to talk about domestic terrorists, then I suggest we start with a 60’s-era radical who advocated, on air, murdering federal ATF agents; who also broke into the office of the Democratic National Committee to plant bugs and photograph documents. The same radical who held a McCain fundraiser in HIS house.
The same G Gordon Liddy to whom McCain said publically “I’m proud of you, I’m proud of your family. It’s always a pleasure for me to come on your program, Gordon, and congratulations on your continued success and adherence to the principles and philosophies that keep our nation great.”
That same radical has even given McCain over $5,000 dollars in campaign contributions. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0504chapmanmay04,0,6238795.column)
And as for foreigners contributing money, wasn’t it McCain’s foreign relations advisor (Randy Scheunemann) who was taking money from Macedonia, Georgia and Taiwan? (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-05-20-mccainadviser_n.htm) What about his senior advisor Charlie Black who lobbied to win ‘foreign assistance for Colombia’, and on behalf of dozens of other countries like Angola and Zaire? (http://mccainsource.com/mccain_fact_check?id=0007). What about finance co-chair Tom Loeffler who took his money from the government of Saudi Arabia? (http://www.newsweek.com/id/137522). And his convention manager Doug Goodyear who took money from the Burmese Junta?(http://www.newsweek.com/id/136321)
I can name 6 more McCain campaigners who take their money from foreign car manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai. And that’s just from about 5 minutes of googling the topic.
Seems to me like it’s McCain’s campaign that’s being funded by outsiders and terrorists, not Obama! And unlike your vague, unsubstantiated fear and rumour mongering, you can check the sources for yourself.
36. Jephte | 10.10.08
Jackson–
May I ask why you are voting McCain? I’m tired of all the Obama haters saying that we don’t know or can’t trust Obama. What do we really know about McCain and his connections and dealings in Washington? I know he comes from one of the most racists states in America (Mississippi). I know McCain represents a state that did not even acknowledge M.L.K. day until 1992.
(read this http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2519/is_n4_v14/ai_14538792 to see how Arizonans preferred to celebrate a Spanish conquerer who didn’t actually discover our country over a black peace activist who elevated this country)
He was born into a military aristocracy, but has a horrible voting record on veterans issues, denying millions upon millions of dollars in Medical and Mental Health benefits. I know he has beat cancer several times, but continues to deny everyone else the “privilege” of extended life through access to health care.
I have lived near DC most of my life and have been tuned in to Washington politics since my teenage years. I have met people who have had run-ins with this man and it is safe to say that anyone who crosses his path is in for some pain. McCain supports have adopted his demeanor, angrily detesting Obama and his millions of supporters. McCain’s sense of entitlement is typical of a person who has lived in privilege and his fury is a reaction to a bruised ego.
I can only generalize about this man, because little about his life is part of the public record. But if you look at his background, his voting record and his erratic demeanor and poor judgement, he would make a great president in the 20th century. But IT’S 2008! Time for the baby-boomers to step aside. We need a president that understands the information age and the new global economy, not a throwback to the good ol’ days.
37. erik | 10.10.08
The Republican party established in 1854 to its death in 2008, RIP.
I wonder who will be at the funeral?
38. Angry Indepedent | 10.10.08
This is an absolutely reckless waste of money. He would have turned more heads had he given that money to charity, instead he’s putting up a useless self-love propaganda piece to court the uninformed vote. If you need a 30 minute piece of fluff to convince you who you should vote for than you shouldn’t be voting. This is dangerous. Castro would be proud.
39. buggsy | 10.10.08
As a registered Republican, I never thought I would vote for a Dem, but McCain has really been a huge disappointment. He just doesn’t seem to have what it’s going to take to move this country through the multiple crises we face both here and abroad. Obama does. My vote this time: for the better candidate, whoever he is.
40. erik | 10.10.08
Can you imagine if you for one second applied this guilt by assoc. to McCain?
Let me tell you the list would be to long.
On the other hand you dont have to, McCain does enough wrong to focus negativity on him and his actions alone… That should tell you something
McCain-Palin is not the future let alone next week. Vote Obama if you want one
41. Robin Greene | 10.10.08
Who keeps giving this guy money? Why doesn’t Obama donate it to the “bailout” - we need it more than he does. No Obama, we don’t want to pay more taxes nor do we wan to become the United Socialist States of America. With a screw-ball like Obama at the helm, this county is doomed. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
42. Lori | 10.10.08
I agree with you, Karen. I hope Obama lays out a plan. I also hope that he is able to get people to believe that the economy is going to be OK. That we are Americans and that we can get through this and prosper. People will believe him. They no longer believe Bush. He has blown the American people’s trust.
However, I also hope he will be humble…I hope he says “if you elect me,” not “when you elect me.”
43. Jason | 10.10.08
The problem with Obama and the Democratic Party leadership as a whole is that it is to their advantage to have economic crises, failure in Iraq, high unemployment, etc. As Harry Reid said “If things start going well in Iraq, that will be bad for the Democratic party.” When people worry and are full of gloom and doom, they reach out to the politicians they think will give them the biggest handouts. So when Democratic demands for higher wages means companies pay more to some workers and lay off the rest, Democrats are pleased “more voters for us!” When Democrats “tax big corporations” and those corporations lose money, close factories, and lay people off, “Hooray! More people to vote Democrat!” When Democrats refuse to regulate the finance industry and require banks to give out mortgages, even to those who can’t afford them and the economy tanks. “More Democratic voters! Prepare for a landslide.” When Obama makes a Presidential decree that 10% of all US energy must be from renewable sources–without any viable way for that to happen–the prices of all US goods go up, our trade deficit gets huge as we can’t compete in international markets, and more people lose their jobs–so they’ll vote Democrat in hopes for big handouts from the government, extracted from a smaller and smaller number of “rich” companies and individuals. The question is, a Democratically controlled Congress and a Democrat in the White House–how long can they blame everything on “the failed policies of the failed failure, President Bush”? How long will they make popular appealling policies that destroy our economy and standard of living before voters will notice that all the Democratic handouts aren’t nearly as nice as it would be to actually be employed or live in a country where it would actually be possible to live without government handouts? Why would Democrats improve anything?
44. emd1976 | 10.10.08
Dear Peter Truong,
Just wanted you to know that I am a 32 year old industrial designer born in New Jersey, and now live in Florida (Not a Terrorist, Drug Dealer, Alien). I’m even white! and I have donated to Obama’s campaign on 4 separate occasions totally just under a 1000 and have even donated some of my time. So cheers and good luck in finding your source because I’m one of millions that want to help change this country for the better not divide it.
Side Note: Your last name Truong does not sound American? Terrorist? Somebody should tell Palin about you and your suspicious name.
45. erik | 10.10.08
Angry Independent,
Yes because Americans are so well informed… Ummm have you seen a McCain Palin rally?…. I rest my case.. If the future of this country was left to these people we just might not have one. I guess we would have the other option of leaving for 4 years and buying everything when we come back too seeing as the Republican states will be the first on the auction block.
46. Mark | 10.10.08
Don’t forget to wear tin foil on your head and polorized sunglasses to block out the subliminal messages this egomaniac will be passing along to get your vote.
47. Comment Analysis | 10.10.08
This is in no way a concession to any party or candidate but an observation of behaviors. Plato describes enlightenment in the “Allegory of the Cave” and its effect on the individual and thier society, intrinsically and extrinsically. When one is exposed to truth and realizes it, they can never go back to blissful ignorance of it. It will be fact and it will be stubborn. But when they try to explain the light of truth to those who are still in the darkness of ignorance it can be a terrifying concept to those who are content to just exist in the dark. Compassion and empathy will triumph with these ‘unenlightened’ individuals in the long run. My advice to the enlightened ones is: be patient, understanding, hopeful and persistant.
48. Pete | 10.10.08
Obama, the finest “politician” money can buy! Like my Mom always said, money can’t buy everything, especially integrity.
Sorry, but I wouldn’t let my kids anywhere near Obama; a guy who associates with the known domestic terrorist William Ayers, Tony Rezko a convicted felon and 20 plus year family friend and racist Rev. Wright. It’s almost time for the American IQ test (election day), let’s see if we pass. Sure the left can blame Bush, buy the Democrats have been in charge for two years. What have they done to help America in any way? NOTHING!
49. rob | 10.10.08
dear ‘angry independent’ — the obama people along with many of us watched with horror as the gop sanctioned millions of dollars in swift boat attack ads in 2004 that sullied that election past tolerability. if the obama people are planning to spend money to counter and avoid anything like that happening again, with its ugly and unaccountable dishonor, i’m happy for it. give it to charity? i don’t think that’s why donators donated. your chickens have come home and are now roosting.
50. Don | 10.10.08
Obama’s ego knows no bounds. I hope that everyone watches and I hope that he brings out his Obama Seal (where he slightly changed the presidential seal so that it was all about him) and then shows his plane where he removed the American flag design to replace it with his “O” rising over the heavens logo. And then maybe his wife can come out and tell us about how the country has never ever donw anything good its it’s entire existence until Barrack Obama showed up. Then maybe he can bring out his new elite guard to make sure that the audience claps at the appropriate time. Then he can bring out Rev. Wright to call anyone who doesn’t vote for him a racist. Then he can bring out Billy The Bomb Ayers to threaten to blow up anyone who doesn’t vote for him. Then he can get ACORN to come in and register everyone 15 times so that they can vote for him more. And Finally Tony Rezco will show up live via sattelite to offer Obama a real estate deal for some property ajoining the White House. All this while Obama sits on front of a giant backdrop with the Shepard Fairey picture of Obama looking like Stalin or Che Guevara.
Yes, I hope everyone watches this.
McCain/Palin 2008
51. jpirate | 10.10.08
Wake up, everyone! BOTH McCain and Obama sold us out to their Fat Cat Wall Street Buddies with this bailout.
Obama has raised so much money by turning down, basically ringing the death knell for public financing. That is how he has the money to pay for these “shows”. There is nothing progressive about him. McCain (and Obama) have just helped engineer the most massive redistribution of wealth, from the People to Wall Street. He’s no conservative, he’s a Wall Street socialist.
All of you who are stuck in your Dem/Repub culture wars right now are idiotic, irresponsible party loyalists destroying this country. There’s hatred spewing from both sides. Grow up, turn off your television and learn to read and think. You are all so gullible to Corporate media and party propaganda, it’s unbelievable.
Read, think, look at third parties, pick up a book, analyze your media, consider another viewpoint…GROW UP. Almost everything in this discussion is petty and pointless.
52. david S | 10.10.08
I never believed i would ever witness someone like McCain and an under exposed sidekick, Palin , try to be leaders of ‘the world’s most powerful nation!’ That’s scary! McCain should move to Alaska, skip the election and just have Senator Obama begin leading this country back to where President Clinton had it,since he seem to be the only one capable of doing so, and we can all move foward with our lives!
53. Sherry Blair | 10.10.08
This race won’t be over until it’s over and as long as the polls are showing it as close as it is, Obama and his supporters must keep campaigning and showing up to vote. He could still lose!
Obama started out raising money on the internet from ordinary people he inspired, like me. I contributed more to his campaign than any other campaign in my lifetime of eleven presidential races. I did it because I believe in him and his ability to take our country in the right direction, a new direction that we desperately need. My money represents my voice. It’s what I can do. I would feel betrayed if Obama did not spend it to win the presidency in the most effective way he can.
He is not winning the presidency because he has more money. He has more money because he has more support.
54. JMF | 10.10.08
Wow how in the heck can all you Obama fan clowns get so worked up about a pandering socialist? So smug about things only you see as positive.
Meh, y’all can do whatever you want. Why couldn’t someone worth giving the job to come forward.
55. KAD | 10.10.08
To: (41) Robin Greene | 10.10.08
Who keeps giving this guy money? Why doesn’t Obama donate it to the “bailout” - we need it more than he does. No Obama, we don’t want to pay more taxes nor do we wan to become the United Socialist States of America. With a screw-ball like Obama at the helm, this county is doomed. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
—-
This has got to be one of the most ridiculous ideas I have ever heard. With that logic, why doesn’t McCain donate his money?
The money is campaign money, given by people who believe that Obama is the right man to turn this country around. This campaign money goes towards his campaign; he cant just pocket the money or give it out.
I hope you are able to wake up from your ignorance before it’s too late.
56. Jeff Fischer | 10.10.08
For those who are supporting Obama, my condolences unless you have a lot of money to give to the government in the form of taxes. For those of you caught up in the Bush bull being spread by the moveon.org people running Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic party coalitions you are getting the old spend and build bigger government garbage all over. If you read through Mr. Obama’s platforms you realize that what he is saying today and what he said he would do when he started running are two different worlds and when it comes to business that is only there for two purposes– one to support minorities and women and to generate taxes. Do you really want a President that can not answer any question Yes or No? The Democrats have compounded the felony the past two years. The spending has been rampant. This is one Chicago guy who learned from some of the best persons who managed to keep from getting tainted by voting fraud and scandals from the left over Daley days. He learned all the tricks. Now he is running them on the American public. We will have a depression if he is elected. Money is already flowing out of the markets and the country because of the political polls.
57. nobody | 10.10.08
If Obama can afford the ads from the campaign coffers, great… More power to him. He raised the money, let him spend it.
My question is “why bother with the shows?” The folks at NBC, CBS, CNN and ABC give him free positive air time all day long.
I do think we should get to see a full disclosure list of all donors for all parties.
58. ds | 10.10.08
I have donated ALL I CAN AFFORD to the Obama campaign.
McCain supporters, thats OUR MONEY, not yours. Dont talk about how Obama spends his money unless its your money too. I for one trust Obama with my money, so that he may wipe the floor with this old codger and his hussy running mate. They have a collective IQ of 100. Great job, GOP, you sure know how to pick a couple of winners…
Losers
59. ds | 10.10.08
Robin Greene,
That money belongs to the people who have donated to this most worthy of causes. I dont want rednex like you to get one red cent of my money.
Go Obama, stomp these GOP losers however you have to.
Ill be donating more now, thanks for all your hard work.
Robin Greene, get a second job if you cant pay your mortgage. Dont spout off about how you want to STEAL my donations.
60. Isaiah | 10.10.08
Capitalist, Tim James, etc..:
Proclaiming that Obama = socialism rings quite hollow in light of the fact that America is in the midst of massive nationalization. Let me repeat that: we are piece-meal *nationalizing* the financial “industry” - that supposed bedrock of capitalism! “The market” egregiously mis-allocated capital and we, the taxpayers, are left to pick up the pieces. The concentration of wealth in too-few hands long ago invalidated the primary substantive argument for capitalist legitimacy: efficient allocation. Efficiency costs of light-but-effective regulation pale in comparison to the evaporation of wealth we are seeing in this market implosion.
To those who would blame this broader existential threat on the sub-prime mess, and thus implicate Acorn, CRA, etc.. I agree that those programs were misguided. However, a housing bust should not represent an existential threat to the economy. The blame for this crisis rests squarely on the shoulders of the financiers who risked all for quick gain, and the failure of government oversight (I’m looking at you, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, John Snow). 30:1 leveraging, AAA ratings for junk debt, and golden parachutes for incompetent executives represent the nexus of this crisis. Please let us hear no more of this line that executive talent must be rewarded in order to keep good executives: we need less “talent” in finance and management generally, and more good sense (risk = reward. risk = reward…..).
61. Monty Ousley Weddell | 10.10.08
McCain/Palin win on issues!!! Everyone agrees that Obama has a past with people, religion, and patriotism of controversy. Further, his couple of years as a freshman senator does not qualify him for chief exec. The proven past of McCain is sufficient experience, etc. The only reason Obama is stil in the running is because he has all the liberal left’s money. Everyone knows that “America has the best politicians money can buy.” Does this continue to be true? Maybe the underdog McCain, who opted for the lesser funding, perhaps now a questionable decision, can still pull it off if he keeps on message and continues to espose Obama. Further, it looks like the Republicans may not have kept up with new voter registrations to off set the ACORN frauds. We will see in less tahn a month. Monty Ousley Weddell Dallas, TX
62. Robin | 10.10.08
Chris wrote:
“3. Chris | 10.10.08
Maybe in this time of crisis Obama should be doing something more useful with $4 million than spending the money to line the pockets of CBS & NBC executives. If he wastes his own money so easily just wait and see what he’s going to do with taxpayer money. Chicgo has the highest taxes in the country, its also where Obama is from.”
If people donated money to Obama for his campaign, how is it wasting money to spend it on his campaign? Is he supposed to keep it? Yeah, that would really show people how responsible he is. Duh!
65. Disturbed | 10.10.08
David S…….How can you be so blind and stupid. You obviously don’t know a whole lot about politics. Put the liberal - left newspaper down and start paying attention to what’s really going on with this country. Clinton was by far one of the worst presidents we’ve had in the last 20-30 years. The only reason why the economy was great was because Bush Sr. and Clinton road the path that Ronald Reagan laid out for the economy. “Reaganomics” was one of the greatist things for this country, the problem is that Clinton screwed things up so much that by the time bush got in office we were back to square one again! Now i will never defend bush on what he has done with his 2nd term in office…it’s been a nightmare. But the last President that we had in office that actually seemed like he gave a damn for the country was Reagan…by far. How shocking though, Reagan…a former actor and Governer. A little less qualified than the competition, maybe. Got the job done? Yes. McCain’s roots to his country are far more deeper than Obama’s ever will be. I’d have a little more respect for Obama if he would actually let the public hear what type of person he is, instead of hearing about his grandmother when he was younger and then fast forwarding to the present…at least we know what McCain’s morales are all about. And for all of the Palin haters out there i really wish that people wouldn’t pressure her the way they are. If people really knew about Biden’s career they wouldn’t be hanging all over him as if he was the 2nd coming of Jesus himself. There was a reason why Biden lost his chance at being President before, don’t make the mistake of making him Vice-President. Peace.
67. America is doomed!!! | 10.10.08
I believe America is doomed to fail. I served in the military and love this country very much. But, I can’t believe the path we are going down. Too many people in America want the government to take care of them. Always looking for a hand out instead of taking care of themselves and being thankful for what they have. Remember what a real democrate said in “not what your country can do for you but, what you can do for your country”. People need to wake up and remember what is important. God, family, and country in that order.
68. Ken E | 10.10.08
It is amazing to me the differing points of view from the plethora of posters above. I have been reading into these candidates for the past few weeks and find it difficult to believe that the McCain/Palin supporters have done any research on their candidates - and if they have, they have choosen to ignore the facts.
Many of the points I have catalogued have been mentioned here - like #35. If being guilty by association was worth anything - Obama would point out McCains lengthy questionable affiliations. McCain is dividing this country - and is repeatedly trying to mislead the public with statements like “Obama is going to raise your taxes”. In the second debate - McCain thought he had a strategy due to the defined time limits each candidate had to speak. Make unfounded accusations when he has the last word so the other candidate can not respond, because we are a people who assume guilt. But it didn’t work - because Obama would not let it end like that. He broke the rules and rebuted his accuser.
I, being a southern white male, from an otherwise racist family has seen and heard the reasons for not voting for Obama. The most prevalent being ‘I just can not trust him’. An obvious racist cop-out if I have ever heard one. To many times I have heard things like - ‘If Obama/McCain wins the US is going to fail’. I don’t believe that with either candidate the US will disappear. We are a nation of strong wills and determination. We have extremely smart people working on our behalf - we must take the iniative and elect the official who will move us forward the most.
We must also think foward, past the next four years and into the following term. Our current crisis is a difficult one to assess and understand much less fix. We need a president to see this thing through to the end, and they have max 8 years to do it. I have trouble believing that McCain has 8 years left in him to remain upright much less fight this economic uphill battle.
Obama is young and healthy and can move us forward into the future by harnessing the technologies developed by the worlds brightest minds. McCain is still living in the past - when atomic energy was our most viable option for energy production. Now there are many options out there for developing energy - unfortunately I don’t believe McCain can get in touch with these ideas, just can’t teach an old dog these new tricks.
So in closing - McCain/Palin are mudslingers who feel their best hope for winning is dividing the country and being hate mongers. Obama/Biden are focusing on the problems at hand and are speaking directly to the open-minded. This 30 minute infomercial is the perfect example - this is going to garner much publicity for Obama and he will reach an extrodinary audience to relay his plans for fixing our busted nation.
69. Tony | 10.10.08
I appreciate Saxxon’s comment about the McCain/Palin “hate rallies” - this is also what you see most Sundays at church by what we call “hate-filled-Chrstians” - the ones who think homosexuality and abortion are sins, but the greed, gluttony and extra-marital sex they participate in are somehow lesser sins. It’s easy to point the finger at others.
Barack Obama 2008 - “Reason for hope, hope for reason”
70. James | 10.10.08
Obama is an egotistic politician who only wants to be President for his own self proclaim to be the savior of the world. He may know how to speak to us, but a good speaker is not what this country needs. This guy loves the limelight and he only preaches on hope. I can’t beleive that after 9/11 that we would be even considering someone with the name Barrack Hussien Obama. Wake up America because he will lead this country further into debt and bring socialism into our White House.
71. Voice of Reason | 10.10.08
Comment Analysis (#47) and jpirate (comment #51) had the most enlightening and insightful comments made on here that I’ve seen. We’d do ourselves and the country a huge favor to take to heart what they’ve said. Don’t be taken in by the rhetoric, emotionalism and hate-mongering (from ANY side) and allow reason to prevail. That’s all I have to say.
72. Ruby2sday | 10.10.08
Why does he need to buy the time? He gets infomercials for free. Never have I seen an election so biased. I’ve been following this election from Day One and have never seen a more inferior candidate than Obama and the media is determined to put him in office. I used to think he was dangerously naive, now I think he’s simply dangerous. (I can hear the cries of ‘racist’ now, which would be news to my husband and bi-racial children.) I shudder to think what kind of a future my children will have to face.
73. Jimmy | 10.10.08
I believe America is doomed to fail. I served in the military and love this country very much. But, I can’t believe the path we are going down. Too many people in America want the government to take care of them. Always looking for a hand out instead of taking care of themselves and being thankful for what they have. Remember what a real democrate said in “it is not what your country can do for you but, what you can do for your country”. People need to wake up and remember what is important. God, family, and country in that order.
74. Patientology | 10.10.08
This just shows that Obama’s ego knows no bounds. How dare he spend money that millions of people have donated to his presidential campaign to run advertisements for HIMSELF? As a terrorist and drug-dealing American citizen, I’m one of the millions that donated to his campaign under the impression that he would spend that money advertising for John McCain or Ron Paul. Instead what does he do? He spends it talking about HIMSELF and HIS PRESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS?!
Wake up people! This is the beginning of the United Socialist States of Liberal Socialism! Next thing you know, the government will be taking over our army and giving socialist handouts to banks, car companies, and insurance giants. What’s next? Buying up all of our mortgages?!
It’s time we stop talking about things that don’t matter. When was the last time anyone cared about the economy, putting food on their table, or losing their jobs? We need to talk about people that the candidates are loosely associated with! If we learn more about Ayers, all of our other problems in this country will go away.
75. Stillmeadowlark | 10.10.08
I, and most of those commenting here, lament the sniping, the sarcasm, the exaggerations we hear in the stump speeches and commercials. Yet here we are, doing the same thing ourselves —- at each other! At other voters we want to think and act rationally, unemotionally, objectively.
I think we should all step back, turn down the heat, get ahold of the emotions, and when WE can act as we want our leaders to act and speak, then do it!
76. Jephte | 10.10.08
Those of you who are hating on both candidates…I guess you’re the geniuses that that cracked the political puzzle. So who is your third party choice? What is your political movement? GENIUS!
It is quite immature of you to paint all Obama supporters as naive and brain washed drones whose ignorance is fueled by corporate media. Most of us are well aware of the fact that consent has been manufactured through the distraction we call main stream media.
In fact…I support Obama, because the game IS rigged! And regardless of what your disenfranchised sense of world reality may be…I think he is change. We are in America! His name is BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA and he is BLACK! Perhaps a token change to those who are out of patience, but to ME it is a start.
77. HumbleHound | 10.10.08
Ignorance alone is usually harmless…
And anger is part of life…
@Peter Truong
@Angela Vlahos
@from PA
@Angry Independent
@Pete
@Don
Ignorance + Anger is frustrating, dangerous, and sad.
Anyone reading these comments CHECK YOUR FACTS. Period. Just do it, lest you be the gullible fool who believes everything you’re told.
-If you don’t care, you are being horribly irresponsible with your right to vote.
-If you want better for this country, check for yourself by reading/researching historical and non-political books, websites, papers, etc. There is plenty of less-biased info out there. Leave the red & blue behind.
-If you are proud to be an American, then take your vote seriously and learn for yourself.
Notice I’m not trouncing or praising either candidate. But I AM voicing my opinion that the angry, ignorant comments (mostly from the right) are pretty despicable and should not be taken lightly.
PS Kudos to ‘cd’ who backed up every fact with a source (one of the few)…that’s called being well-read and responsible.
78. Wake Up | 10.10.08
For just a moment, folks, please put your cup of kool-aid down and consider a few facts. I hear from Obama supporters that McCain and conservatives are playing the “guilt by association” game, unfairly. As I recall, McCain was, as recently as a year ago, considered the “favorite” Republican among Democrats because he frequently refused to support the “party line.” Even in cases where he voted along party lines, he was often openly critical of Republican and Bush positions. Many Conservatives “loathed” McCain because of this tendency. Despite this reputation, Obama supporters started the “guilt” by association game when they did all that they could to “associate” McCain with Bush knowing that Bush is unpopular. They do this by citing to the statistic that “McCain supported Bush 90% of the time.” I submit to you that McCain probably voted on 1000 issues during the Bush presidency. By “not supporting” Bush 10% of the time, it is conceivable that he defied Bush and the “party line” 100 times. In contrast, there is no evidence that Obama ever defied the Democratic party line. To the extent that Bush should be considered a “bad” president, Obama and his followers started the “guilt by association” ramblings by comparing everything John McCain says or does to Bush. Obama supporters should not be heard to complain about the “guilt by association” game since they, in fact, started it in their talking points.
More to the point, the association with Ayers is not insignificant. I am conservative. However, I don’t really think that Obama is or will every become a terrorist as result of his “association” with Ayers. However, I don’t for a minute believe that he did not know Bill Ayers’ history. In 1998 Connie Chung interviewed Ayers and his wife on television and Ayers said, clearly, that he did not regret his prior actions and regretted not doing more. We did not hear Obama disavowing Ayer’s in 1998 (I believe he already knew him at that point). Moreover, the Obama claim that he thought Ayers was rehabilitated has no credibility, whatsoever. What I have gleaned from Obama’s associations is that he will do anything to get elected even if that means launching his political career at the home of disgusting human being that is Bill Ayers. Common sense dictates that he saw Ayers as a “gateway” to Chicago politics. While this does not make him a terrorist, it makes him a guy whose desperation for political power justifies his keeping company with despicable human beings.
For you Obama supporters who are still not convinced that the issue of association is important, please take a moment and consider, honestly, what your reaction would be if you found out that McCain had kept company or worked with an unrepetent bomber of black churches or abortion clinics. If McCain had such associations, it would be such an important issue that McCain would not have gotten out of the primary because of the issue. Even if McCain said that he did not endorse the bomber or that he had limited associations with the “bomber,” his candidacy would be “cooked”…and you know that to be true. Likewise, if McCain had attended a church for 10-20 years with a pastor that occasionally made rascist remarks, he would be “cooked” even if he denied “hearing” or being present during the rascist remarks. Imagine, further, if that sometimes rascist preacher had married McCain and baptisized his children.
While Obama folks may not like the “guilt by association” game, you can, at least, try to have some understanding as to why the association with Ayers is a legitimate concern. While those who are sipping “Kool aid” may see Ayers as some sort of Che’Guevara figure, I can assure you that many Americans see Ayers as a blight on society. He is a man who did not commit murder by “sheer chance.” A man who ordered the firebombing of a Judge’s home in NY while the Judge and his family slept. Ayers is no different than an “abortion clinic” or “church bomber.” Seen in that light, you might understand why some of us consider the “Ayers” association troubling.
79. veggiedude | 10.10.08
I have donated 4 times to the Obama campaign. Glad to see it is being well spent.
80. I am Awake | 10.10.08
When was Ayers convicted? Answer: never. Ayers should be suing McCain and Palin for slander. A US court aquited Ayers of numeous crimes. In this country, one is innocent untill proven guilty. Someone tell the conservatives this.
82. DougH | 10.10.08
Wake Up —-
You are missing the point. McCain changed. He is no longer the guy he was in 2000. He didn’t embrace the right-wing back then. His association is not with guilt. He has embraced Bush’s economic and foreign policies. He called the Bush tax cuts irresponsible in 2001. Now he promises to make them permanent.
We haven’t associated him with Bush because Bush would drag him down. We associated him with Bush because HE HAS EMBRACED BUSH.
He drug himself down.
84. Richnjax | 10.10.08
Wow, this topic! But why? The whole, wolf in sheep’s clothing, line sure is written in a lot of very popular books from humanities past. Why is this so hard for every human to understand? Why must Americans “relearn” it? Is it because every generation, must have some form of struggle to feel like they “out did,” their own parents suffering!! We are all part of this, humans.
I for one don’t need to “re-Learn” the lesson.
Rich in Jax
85. Norma | 10.10.08
Where is Obama getting all this money? And where did he get money for college? Harvard is very expensive. Where did he get the money? Student loans? Where are the loan papers and where are his grades? With outlandish student loans, where did he get the money for world travel to such places as Pakistan, Africa, etc.? Isn’t anyone else curious to know, and why hasn’t the media done their job to get these answers for the American people?
86. Bruce | 10.10.08
It’s really upsetting to see people succumb to ignorance by believing these horrible things about Obama. “Seedy friends”? “Socialism”? Gimme a break. Over the last four years, I’ve heard a lot of people angrily refer to Bush and his cronies as “fascists”. As much as I dislike them, they are far from fascists. And I believe Obama’s detractors need to refrain from using such hateful language. If there is one thing I am sure of, it’s that Obama is a good and honest individual who has this country’s best interest at heart. Saying that his policies are socialist is just emotional dribble, along the lines of calling the current president a fascist.
87. American Mom | 10.10.08
As an Ohio woman put it, watching McCain and Palin smear Obama and ignore the economy is almost surreal. It’s as if they were in McDonald’s, making a scene about how much tartar sauce is on their fish sandwiches, while the rest of the patrons are ducking fire from a madman running around in the restaurant with a sub-machine gun.”
88. A hater | 10.10.08
HATE HATE HATE! “lot’s of 30sec hate and lie ads.” “McSame” “Obama haters” “hate rallies”
Forget campaign finance reform… Wait until saying anything against an Obama administration becomes a “hate crime”.
Well, at least I’m glad my candidate is not spending his money on televised lectures.
89. Karl | 10.10.08
For anyone who’s interested, you can look up all contributions to candidates on the web at … you can search by industry, company, state, etc.
http://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/disclosure_data_search.shtml
Norma, if you are concerned about a candidate having money, you should check out Sen McCain’s financial statement. His net worth is 100 times larger than Sen Obama’s. Sen Obama took out student loans and got a law degree. Sen McCain married a very rich woman.
90. Karl | 10.10.08
PS - Sen Obama is listed as the 50th richest Senator with between 1 and 1.5 million in assets. For those of you who don’t know how many Senator’s there are, there are 50, which makes Sen Obama the poor kid on the block.
91. mksyed | 10.10.08
Obama/biden will Win Big Time, If lucky he might win Landslide. I know Mccain/palin/GOP do not like this. Can they stop Obama/Biden. Mccain/palin saying so many thing. After all who cares about Mccain/palin ?? Every national poll saying that. It is “ECONOMY STUPID”. What about John Mccains “Keating 5′”Iran Contra” “Troopergate” ” treatment of Rape Victim in Alaska”. These people need to “Shut Up” in this “failed Bush-Chainey-Mccain” policy. My Donation “Obama campaign” is worth. GO OBAMA/BIDEN “08
92. Caitlin | 10.10.08
All I’m going to say is that yes, The New Adventures of Old Christine is a very real and very awesome tv show. Oh, and I can’t wait until Obama is president so we finally turn this country around. Is he perfect? No. But he’s better.
93. Matthew lesko | 10.11.08
I’ve supported Obama from the beginning but I doubt he took a lead from my infomercials.
94. Brenda | 10.11.08
I am a 49 year old white female living in the Midwest…..and I donated to Obama’s campaign…..twice. Once during the primaries and now again during the general election.
I don’t think I am a terrorist My Friends.
Obama/Biden ‘08
95. Cheryl | 10.11.08
The way Obama’s agressively spending his campaign funding, imagine how fast **** spend OUR hard-earned money! He’s the willing signature on the Pelosi Congress’s blank check… and we’re the bank! Can anyone say, Oink! Oink!
96. Frank | 10.19.08
It seems that all of these Obama haters are just jealous of his success and intelligence.
97. Carrie | 10.22.08
I’m a white southern college student and I’ve contributed to Obama’s campaign. I had the opportunity to see him last Saturday at the rally in St. Louis. Being in such a diverse crowd of 100K people that was shouting, “Yes We Can” I felt proud to be an American. Obama represents that optimism and unity that not just parts of this country, but all of this country is pro-American. Obama has his priorities straight on ending the war in Iraq, energy independence and increased diplomacy, which has been sorely lacking the last 8 years.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. JOSE | 10.10.08
Somebody sounds sour!