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Obama's New Pennsylvania Radio Ads: Register As A Dem
Barack Obama has two new radio ads in Pennsylvania, focused on getting potential supporters registered to vote in time to support him in the state's closed primary.
One ad promotes Obama's agenda for students and younger people, with the announcer explaining the legalities of voter registration: "So even if you're a student, you can register to vote — but you've gotta register as a Democrat by March 24."
The other contains similar instructions, but is more of a pitch to older voters who might be Republicans and independents. It uses a key piece of audio from an Obama speech: "America is listening — not just Democrats, but Republicans and independents who've lost trust in their government but want to believe again."
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And this is news because...
March 18, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
... because PA is a closed primary, so if you are not registered as a democrat by Mar 24, you cannot vote for Obama in the primary. As such, the campaign needs to get anyone who thinks that they might be likely to vote for him to register as a democrat by that deadline. These radio ads are part of the effort to do that.
March 18, 2008 6:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
BO will be on Nightline tonight 11:30 ET, giving his first interview after his speech today...
March 18, 2008 7:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW! this is excellent news!
March 18, 2008 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Weren't the republicans disrupting the democratic primary in texas by voting for Clinton? Why is Obama courting them, and not no one is complaining here?
Double standards on TPM?
March 18, 2008 7:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Disingenuous innocence. To quote Bill Clinton--"Give-me-a-break."
The possibly-Rush-inspired crossovers were not seen as November votes, but spoilers. Obama and Clinton both want crossovers to vote for them in November.
March 18, 2008 8:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
devil,
You need to check your facts. More Republicans voted for Sen. Obama in Texas than Sen. Clinton.
While you are at it, check Missouri, too. Republicans voted enough in favor for Obama to 'hand him that state' as Clinton got Texas (except that part where you are wrong about Texas)
At any rate, you should be proud and embrace the fact that Obama wins Republicans. But stick to the facts, please. More Republicans voted Obama over Clinton in Texas.
In fact, more Republicans have voted for Sen. Obama than Clinton and all states and more DEMOCRATS have voted for Sen. Clinton than Sen. Obama. Obama's success is based on crossover support from independents and Republicans. You should be proud of that. But please stop lying about Texas.
March 18, 2008 8:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good grief! In the 2004 exit polls for Missouri, 11% of Democrats voted for Bush while 5% of Republicans voted for Kerry.
Fast forward to the 2008 open primary in Missouri. There is no checking of party affiliation when one votes in Missouri.Instead, we look to the exit polls to determine how folks voted in our Super Tuesday primary.
Well, 6% of the folks leaving claimed to be Republicans voting for a Democrat. And, glory be, 75% of this minute 6% voted for Obama. This is the "surge" for Obama that is being claimed here. The focus is on the 75% instead of on the tiny 6% which is normal in Missouri elections.
ombudsman is truth-challenged.
March 18, 2008 9:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was talking about this piece of news
March 19, 2008 8:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, this is desparation. Obama cannot win with traditional Democrats so he once again is actively recruiting Republicans to try and throw the will of the Democratic party. Very, very sad.
I am sure a few Republicans will help him as they care likely to more clearly see how damaged he is against McCain--no experience, failed Senate record, lies and more lies, pandering on NAFTA, driver's licenses for illegals, and, oh yes, let's of course not forget Rezko and Rev. Wright and the Trinity Church. Corrupt, racist, and hating America. I'm sure a few Republicans will be very proud to vote for him to try and set up the Democrats against the Republicans.
March 18, 2008 8:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep, the Republicans can certainly see that Obama is the "damaged" candidate in November. That's why Rush Limbaugh, Friend of Democrats and Liberals Everywhere, has a radio campaign urging his listeners to vote Hillary in the Democratic primaries.
March 19, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Murtha endorses Clinton.
She will crush Obama in Penn.
Obama can't win the big States and should drop out.
March 18, 2008 8:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Obama can't win the big States and should drop out."
Pablum IS EXCELLENT NEWS!! FOR HILLARY!!!
March 18, 2008 8:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clinton can't win the nomination.
She REALLY should drop out.
March 18, 2008 10:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Anyone in Pennsylvania has until March 24 to register as a Democrat. Anyone in Pennsylvania may register ONLINE:
https://www.pavoterservices.state.pa.us/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
If you live in Pa, or just know someone there, encourage them to do so. This might be the biggest thing you can do to help things along in Pa. Especially important is to get people registered in the all important COLLEGE TOWNS, and don't forget Philadelphia!
Spread the word!
March 18, 2008 8:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
"You need to check your facts. More Republicans voted for Sen. Obama in Texas than Sen. Clinton."
More, yes, but it was close to even.
Usually he wins Reps by a large margin.
And "conservatives" broke for Hillary, which is very unusual.
March 18, 2008 8:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're right - it is unusual, since usually only Obama is advertising for Republican votes.
How could that happen? Can he get a refund on advertising dollars?
March 19, 2008 5:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think these ads were paid for a while ago. I don't think many independents or Republicans who register as Democrats will be inclined to vote for Obama at this point.
They still may use Obama's campaign help to register in order to vote for Hillary later.
Obama: Judgment you can trust.
March 18, 2008 9:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
observer2,
Are you really trying to argue to me that because Sen. Obama received less votes than he normally receives regarding the Texas primary that he is still the bestoption foe the DEMOCRATIC nomination?
Even still, the point is that Sen. Clinton has more votes from Democrats than Sen. Obama.
The funny thing about the arguement is that you are essentially saying that the 'corrupt' tactic that Sen. Clinton used in Texas is one that Sen. Obama has used in every other contest and my 'larger margains.'
I'm sorry, I'll keep quiet for awile. I have to get back to the being a part of the game where my candidate (with far less Republican votes) is destroying the DEMOCRATIC Party.
And I apologize if I am being a little rude. My blood sugar is a little low. (It's been awhile since I've had a nice, tall glass of Kool-Aid).
March 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ah, now we're getting down to your argument. In Missouri, Clinton certainly did take the majority of Democrats (white and black) by a slight amount--among whites she led significantly while Obama led overwhelmingly with blacks. The independent vote decided the matter in Obama's favor.
You're upset because folks who identify themselves in exit polls as Republicans or Independents were able to create a win for Obama.
The ole change the rules after the game is lost argument, better known as sour grapes. Got it.
March 18, 2008 9:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Matthew,
You're so right! I never got it until just now: Despite being ahead by a significant amount in delegates, states won, popular vote, and giving a speech that Hillary could never even think about giving, Obama is clearly running on empty and about to crumble before our very eyes.
The irony is Hillary could try to give a similar account of her decision making on Iraq, but I don't see that happening any time soon.
March 18, 2008 9:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
With FLA and MI not going to do a revote, how can Hillary justify staying in the race? PA alone wont get her no where near to the nomination.
Once it is formally announced that FLA and MI wont do a revote, someone needs to pull Hillary aside and tell her its over...
March 18, 2008 9:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm just waiting for the Couperdelegates, who are slouching toward Denver waiting to be tallied.
March 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
cube3,
You are missing my point entirely (and you have tried to contradict it before).
Sen. Obama won Missouri fair and square. I would never argue otherwise. (Although in the prized 'delegate math' race, they split).
The numbers of Republicans that voted in 2004 were essentially the same as 2008. I never said they were not.
In fact, the only point I am making AT ALL is that Sen. Obama is the one who recieves more Republican votes than Sen. Clinton.
That is and has been my only point on this matter.
And I only discuss it because time and time again I hear this silly theory that Hillary is winning the conservative vote, and that is the only reason she is still even competitive. The truth is, she almost never does.
Cube3, once and for all, please hear this: Obama won Missouri, Obama won Missouri fair. He also got more Republicans. That's it. That is all I am saying. (And I apologize for all the typos , I am writing from my phone).
March 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good, Obama won Missouri.
For the sake of accuracy, though, I do think Hillary won the conservative vote here in Missouri. The more conservative Democrats reside in the rural and small town areas of the state and these sections went to Hillary by large margins.
Just saying....
March 18, 2008 10:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wait, your point is that Hillary has no chance in the general election?
Seems like a strange point for a Hillary supporter.
Wouldn't a candidate who attracts more moderates be the better nominee?
March 18, 2008 10:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sir, if you are a "traditional Democrat" I sincerely hope that whoever wins the nomination and the election does so without your support.
March 18, 2008 10:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Where is the Murtha endorsement?
I know it is bad news for this blog but come on.
I had to break the story.
Geez.
March 18, 2008 11:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Matty corrupt is okay.
But racist and hating America?
Uh... Please don't want trumpet that from your Harley too loudly on Main Street. You'll lose me votes hun, er... I mean, honey.
But otherwise Matt, you are one of my favorite flying bearded monkeys! Keep your positive voice in the game. America needs you!
March 18, 2008 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, if this keeps up Hillary will certainly win......
March 18, 2008 11:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Um... what?
You realize that Republicans helped Clinton win Ohio, despite having ZERO intention of voting for her in November?
The Republicans who vote for Obama now will vote for him again in the general election. You must understand that.
March 18, 2008 11:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think what the Clinton supporters don't understand is WHY that should be the case.
Why is it that when Republicans vote for Obama, they're switching sides and will vote for him in the GE, but when they vote for Hillary they're trying to throw the primaries to keep this division going?
I don't have a good answer for that. I do think there's a difference, but I can't lay my finger on why.
Maybe an Obama supporter who has put more thought into that question can answer it.
March 19, 2008 1:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary's first lady records are being released. I don't know if it means anything.
March 19, 2008 1:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I doubt it. This is the least interesting piece of all of her concealed information, largely because we can already reconstruct a pretty good idea of what she was up to during the Clinton presidency. About all this could give us is a clearer picture of exactly which policy discussions she may have participated in, but that's not particularly new - it's like knowing the grocery store sells tomatoes, just not which particular flavor.
The really juicy stuff is the tax returns and the Clinton Library donors list.
March 19, 2008 1:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
We don't need to vote for someone that goes to a church for 20 years that blames all of the black communities problems, on white America. We don't need a leader that can set and do nothing while his preacher is spreading a message of hate, in a church. A leader would have got up and said that this is not what we need to heal the wounds of the past, even Oprah left that church.
March 19, 2008 4:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Obama folks are in trouble to trot him out to explain the Wright situation. Everyday you have to explain is a day lost. Big mo has been lost and big scandal is on Obama. This is far from being over. Talk tv/radio is very hot on this still and Reszo is still on the other burner. We will have a debate coming that Obama needs that a front runner never really wants also we will have an Edwards endorsement over the hill either right before PA or before NC. according to Newsweek last Sunday. So there is still alot of time and smart folks know the Michigan/Florida issues are not really settled yet.
March 19, 2008 8:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
What juicy stuff.......you hope there is some juicy stuff. lolololololo
A fishing trip.
What if there is no juicy stuff?????
You're might look kinda stupid...she is now asking for Obama's records....all of his tax records, not just 1996's but before then. His Reszo records, maybe this was to flush out his dealing with other peoples.....sometimes you might get what you didn't wish for.
March 19, 2008 8:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
LeroyS, it's news because it's a conscious strategy on the part of the Obama campaign to have Republicans help pick the Democratic nominee.
March 19, 2008 10:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
If Obama doesn't win PA, that means he can't win the big states. Somebody should take him aside and tell him it's over. He definitely took one for the team on that racism thing, and good for him. I'm sure that's one reason he, along with Michelle, will be very effective campaigning for Hillary in the fall.
March 19, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm an avid Hillary supporter, and I have no problem with Obama's ads. Yes, it's self serving, but so what? It's a political campaign. Of all the things I can criticize Obama for, trying to get Republicans to register as Democrats is not one of them. Voter registration efforts are an ongoing priority for both parties.
March 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink