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New Obama Ad: This Election Is About The Future
In keeping with his effort to close out the race with as much specificity on the economy as possible, Obama goes up in key states with a two-minute spot in which he directly addresses voters and tells him how he'll improve their lives:
In the spot, Obama pivots away from his longtime campaign criticism of the Bush administration and re-frames the election as being about the future.
"At this defining moment in our history, the question is not, `are you better off than you were four years ago?'" Obama says. "We all know the answer to that. The real question is will our country be better off four years from now?"
The ad also returns to his core themes of ending "mindless partisanship" and restoring "our sense of common purpose."
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question, what happened to the tax cuts to those making $250,000 and now its for those making $200,000. Doesn't this fit into McCain's frame that next thing you will know those making $40,000 get a tax increase?
October 25, 2008 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
goodstuff-
As I understand it, people making less than 200,000 get a tax cut, and those making more than 250,000 pay a tax rate equal to that which they paid before the Bush tax cuts. I assume that those in between 200K and 250K see no changes. The way Obama explains his policy has been consistent, though perhaps not entirely clear.
October 25, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, I believe that the $200,000 threshold applies to single taxpayers, and the $250,000 threshold applies to couples. This has always been part of Obama's plan. (I think he went with just one number in this ad for simplicity, and he picked the lower number so as not to be accused of stretching the truth.)
-- ARG
October 25, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
ahh, thanks for the clarification.
Zac
October 25, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
What he said.
October 25, 2008 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
If you were paying attention from the beginning (or if you actually READ Obama' policies before criticizing) you would know that the $250,000 refers to families (couples) and the $200,000 for individuals.
October 25, 2008 1:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Relax, he was asking a fair question, and not criticizing Obama.
The threshold Obama has spoken about most often is less than 250, but the ad says 200. It's explainable, but it does look inconsistent. Try to look at ads from the perspective of the low information voter.
October 25, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
the point is that we all get a freaking tax cut under obama's plan and we get nothing under mccains plan...unless your a CEO
The Smartest Thing Palin Is Doing
October 25, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderful. He looks totally Presidential.
October 25, 2008 10:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm completely agree with that.
October 25, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, and notice that he did the whole thing in one continuous take -- no splicing.
It's subtle, but I think it makes a difference in how the message is perceived. It comes off as more genuine.
-- ARG
October 25, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
It really does look good, doesn't it? The lighting, the backdrop, his immaculate suit.
This was clearly filmed at the same time he made his recent downticket ad (for the D. senate candidate in Washington?). I remember thinking, when I saw that ad, DAMN, these people know how to do things right.
October 25, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is looking awesome. It's a striking contrast with McScum's negative ads (TV ads or robocalls) and his mean and tired old-man appearance. Should make those still on the fence realize how clear the choice is.
October 25, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
He looks increasingly better. He comes through like the kind of person that you can trust. And somehow also like if he knew better than anybody around him.
October 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, McLame finally said the words "middle class."
http://www.freep.com/article/20081025/NEWS15/810250361/1009/NEWS07Now really gramps, after weeks and months of Obama telling the middle class what he will do for them, you just now figured out that the message is winning for him?
Good luck on trying to change that narrative, McLame.
October 25, 2008 10:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
It baffles me that he did not steal this sooner. Especially since Obama mocked McCain after each debate for not using the phrase once.
Maybe someone just informed John that there are more middle-class people than "rich".
October 25, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
He's just lost. That old man is lost.
October 25, 2008 10:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
s/l/to/g
October 25, 2008 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is wierd. They did try and co-opt alot of other ideas/themes.
A little slow on the uptake...
October 25, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I guess he simply couldn't... could he? First, his plan isn't for middle class people, so it's hard to insert the word into speeches anyway. Second (and this may be the bigger reason), McScum has such a huge ego and contempt for Obama that he didn't want to say "middle class" after being mocked by Obama. Only now does he realize he needs to utter the word...
Looks like McScum repeats similar patterns.
October 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well since this is a dead zone, I'll post this OT story:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/hockey/nhl/10/24/blues.palin.ap/index.html?cnn=yes
October 25, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
What I want to know is, did they boo her in St. Louis the way they booed her in Philly? (The SI story does not say.)
-- ARG
October 25, 2008 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, jeebus. I'm tired of sports teams in St. Louis hosting these idiots and criminals. What the hell is she doing there anyway, besides giving depositions? LOL!
Sorry, 'Cuda. I don't think you'll get 100,000 to 'Meet You in Saint Louie...'
October 25, 2008 11:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think it did her or the McLame Camp much good in Missouri - tripping up the goalie.
LMAO!
October 25, 2008 11:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
... or that the home team (StL Blues) went on to lose to the LA Kings 4-0.
The Blues GM is John Davidson. I used to admire him. WTF was he thinking???
October 25, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning!
Today in the Washington Post, an article by the chairman of the Cuban American National Foundation, Jorge Mas Santos, the biggest and most influential group of cuban-americans is a clear endorsement of Barack Obama's policy on Cuba. This could be the last nail in the coffin of McCain's hopes to win Florida and, in the long term, a big change in the hispanic-american political landscape, as the cuban american crowd, one of the most faithful group of republican supporters over the last years is moving forward.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102402716.html
This news means a lot to Obama's hopes to take Florida. Now is up to the voters and the GOTV operation to finish the job.
This morning ad, along with the new spanish language ad (when Obama shows he can speak Spanish well) are signs of the strategy he will present in the last 10 days of the campaign: this election is about the future. The evidence against the Bush administration, the GOP policies and a possible McCain-Palin victory is overwhelming. America can't afford that risk.
Finally, I really wish that Obama's grandmother can live long enough to see her grandson accomplish something that only few can do: being elected president of the USA. Even if in the end, it's not in my hand or anyone else's, but only God's hands. I really hope that she can witness that, because it will be a recognition of what a remarkable life she has lived so far. My prayers are with her and the rest of her family.
October 25, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is there anyplace we can see the ad in Spanish?
October 25, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZhu8SaodPw
October 25, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Muy bien dicho.
October 25, 2008 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's great! It's going to be very close, but I'm (cautiously) hopeful we can carry Florida. Thanks for posting the link!
October 25, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama 12 lead in Colorado -
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/24/rockycbs4-poll-obama-has-12-point-lead-state/
October 25, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
I love the comment in that article that McLame isn't just fighting an uphill battle, he's trying to downhill ski uphill.
That's perfect.
October 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Even John Elway can't comeback from that type of shellacking!
October 25, 2008 11:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
It disgusts me to see sports figures endorsing politicians. I know they're private citizens, too...it's my own personal, biased double-standard (because, of course, I don't care if famous people endorse MY candidate).
That said, I'll never forgive Curt Schilling for stumping with geo w bush after the Red Sox won the World Series in '04. I've rooted against him ever since.
October 25, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning peeps!
I'm glad y'all finally got up!
;)
October 25, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
The best U-Tube clip this season -
Wassup 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq8Uc5BFogE&eurl=http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/
October 25, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
That really is awesome.
I love that and I wonder if it is just online or if it is actually being shown out there anywhere- it's so good.
October 25, 2008 11:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I saw it last nite. Manages to be funny and poignant...
October 25, 2008 11:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great find.
Phenomenal. Today I played and jumped in leaf piles with my kids. This video makes a nice little cherry on what is already a great day.
Only 10 more days.
October 25, 2008 11:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Made my morning.
Canvassed last night. I think I got every angry white dude with a baseball hat and goatee in the county--very few Obama supporters.
This ad has me thinking I'm gonna lace up my sneakers and give it another go, spur o' the moment.
Thanks.
October 25, 2008 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great clip. Sending it to everyone I know. Has the same sort of nostalgic impact for me as the Opie endorses Obama clip. Funny and urgent.
October 25, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that the on screen graphics near the end say:
Barack Obama
President
Never hurts to reinforce THAT message.
October 25, 2008 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Mean while McCain is selling "More cow bell".
October 25, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
And Palin is going Rogue - she's turned on her handlers, according to the post Josh put up from Politico.
LMAO - no wonder McLame tried to keep a leash on her - she's the kind the pitbull that turns on its master.
She's done it and done it and done it - she's a pass mistress at stabbing people in the back.
October 25, 2008 11:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe she said she'd like to go more rouge. That's why she paid the makeup artist $20K, right?
October 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
You and I are channeling each other - I was just thinking:
$23,000 on makeup? Makeup?
Yeah that's all folksy, that is.
October 25, 2008 11:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe it's for high-tech quantum makeup that recaptures some of the light that her black hole of a soul is swallowing.
October 25, 2008 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Now I know why tigers eat their young."
R Dangerfield
October 25, 2008 11:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I say tomato, you say tomahto
I say rogue, you say rouge
Tomato, tomahto, rogue, rouge,
Let's call the whole thing off.
October 26, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Which really makes me wonder about the dynamics between her and the First Dude...
Which one's the top and which is the bottom?
October 25, 2008 11:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have no questions about that - it's clear to me who runs that circus sideshow - it's her.
October 25, 2008 11:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fruit Fly Research in France?! I Kid You Not!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/25/01849/495
Anyone Catch Richard Wolffe on Countdown last Night?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/25/93513/292/932/641814
October 25, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, he was angry. I've never seen him angry before.
October 25, 2008 11:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
co-sign. You could almost see the steam coming out his ears.
October 25, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
It actually made me wonder if he has someone close to him with a disability like autism and thus a personal stake in the research that's being done.
Granted, he could just be fed up with the relentlessly anti-science and anti-intellectualism theme of the Palin worldview. Lord knows, I am. But if felt like something more personal.
October 25, 2008 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I had the same reaction. He was so mad that it seemed personal.
Maybe he is just fed up with that kind of utter stupidity, but he was definitely mad.
October 25, 2008 12:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Y'all really have to read this - it's unbelievable. If this election accomplishes one thing, I hope it makes the religious right sit down and shut the fuck up!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/24/christian-right-intensifi_n_137752.html
October 25, 2008 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
In terms of tax cuts: Obama's plan was no tax increase for anybody making
October 25, 2008 11:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Perfect closing argument! I hope this runs in the heaviest possible rotation right through the end of November 3rd.
October 25, 2008 11:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Re: going rouge...
hey, she's just being mavericky!
October 25, 2008 11:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
You got it - Princess Sparkle Starburst nee Pitbull Mavericky.
October 25, 2008 11:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
*sigh*
No nodes available and last night the entire site was down for me for 2 hours because the server wasn't responding.
This is like TPM has cancer - the cure is far worse than the disease.
October 25, 2008 11:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think TPM has an NSA issue. Of course, my tinfoil hat is very tight this morning, too.
October 25, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
I feel like it is 10 days before Christmas and I am almost sure I'm getting a new bike, but ....
If only it was election eve and there was only one day more ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3ijYVyhnn0
October 25, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
This totally just made my day :)
October 25, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
So I wonder when Eric is going to get up and tell us the race is tightening. Again.
October 25, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe the polling is all positive and he's busy dressing up the headlines on a McCain-Palin press release to stir up GOTV efforts?
October 25, 2008 1:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whatever Palin's faults may be, her ONLY long suit was her good looks. Couldn't they have used that 23 thou for an extreme makeover for McCain? He needs some help in the appeal department. Like that hair transplant from the Cadillac insurance policies he keeps talking about but nobody has.
October 25, 2008 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been wondering ever since Palin's policy speech yesterday how it is that she hit on the one piece of research that actually was on point for her speech and mocked it -
Did someone set her up? The one single piece of research - fruit flies - that actually applied to what she was speaking about.
October 25, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
She simply didn't know anything about the issue other than what was written in the speech script... that's what I thought.
I really doubt if she has ever thought about plan for special-needs kids seriously, at least at policy level anyway. If that were the case, she would have brought it up much earlier with depth and authority... given that she keeps using the baby as her campaign accessory.
October 25, 2008 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
My feeling is that since that was supposed to be her expertise, she should have known about that research.
And it is odd to me that she hit on that one piece to mock.
If she was set up - that's what she gets. She was supposedly talking about something she knows something about and obviously doesn't.
October 25, 2008 1:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why would you put out an ad 1 week before the election that makes you look like a liar?
October 25, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
What ad are you talking about?
October 25, 2008 1:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ummm... another troll, I venture to guess?
October 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
he changed it from $250,000 to $200,000
October 25, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is this Youtube beaut too The Vet who did not Vet(A cautionary tale): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03fcGelz8Hw
October 25, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama's ad hits the emotions of the country perfectly, while McCain/Palin have missed it completely.
We are in a crisis that is possibly even more frightening than the days after 9/11. The scare politics that Bush used in 2004 worked as the red scare did after the war. But during a crisis, the country wants a leader who calls on that American spirit of facing the challenge together. This is not the time for division and calling people unAmerican.
The scare politics of 2004 just don't work in 2008 when a country wants to pull together and face this financial crisis. McCain is wrong...we aren't so much angry, as we are very worried about our jobs and our family's security.
October 25, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah Palin ~ Scarlett O'Hara.
(sigh)
October 25, 2008 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent ad.
October 25, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Note how it says at the end, "Barack Obama - President".
Very presidential indeed.
October 26, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, and check out the flag pin.
October 26, 2008 5:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mccain wants to cut 1.3 trillion dollars from medicare, & medicaid, and now he promises to give 3 Billion dollars to Nasa...isnt this cozy? Mccain also is in bed trying to give tax cuts to the elite, and is trying to make those tax cuts for the rich permanent.. Now, we have $700 Trillion dollars in the pot, we have companys fighting for their share in it. and by the way, check out the Wall St. Journal and also youtube, once in awhile, a lot for you to see, it just takes a click of the mouse, ...
follow the money
October 26, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
and by the way,
I like his add.
At least somebody will fight, for the middle class, when john mccain had a hard time saying "middle class" in the first place.
Mr Obama will fight for the ordinary middle class people, that is what he meant by starting from the down up..because the "trickle-down" money never reached the ordinary middle class..there is too much greed, and power at the top of the house of cards.
October 26, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink