Obama Going Up On The Air In Georgia, North Dakota, And ... Arizona!
On a conference call with reporters just now, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said that the campaign is going up on the air in the final stretch in three states: Georgia, North Dakota, and ... McCain's home state of Arizona.
Plouffe said that yesterday's "rear view mirror" ad attacking McSame would go up in Georgia and North Dakota, and the positive closing spot, which features the endorsements of Warren Buffett and Colin Powell, would go up in Arizona.
The campaign had previously run ads in Georgia and North Dakota but had gone dark after McCain seemed to be holding on in those states.
The Arizona gambit, obviously, is an entirely new move.
View both ads here.
Late Update: Plouffe adds that one reason for entering Arizona is that the Obama camp thinks they're doing very well with the state's hispanic and suburban voters.
Late Late Update: Two other interesting points from Plouffe. First, he said that the campaign is very pleased with where they stand with independent voters in the West, predicting that they are key to the campaign's chances in Colorado and could conceivably help tip Arizona Obama's way.
Also, Plouffe pushed back hard on the notion -- heavily promoted of late by the McCain team -- that undecideds will break heavily to McCain. He said internal data belies this and has left the campaign happy with the way Obama is perceived by undecideds both personally and on the issues. He added that get out the vote efforts would make Obama very competitive with the last-minute deciders.
THIS
October 31, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
IS
October 31, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
EXCELLENT...
October 31, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
FODDER
October 31, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
FOR BARRY GOLDWATER!!!
October 31, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
AND MO UDALL!!!
October 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
NEWS!!
October 31, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
FOR
October 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
PHOENIX FRIENDS OF QUALITY BROADCASTING!!!!!!
October 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
THE GHOST OF BARRY GOLDWATER, HOVERING SOMEWHERE OVER THE ARIZONA DESERT!!!
October 31, 2008 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
I blogged two days ago suggesting an Arizona push by Obama; having grown up in the Four Corners, I have an idea of what Obama needs to do to pull it off and how possible it is.
October 31, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I blogged two days ago suggesting an Arizona push by Obama; having grown up in the Four Corners, I have an idea of what Obama needs to do to pull it off and how possible it is.
October 31, 2008 2:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
GREAT
October 31, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
FIERY CRASHING NEWS
October 31, 2008 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
THAT'S GOING TO STICK IN GRAMPY'S CRAW!
October 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hehe, ads in Arizona.
October 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's over folks. The media needs to bank a few more ad bucks, but the election is over.
Obama's winning by a landslide.
It's not like the old days, you can watch the election in real time now, and Florida already has over 40% of it's 2004 total in the bag. And it looks to be a Obama blow-out, maybe 54-46 in Florida alone.
YOu might as well get used to the fact that there's a massive landslide coming up.
Of course, McCain has one game left to play, and the media, conflict addicts that they are, will go along. McCain's game is to find any positive poll data, ad say that he's got momentum.
But, alas, he's a old, privileged politician, a liar by trade. It's over, has been for awhile.
Enjoy Halloween, it's the last time the scary Repubs will have the Presidency for quite awhile.
October 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Damn gina
October 31, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great news, but I would love to see Obama going to a rally in Atlanta or Phoenix.
October 31, 2008 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
He just might.
October 31, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
lol the crowd in Atlanta would be huge.
October 31, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
yes, and if they say when ... I'm there! ... with my daughter - who will be casting her first ballot in 2012 for Obama.
CB
October 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
No kidding. I've been thinking for a while he should go to Atlanta, and get a huge venue. He could easily top 100K there, probably get close to 200K.
October 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama planting a flat in Arizona would really get under McCain's skin. Too bad he's run out of dumb things to do.............or has he?
October 31, 2008 10:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
%(# ...'flag'...
October 31, 2008 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's my understanding that Barack will be out in that neck of the woods and that his schedule at this point is only penciled in. I bet they have an AZ surprise in store for the folks there that are dying to come out in droves!!!!
What a great viral video that would make. ♪ ♪ ♪ :)
October 31, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
There are always more dumb things for McCain to do. He's really inventive in that department.
October 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Also Obama is holding a rally in deep red Springfield, MO tonight.
October 31, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
I really hope his secret service and crowd security are state of the art. It's not paranoia to note that there are plenty of paranoid rednecks with guns among us.
October 31, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
But you forget, the rednecks are now for Obama!
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/10/30/image001.jpg
October 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama already planned to make a western swing -- I'm thinking a stop in AZ may now be on the itinerary.
October 31, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
A stop in AZ would make the PERFECT place to hold his very, very last rally...Sedona, to be specific!
October 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ouch! That one would leave a mark!
October 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, plus McCain is going to have a rally in Arizona. Sure sign that this state is getable.
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
October 31, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Squeeze play in the last 72 hours, this should pop McCain/59%Palin's bubble.
October 31, 2008 10:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
What polls are saying that GA and SD are back in play? He should rally in AZ just to get the media attention and make McCain look bad. But, I do think the Hispanics in AZ deserve a little love.
October 31, 2008 10:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think a rally in AZ is a brilliant idea! It would get enormous buzz, and it could potentially help put him over the top in the state.
October 31, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting that McCain has now felt the need to include a rally in AZ on Monday evening. This is according to NBC's First Read.
October 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Chicago rules, baby. We've got our boot on their neck, time to stomp HARD.
October 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
They should definitely try for these states. Obama is close in all. The campaign has been determined to be on offense and this keeps McCain busy trying to hold states he should have locked down.
Another point about these three states is that there are significant down ballot races that Obama could help in. In Georgia, Jim Martin is battling Saxby Chambliss for US Senate. Also two of the DEM Representatives are in tough races (Rep. Scott and Rep. Marshall)
In Arizona there are two GOP held House seats the DCCC is targeting. They are also defending two vulnerable DEM Representatives (Rep. Giffords and Rep. Mitchell). There is also a chance that Democrats could take control of the Arizona House and Senate which would make Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano's job that much easier.
In North Dakota, DEMS are trying to win control of the state Senate.
October 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Woooo Hoooooooo!
Morning!
I'm liking how this week is ending -
October 31, 2008 10:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning, Tena! You and me both...
October 31, 2008 10:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dance like nobody's watching.
October 31, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Grant Park WILL be the celebration zone on Tuesday night (God, I'm hoping for the right reasons!) and all 65,000 tickets are long gone. I can see it from my balcony, so if I get any good shots, I'll forward them to Greg.
I'm really eager to see if Obama gets any poll bumps because of Wednesday night. Either that, or any information on upswings in early voting for him because of it.
October 31, 2008 10:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
lol... Maybe I'm just nervous, but that made me laugh like hell.
October 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's already evident in the R2K polling from last night. Check kos and and look carefully at the internals. He's breaking away. And mcShame is going down.
October 31, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obamapalooza!!!
October 31, 2008 11:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Shots" being PHOTOS, for you paranoid people. :-)
October 31, 2008 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Whew! :-)
October 31, 2008 11:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Unless Obama has:
1) a huge surplus of money, so much that he can afford to waste it
or,
2) already wrapped up an electoral victory,
this is a misdirection of resources. Why not pour that extra ad money into Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, and Missouri. Any universe where Obama wins Arizona, North Dakota, or Georgia, is a universe where he's also winning a landslide. I don't think it's wise to play for landslides. Play for the presidency instead.
The Obama people must be supremely confident, no matter what they're saying. Plouffe in an interview yesterday looked a little like the campaign genius who ate the canary. I sure hope they're right.
October 31, 2008 10:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think both of those things are true. And there are some HUGE congressional races (bumping out Shadegg in AZ and Chambliss in GA) that an increase in dem votes could be the deal maker. It's the 50 state strategy!
October 31, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's too late in the game for statements like: this is a misdirection of funds.
He can do what he wants. This campaign has not fucked up one time and it has the money and organization to do any damn thing it wants to with this little time left.
October 31, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
True dat! At least he's not out buying chocolate donkeys!
October 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Chocolate donkeys?! Where? How much?
October 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is done to disrupt the already erratic McCain campaign. McCain is doing robo calls in Arizona already so sending a positive Obama message is the right tactic! Can you imagine how these new ads in these States are unraveling the McCain staff when their money is almost gone?
October 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
I believed Al Gore was going to be president in 2000. After the exit polls in 2004, it sure looked good for Kerry.
So I'm just a little scarred, that's all. This 50 state aggressiveness seems more confidence than warranted by recent history.
I don't think it's unreasonable to note that Republicans have a more impressive record in recent presidential elections of getting out their vote. Yeah, Obama's ground operation seems to be impressive, but don't underestimate the evangelical churches either. The nightmare scenario is McCain winning squeakers in all the Bush toss-up states.
October 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
In the states where they're doing well, the ground game is so strong, so deep, that there is no need for Barack himself to beat the bushes. Those bushes, like Burnham Wood, are moving!!!
October 31, 2008 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not that your points are invalid, but I'm with Tena here. The man has run a perfect campaign. He has yet to make a single significant error. He's breaking an old paradigm here.
As I watch this thing wind down, I'm struck by how much O's approach resembles an army of ants swarming a predator.
GOP perimeters have been completely overrun, and we're inside the wire all the way around.
Never seen nothing like it.
Amazing.
October 31, 2008 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like the ant analogy.
I keep thinking chess--the pawns, knights, and bishops are winning the thing, but now he's sending in the rooks and queens to clinch it.
wow. Arizona's in play.
October 31, 2008 11:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like the chess analogy too. It's like the endgame in which a master of the hypermodern style owns the center of the board with open lines to every corner, and the poor Ruy Lopez player can only watch in dismay as his wheels off.
If I were McCain I'd just go ahead and tip that king over. Time for a drink.
October 31, 2008 11:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
If all of the stories about him not having any time left to buy in the states he's already bought time in are true, perhaps this is the only real way he can spend a significant portion of his money that he has left. Besides advertising, there's some decrease to return on investment in these states. He's already spending $39 million in the state of Florida alone. Does it make sense to spend an extra million or two, where he's only going to get an even smaller portion of the vote, or does it make sense to try for a new area where it shows, if things go well, that he could take it?
October 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
As a Floridian, I'm just not sure if there is any ROI left in this state. Obama has already saturated the airwaves here -- far outpacing McCain. And I think that the ground game is set and ready to go (We get, on average, five calls per day coordinating gotv activities from various groups).
So, on this last weekend of this long-ass campaign, I would be proud if some of the hard earned money that I've donated to the cause went into giving a big middle finger to McCain right on his front doorstep!
October 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL... spoken a true American. Love ya. ; )
October 31, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think it is absolutely great use of resources. All three are winnable and are now in within the MOE to pick up, and we already have seen that it is forcing McCain to campaign Monday in his home state and waste money on robo-calling his home state. As others have noted, there are critical and winnable down-ticket races this will boost as well.
This is fantastic use of resources.
October 31, 2008 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even if Obama doesn't win these states, he gets the individula votes.
I think Obama wants to make sure he has a mandate...nothing too close that Repubs can screech about later.
If this helps down ballot Dems, all the better.
October 31, 2008 10:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
I had a thought/question that I am not sure if it was addressed before. McCain's so-called Narrow Victory stratergy - could it really be a "Narrow Victory" for Obama so that McCain can attempt to claim that the election was stolen by Obama and ACORN? Why is he really not attending his own election night party? Is the little gathering he is having with reporters an annoucement of a law suit or some stupid accusation against Obama? I have to warn you: I have a very vivid and sometimes dark imagination! But McCain seems to have nothing to lose and no longer cares about his reputation. You know, I was watching the end of Hardball and Chris asked his two guests if McCain and the RNC should get credit for not bringing up Wright - WTF? I couldn't believe Chris was being so naive! The campaign surrogates have been hinting at it for weeks and now there is an explosion of Wright ads from outside groups - does he really think McCain didn't stoke that fire just a little? Sorry, I'm ranting.
October 31, 2008 10:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
This race is historic for a number of reasons. When Obama wins, I don't think McCain will want his lasting legacy to be the guy who tried to take away the election of the first black president elect. At that point, he would be in George Wallace territory.
October 31, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
You think that's bad, look how much lower the sky seems this morning. Hm. Looks lower to me. :)
I know just how you feel, and I want to share a trick I learned to deal with it. Click this link, sign up, and make some phone calls - you'll be amazed how much it helps.
http://my.barackobama.com/modules/votercontact/login_signup.php
October 31, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Welcome to AZ, Obama. We'll do what we can. :)
October 31, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sigh. Another weak finish for Obama. Gasping across the finish line. We'll be lucky to win 270 electoral votes. Well, we tried to warn you Kool-Aid drinkers.
October 31, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
O you're just clinging to your bitterness!
October 31, 2008 10:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah it reminds me of that lame Jamaican sprinter in the Olympics this year. He just didn't deliver. /snark
October 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
yeah or that American swimmer guy. Um, what was his name? Michael Phelps? Yeah, he just would finish and be all gasping and disappointed that he lost again. Kind of reminds me of Obama running out of breath at the end of his weak speeches.
Was it because he was rowed up? Nah, he probably just forgot his asthma meds.
October 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Some jerk that doesn't get this is a snark in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1...
October 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, not if you guys go tipping them off . . .
October 31, 2008 10:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm gonna go buy a gun to cling to.... (water pistol?)
October 31, 2008 10:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
A leading indicator that Obama is winning is that gun sales are way up.
October 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Be careful--they tend to leak and will wet the bed if you sleep with them.
October 31, 2008 1:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just seemed apropos for some reason:
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.
October 31, 2008 10:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, that's a way better retro theme song for the week than the one that's been stuck in my head. Dylan is much more iconic, respectable, etc. than Pat Benetar's "Invincible," which has been quite the earbug for me this week until you kindly knocked it out of my, um, ear with this one.
October 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Glad I could help. (After watching SNL, I had "Solid as Barack" in my head for four days, so I feel your pain!)
October 31, 2008 10:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've been humming old Queen songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGaOlfmX8rQ
and sometimes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo
Don't know quite why I've been feeling so Queenly. Maybe I'm channeling somebody's Diva here. . .
October 31, 2008 1:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
You beat me on that one!
October 31, 2008 10:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
The best news this morning for me comes from a note on the Washington Post, where the McCain camp tells that it will spend heavily on TV ads the last four days of campaign, cutting funds for GOTV operations.
The GOP knows they can't match the unprecedented ground game established by the Obama camp, so they will try to pretend some competitiveness by flooding the airwaves. They know they're lost but they'll try to not show that.
This weekend is the right time to begin the landslide, by pushing the early vote (a big success already, that FL & NC are extending it). On November 4th, the pressure should be only to push those who decided to wait and finish this electoral masterpiece.
Donate (if you can afford it).
Volunteer and Vote (if you haven't already).
Don't get overconfident or nervous. The game isn't over until it's over. But this time, we have the upper hand. Let's end this.
Only four more days away...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/30/AR2008103004167.html?sub=AR
October 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
For the WashPost article, apparently is necessary to be subscribed. Sorry for that, I didn't know.
October 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
WaPo online subscriptions are free.
October 31, 2008 11:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I see there are spots of "concern" this morning.
I figured we'd drown in it as the inevitable began to close in -
October 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama has smart, tough, supremely competent people working for him and supporting him and ,boy, does it show.
McCombover has...erm...that fat, lying sack of shit Goldfarb,AKA That Bozo Who Blew His Career On National Television, a bunch of seedy amoral Rovians who are already knifing one another in the back, Non-Joe the Non-Tax Paying No-Show,Non-Plumber, and last but definitely least Gov. Albatross of the great state of socialist hand-outs.
It's easy to see why McDementia has Obama right where he wants him.
October 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
I also read last night that this notion that undecideds were breaking for McLame wasn't actually true.
Plouffe and Obama wouldn't be this confident and wouldn't be saying that they're winning if they didn't think they were actually, yes, winning and going to to win.
I'm so excited I can hardly stand it-
October 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Four years ago, I wrote a comment I believe on this very board about that year's Democratic convention speaker running for the Senate in Illinois.
Lucky Illinois, I wrote. Lucky, lucky Illinois, to get this man as Senator.
You're losing a Senator, Illinois, but you're gaining the gratitude of the nation and the world for the President you made possible.
October 31, 2008 11:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
On behalf of all Illinoisans, let me just take a moment to say:
You are welcome, America.
Would you like to have Governor too? He'd make a good Ambassador to the Arctic maybe.
October 31, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I really love that Obama is working his tail off in these last few days but still plans to spend a few hours today with his family to enjoy some Halloween festivities.
October 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was thinking about that and I'd bet anything he goes home to go trick or treating with Malia and Sasha.
He can afford to take tonight off.
October 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
He's got the right priorities. He went to see his grandmother. He's taking time for the holiday with his daughters. This is good for his Soul. And his soul will be in such a good place, knowing this last push is for their future - and for ours - and he'll be telling them: After the election, you'll be in the same house with Daddy again.
I love this man!!!! ♪ ♪ ♪
October 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
And they'll get a dog!
October 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
The dog gets them! Lucky dog!
October 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
There was an article on Kos last night that said that he is in fact doing just that. Taking 3 hours off the trail today/tonight to trick-or-treat with his girls.
October 31, 2008 1:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't want to be a naysayer or a party pooper or whatever, but I think we should stay focused on Va, Pa, Ohio, Colorado, Florida. I'm all for the 50 state strategy, and it would be great to put Az away, but right now Az doesn't really matter. Pollster does show some tightening in these states, and we shouldn't assume a win.
October 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here's your chance: phone campaigns beginning in Ohio, Colorado, and Virginia this morning.
Click link, sign up if you haven't already, dial phone, win this thing:
http://my.barackobama.com/modules/votercontact/login_signup.php
October 31, 2008 10:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
I just got an email this morning from Marianne Markowitz, Chief Financial Officer of Obama for America, imploring me to donate another $100 to the campaign. Ms. Markowtz's arguments for my doing so are as follows:
"As of October 15th, John McCain and the RNC together had nearly $20 million more in cash than the combined total of Obama for America and the DNC. And just this week, we're facing new and unexpected spending against us in Montana and West Virginia."
Okay, I agree the McC/RNC money advantage is disturbing, and I will probably give one last $100 donation. However, I have to say that the other reason given -- namely that team Obama is facing unexpected GOP spending in MT and WV -- made me wince. And now I hear that team Obama is expanding big time into GA, ND, and AZ as well?
With OH and FL close and possibly able to flip with GOP ad parity and a sufficiently widespread 527 Rev. Wright assault; with MO and NC possibly already slipping away according to late polling; and with PA being much closer than people like to think (I'm following Ed Rendell who says it's a 5 or 6-point race there, too close for comfort) -- I'm thinking: Why the hell are you guys blowing money in MT and WV (and now GA, ND, and AZ)? Stop over-reaching already, pull in and focus on the big, tight races. Give new focus to PA, as Gov. Rendell has been requesting for weeks. Pride goeth before a fall, and all that.
Frankly, I don't see how the campaign can be so far behind in fund raising and still be reaching, reaching, reaching like this. So which is it? Are we being so outspent that we can't keep up in MT and WV? Or are we so flush with cash that we can play around in long-shot states that ultimately don't matter to the outcome? I don't get it.
P.S. I'm a nervous wreck -- and also broke. I can't afford another hundred bucks!
October 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Give your time if the money is tapped out. That's what I'm doing. Even if you make calls. It will help. And it will lift your spirits, just talking to other supporters.
October 31, 2008 10:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
I do too! I love this man!
October 31, 2008 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I received about ten solicitations from them since Obama's infomercial.
To be quite honest, I thought that was pushing it. Then again, so far they put my money to good use; I have no reason to doubt their word. So I broke down and charged another $100.
Another thing is, this is about the only way I could give a finger (or two) to McCain and his female pithecanthrope before Tue.
All that said, I do plan to check Obama campaign's final financial reports.
October 31, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
You check those reports.
You'll see I sent another 250 night before last. That's one reason I couldn't care less what you think.
Some of that money is money I sent.
October 31, 2008 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
This has been the leanest and meanest/greatest campaign I've ever seen. These folks are not wasting money! They've been up against all this muck... and they're beating the muckety mucks! Money well spent. Money carefully spent.
October 31, 2008 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Easy, Tena. My donations are pretty close to the legal maximum, too.
Obama is an elected official, not god. I don't believe in god(s).
October 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dude - this is not the time to start bitching.
How tone deaf are you? Everyone here is beyond excited - except you.
You're swimming up stream. Nobody gives a shit right now.
October 31, 2008 10:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like swimming upstream - you never get shit for company that way :-)
Ok, just kidding. I simply made a rational (as opposed to emotional) case for a last-minute donation. We trusted that guy so far, let's keep it till Nov. 4. Since he's an elected official rather than god, 'trust but verify' approach is appropriate.
October 31, 2008 11:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
They definitely need help phonebanking and canvassing for GOTV these last few days. I'm working on that all weekend and taking off Tuesday to herd people to the polls. But I've long since stopped second-guessing Plouffe. The man knows what he's doing.
October 31, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, I know, my inner-voter is telling me to maintain focus, stay classey, be sure to not count your chickens before they hatch and even then, to win with dignity. But the outer is saying, HEY, it's not to early for proclamations to designate the week of November 9th as, slap a PUG Week!
October 31, 2008 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
No. We need to win with dignity. Once we've won, it will not help our cause to step on the losing side. We're Americans. We need to come together. Reach out. Don't take the low road.
October 31, 2008 10:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yep. Even the Republicans, after the recent slimy presidential campaigns in which they "won" through ugliness first suggested they wanted to bring people together before they went back to dividing us all. They knew the wisdom of it for governance, even if they were incapable. Obama and the rest of us (his supporters) need to find it in ourselves to show them how.
October 31, 2008 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yea, I know, I watched my leader on Maddow last night and it's not the Obama way. But, if I happen to slap my Republican brethren on the back in friendship and they trip down a flight of stairs, I don't want to be held responsible, is all I'm saying...
October 31, 2008 11:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I knew you'd do the right thing. :)
October 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
I hear ya.
October 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
We are already doing that here in Hawaii...We are inviting the REpublicans to a camp-out/tourney next monday nite for a fishing tournament...In order to win the tourney you can't leave the site till 7 pm tuesday! You can check in but can't leave to be eligible!
One of our rich buddies has an RV and Satellite thingy for us to watch the returns. We have laptops to keep up with what's happening.
October 31, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Man, wish I was there!
Here's to reeling in a BIG one!
October 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Blueskies, all I can say is that it's a wonderful feeling for me that Obama has the money that gives him the room and the freedom to do what he has to do to win this thing big.
Nobody's forcing you to give any more and if you can't afford it, fine.
October 31, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Of course no one is forcing me. They're asking me. They're saying that they are $20m behind and becoming less able to compete in MT and WV. That can't be true if they are now expanding into those other states as well. Forget my personal financial situation (I shouldn't have mentioned that). Look at it this way.
There are three propositions floating around that don't fit together in a rational way: 1) we're being outspent and increasingly can't compete in MT and WV (this directly from the Obama campaign this a.m.); 2) we're bursting with money and can now compete in places we never dreamed of (the clear implication of expanding into AZ, GA, etc.); and 3) races are narrowing quickly in battlegrounds like OH, FL, PA, MO, and NC.
Please excuse my idle mind, but I'm curious how these three things fit together?
October 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
They are going where they are seeing an opening, and that requires money. Their efforts are being met by Republican money, and launching a consistent ad blitz in many states for weeks on end isn't cheap, so they need a little more money to keep up the efforts in the areas they where they see an advantage.
October 31, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Blue:
I think I got the email you're talking about, but it didn't say anything about not being able to compete anywhere. Hm.
I think the problem is that you are conflating 2 speculations (one is yours, the other is McCain's) with a single data point from the the Obama campaign.
I read in several places that fund raising in early Oct. fell off somewhat, and I received an email from Biden saying that McRNC had a combined 20M advantage on 10/15.
1.) It would surprise me to hear that McRNC still has any cash advantage on 10/31. I strongly doubt it.
2.) Look at the general tenor of O's campaign: Remember in Spinal Tap when the lead guitar player said, "These amps go to 11"? Well, Obama's campaign goes to 11. It's all-out, all-the-time, overwhelm the bastards with everything we can muster.
3.) The Republican Party are goddamned liars, as are their media organs. The only thing tightening in this campaign is the feeling in McCain's chest.
October 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for the thoughtful response. Often all one gets on this site is a command to either cheer or shut up. I think I overstated the case when I said "increasingly can't compete." That was my inference from the statements that 1) McC/RNC were $20m ahead as of 10/15, and 2) team Obama is facing unexpected spending in MT and WV and therefore more money from me is urgently needed. My general sense is that team Obama is over-reaching. That's not true, of course, if they really are flush with cash. I also worry that the race is tightening up in places that are much more important, such as PA, FL, and OH.
Did I say "worry"? Wash my mouth out with soap!
October 31, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your worries are well taken, Blue. Hell, I'm a Democrat too. It's what we do.
Lately, when my anxieties begin overwhelm me I use the click, dial, talk strategy to calm myself.
You know what the click, dial, talk strategy is, right?
; )
October 31, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay. Click!
October 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
: )
October 31, 2008 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
"He added that get out the vote efforts would make Obama very competitive with the last-minute deciders."
Canvassed yesterday in a neighborhood with many Hispanic voters--several first-timers, as they were new citizens.
The Hispanic voters I spoke to were *very* interested in Obama, almost all of them leaning toward or definitely supporting him.
Sadly, lower-income white voters in this neighborhood either were leaning McCain or were simply refusing to vote. It amazes me the degree to which people are threatened by what they don't understand--and refuse to investigate.
Still, it was positive overall.
October 31, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is by far the most frustrating election season I've experienced (this is number 3 for me). Then, you see something like this and it's just awesome!
October 31, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Remember when McCain couldn't recall the names of all the former Secretaries of State who endorsed him? Well, now one of them, Larry Eagleburger, admitted during an interview on NPR that Sarah Palin is a major problem - totally unprepared to be commander-in-chief:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/31/84932/525/87/647744
October 31, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Did Eagleburger endorse McCain before or after the Palin pick?
October 31, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
I absolutely loved that Christian conservative lady on the John Oliver segment of last night's Daily Show. She had been a McSlime supporter until Palin and the rest of the Repug drones started insulting community organizers. She said, "I'm a community organizer and that made me so mad that not only am I going to vote for Obama but I've been out there organizing and getting my friends and neighbours to vote for Obama." And this was someplace like Kansas, I think, where Obama isn't supposed to have a hope.
Man, I could've kissed her.
October 31, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
That was brilliant. She was actually in Appalachian Ohio, so a battleground state, but the part that is the hardest for Obama to win.
October 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Look, anybody who wants to be a naysayer is not going to find takers here. We may be anxiousY waiting for Tuesday. We may not want to take anything for granted. But we are strong. We are hopeful. We are working our hearts out. And there is no reason at all for being scared. You want fear? The other side is all about fear. On our side, we're all about HOPE!
♪ ♪ ♪
October 31, 2008 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are so right - nobody can put a dent in this for me now.
Kvetch all you want about fund raising - we financed Obama's campaign = not the lobbyists, not the big companies - us.
And if you want to bitch now - you're bitching into thin air - nobody cares.
October 31, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
I love that - bitching into thin air
October 31, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
"anxiously waiting" - yes, I should preview...
October 31, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that McCain wipes his nose with his hand alot? He was just speaking at a rally in Ohio, and in mid-sentence he wiped his nose with the back of his hand from cuff to thumb. And then he's going to shake hands with people?
October 31, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, he even did it once during the final debate. Soooo un-telegenic.
October 31, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't have the skills to do it, but someone should make a video of his many wipes.
October 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Somebody make the vid! Obama believes we all share in the wealth of this country... but mcShame just wants to spread the germs.
October 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
That was funny!
October 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jeez, you think maybe he's turned into a coke-hound? That sure would explain an awful lot...
October 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wasn't Wasilla the meth capitol? Hmmmmm
October 31, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
It could be something simple like an allergy. But whatever the cause, the man should use a tissue or handkerchief.
October 31, 2008 11:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Public Enemy, BY THE TIME I GET TO ARIZONA:
I'm countin' down to the day deservin'
Fittin' for a king
I'm waitin' for the time when I can
Get to Arizona
'Cause my money's spent on
The goddamn rent
Neither party is mine not the
Jackass or the elephant
Re: the last two lines -- times are changing.
October 31, 2008 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I love you!
October 31, 2008 10:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Last week you said you loved ME!!!
Hussy.
October 31, 2008 10:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
O I am, I am.
You should have known me when I was younger - I put the "huh" in "hussy."
LOL!
October 31, 2008 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
On "misdirection of resources":
I live in the DC/Northern Virginia TV market and we've been so swamped with ads that I don't think another two dozen would move the needle at all. We're waaay past the saturation point.
Besides, Obama stumping or going on air in GA and especially AZ would generate enough free media to make it worth the effort. I'd imagine a late night rally in Phoenix with 50K+ would make a juicy bit of film for the Sunday news shows...they'll be tired of the infomercial by then and that would be something else to talk about.
You don't want to get greedy, but if you got it, you got it.
October 31, 2008 10:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
McShame to Obama (for real, this time): GET OFF MY LAWN!
October 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!!!!!!!!
October 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Thera - did you hear that story that Michelle and Barack told about Malia, I think - whichever one is about 10 years old.
Obama was telling Michelle and her mom about the infomercial and Malia said: Wait a minute, you're going to be on every station? You're going to interrupt MY tv?
Obama said - no we didn't buy time on Disney or Nick. Malia said: Good. And got up and walked off.
I love that story. LOL
October 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
What a great story! His kids are normal!
(Palin's kids... no school, no peer group, likely no trick or treating... ugh)
What a contrast!
October 31, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
O god don't get me started.
Jesus - I think the final nail in her coffin was Piper dragging around that Louis Vitton bag.
Jesus tits!
October 31, 2008 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Louis Vuiton-
October 31, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
McCain accepts he's in trouble in Arizona by campaigning there on Monday night:
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=60787
October 31, 2008 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
He's getting closer to retirement at his AZ ranch by the day.
October 31, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
And another Senate seat gets closer to turn blue!
October 31, 2008 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have a question Greg -
IS the McLame campaign still doing phone conferences? I haven't seen a post on a conference call with that campaign in over a week -
October 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Halperin reported that Rick Davis will have one as we speak, after Plouffe had one earlier today.
October 31, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for that - I really was wondering.
October 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, always do what Obama does.
Prolly, Halperin, the tool, reminded them to hold one.
October 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good morning friends.
DAMN I feel good this am!
October 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
So do I!
October 31, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
me too!!!!!
October 31, 2008 11:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Me too. I can feel it coming. I can feel it.
The knees and hips may not hold up for walking door to door to get out the vote (I'm still sore from last weekend). But I'm packing my folding bicycle for that! I'm gonna do door to door on this funny-looking bicycle! With my white hair and my helmet! And my Obama button. And I'll figure a way to put an Obama sign on the front basket thing.
They'll think: If this white haired white lady is working this hard, I sure better vote!
October 31, 2008 11:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
What a great visual! Thank you so much for working so hard.
October 31, 2008 11:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
We all deserve a big round of applause! ♪ ♫ ♬
October 31, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderful post, Thera. Thank you.
October 31, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
The other thing to think about is that Obama looks to be doing so well in early voting in some states, like Colorado and New Mexico, that it does make sense to take those states a little more for granted than he might other wise.
http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/10/mccains-mountain-of-problem.html
October 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
yeah, I think Colorado and New Mexico are lost causes for McCain at this point because of the early vote. It's astonishing to me that almost 60% (of the 2004 total) have already voted in Colorado. And Iowa is a lost cause for McCain too, based on polling.
Which means, all Obama needs to do is hold on to Pennsylvania (where there is no early vote) and New Hampshire and everything else is gravy. Of course, an Obama win in Ohio, Florida, or Virginia+Nevada would erase even that necessity. In other words, the presidency is Obama's if he can just lock down one more big state. But why take that for granted at this point?
My main point is, Arizona, Georgia, and North Dakota will play no role whatsoever in who becomes president. They're either McCain states or it's a landslide anyway.
October 31, 2008 11:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
I can understand the idea that nothing should be taken for granted, but I don't know what else Obama can do in states like Ohio, Florida, and Virginia. He's already bought up all of the remaining time in these states, if what we've heard can be believed. (If not, then he's damn near close.) At some point, he's spending a lot of money for just a few extra votes. If they see an opening in this state, even if it's not incredibly likely, he should go for it.
Then again, it doesn't look like it's about winning at this point. It looks like it's about winning and painting the map blue with as many possible choices as he can afford. If something goes wrong in Indiana, for instance, he can still run up the score by winning Georgia or Arizona.
October 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
And in other useless has-been news...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/31/joe-the-plumber-hires-edd_n_139562.html
October 31, 2008 10:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Truly a Mr. Everyman.
He's also working on a record deal. Can't wait for the CD....
October 31, 2008 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
So McCain's ground game is hoping Bush's 72-hour evangelical ground game comes out for McCain/Palin. Expect them to get their marching orders in services on Sunday. However not only are they not going to get paid, but folks have to fly/travel on their own dime to get to where they are needed.
October 31, 2008 11:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good luck with that one, McLame.
You are so not Commander CooCoo. He was actually popular in '04 with at least half the country. You - not so much.
October 31, 2008 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
How sad. To not even reach the level of Bush II.
By the way, T, after all of our Wire conversations (and I think we agree-best show eva!), the wife and I decided to start with True Blood, per your recommendation,even though we've been trying to stay away from Heroin Box Office in the interest of laying off TV for a bit. Needless to say, we started watching it on demand around 10 last night and ended up going to bed at 2am!
October 31, 2008 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Time for this again:
http://www.thedailytube.com/video/12761/les-mizbarack
October 31, 2008 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm going with the Weekly Reader Presidential Poll results.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/The-Nations-Students-Pick-Barack/story.aspx?guid=%7BBFCBCCF9-9DD6-4215-B1FE-B2368CCF72FD%7D
I'm gonna track how accurate it is on election day.............
October 31, 2008 11:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just look at all of the positive energy in the string of posts. Imagine what this new campaign activity in AZ is going to do to further motivate all involved in the Obama team's GOTV effort, and not just in AZ....
October 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
and, here is a playlist for election night....
1. A Change Gonna Come Sista Monica Can't Keep a Good Woman Down
2. Let Us Rise In Love Sweet Honey In the Rock The Women Gather
3. Feeling Good Nina Simone Four Women: The Complete Nina Simone on Philips Recordings
4. Your Life Is Now John Mellencamp John Mellencamp
5. For What It's Worth (Shantel Remix) Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 Boudoir Beats (Disc 2)
6. Justicia, Tierra, y Libertad - Maná w/Carlos Santana International Earth Rock
7. Groove Is In The Heart (Candy Coated Radio Mix) DSP Feat DEEJ Groove Is In The Heart
8. I Want To Take You Higher (w/ Steven Tyler with Robert Randolph) Sly & The Family Stone Different Strokes By Different Folks
9. The Stars Moby Last Night
10. This Little Light of Mine, Bruce Springsteen, Live In Dublin
11. The Times They Are a Changin' (Live) Peter, Paul And Mary The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary
12. He Lives In You (Reprise) Ensemble - The Lion King, Jason Raize & Tsidii Le Loka The Lion King (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
13. Healing The Divide - Diamond In Your Mind Tom Waits Healing The Divide - Diamond In Your Mind
14. All You Need Is Love Dana Fuchs & Jim Sturgess Across the Universe (Music from the Motion Picture) [Deluxe Edition]
October 31, 2008 11:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
It may be a good time for Obama to run a fake play and act as if he will show up in Arizona, but without committing. Keep McCain going crazy looking for a counter-play. Force him to pour resources into defending his home ground that should have been taken for granted.
In reality though, for the 10 electoral votes, versus 20 in Ohio, Obama is better off concentrating on Ohio as his last battleground. The folks there will appreciate it.
October 31, 2008 11:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Barack appearing in Ohio in three rallies today, with Biden once and Hillary twice! Awesome.
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
October 31, 2008 11:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Winning AZ will be a bonus but the strategy can at least distract McCain from focusing on other must-win states. After all, McCain can ill afford to lose AZ.
October 31, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
It seems that McWar will campain in AZ on Monday
October 31, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Come on Peach Staters, do us proud. You know you want to go blue. You'll thank yourself for doing it.
October 31, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rasmussen has McCain ahead by just one point in Arizona. Maybe THAT's why Obama is on the air in the state.
October 31, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
SEN. OBAMA - PLEASE COME TO ARIZONA BEFORE TUESDAY! YOUR APPEARANCE CAN HELP PUSH AZ OVER THE TOP FOR YOU!!!
October 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Winning Arizona is more important than some people in this thread think. Not a jab at the GOP nominee, but more importantly, taking the entire Southwest. That's a _big_ long-term shift that makes the GOP Solid South an unsustainable model in future Presidential elections.
Obama's crushing McCain in Pima and Coconino and on the rez, and will be surprisingly close in metro Phoenix, where McCain is brought down by Shadegg's vote for the bailout (pumping downticket numbers for Lord) and also by Sheriff Joe's and county attorney Andrew Thomas' electoral death spirals.
October 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oooh, I like it. Btw, I've been really enjoying you analysis in your blog posts. Always a good read. Thanks for that.
October 31, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Woot! Woot! Gallup's lookin' good today...Obama up across the board!
October 31, 2008 1:04 PM | Reply | Permalink