Obama Swamping the Airwaves; Plus, the Expectation Game in PA
| Wed Apr. 9, 2008 10:25 AM PDT
Wow:
Barack Obama has spent a record breaking $60 million to run more than 100,000 political television ads in pursuit of the Democratic presidential nomination, a new analysis conducted for CNN shows.
In contrast, John Kerry ran a little more than 19,000 TV ads four years ago in his successful bid for the Democratic nomination, according to TNS Media Intelligence/CMAG, CNN's consultant on political television advertising spending.
Kerry wrapped up the nomination in the first week of March 2004, while there is no end in sight in the battle between Obama and Hillary Clinton for the right to be the 2008 Democratic nominee.
Clinton, who trails Obama in fundraising by about $60 million, has run just over 60,000 TV ads in her bid for the White House.
Also, it appears that Obama is making a massive, massive ad buy in Pennsylvania — three times the size of Clinton's. I guess he thinks he might as well go for the jugular: the polls show PA tightening, and if he can pull out a surprise victory there, the campaign is effectively over.
That won't stop the Clinton campaign from spinning, however. "If Senator Obama is not able to win Pennsylvania," said Howard Wolfson on a conference all today, "it will again demonstrate that he has serious problems winning the large states and serious problems closing the deal with voters." Wolfson also said it would be a "significant defeat for [Obama]" if he can't come out ahead in PA. Hard to ignore that 20-point gap from a month ago, though.
Continues Below
Continued From Above
Comments
Leon A. Walker
April 9, 2008
Free-lance Writer
Pensacola, Florida
leonwalker@cox.net
"The Clinton Campaign Is another Clinton Whitehouse"
Senator Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign has descended beyond embarrassment into a historic abomination. Interestingly, a look back at the White House under the first Clinton Administration provides the best vision of the ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that are the Clinton trademarks as campaigning continues.
No doubt those that continue to manage Senator Clinton's campaign are feeling some relief as Mark Penn shrinks from the main stage. Unfortunately, it leaves them with many challenges. There is a very real possibility of defeat that must certainly be fueling internal consternation. There is also a continuing damage control problem that is not only of Mr. Penn's making but also as presented by exposed inaccuracies, lies and deceptions contributed by both Hillary and Bill Clinton.
I have to consider however briefly, the potential reality of a new nightmare in another Clinton White House. I am among the growing throngs of "ex-Clinton Supporters" who are aware of having remained loyal through the many embarrassing scandals during the Bill Clinton Presidency. Understanding that Senator Clinton was not fully or singularly at fault for much of what transpired during those frequently dark days, she insists that she was directly often involved and cites this as a basis for being "Ready on Day One". In fully considering what that statement is intended to mean, I am extremely uncomfortable with another such Administration.
One does not have to examine the Presidential Campaign of Senator Clinton particularly closely to capture a glimpse of the seedy (no pun intended) tenure of the first Clinton Administration. Neither can one examine her current campaign without noticing many visible signs that ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that exist therein. The campaign made poor strategic decisions by ignoring the importance of smaller states and caucuses. The campaign has linked itself to impropriety through Mark Penn's activities, public comments and media that are suggestively based in racial and religious scare tactics. The Candidate herself has repeatedly lied about, manipulated or completely fabricated personal stories of danger, sacrifice and even death with cold and calculated precision. And Senator Clinton has essentially threatened and attempted to blackmail the Democratic Party Leadership. This has already become a delicately blended "New Clinton Nightmare" and we have not even gotten through the primary elections yet!
I am compelled to restate my belief that the nomination of the Democratic Party will be decided immediately after the Pennsylvania contest. What I will add to that prediction is that Pennsylvania will be much closer than many originally imagined or that Senator Obama has a chance to actually will it by a small margin. I believe that even with only two weeks to go to Pennsylvania; there is still a remote chance she might get short sheeted by the Super Delegates before then.
Senator either refuses to look at the handwriting on the wall or she is simply a dangerously ambitious opportunist. She and the former President are shamelessly making the Democratic Party appear in the poorest possible light to America and around the world. This is for me a clear impression of poor judgment and unwillingness to make sacrifices and also to make reasonable informed decisions.
If Senator Clinton will be "Ready on Day One", I can only respond by saying: "Ready for what?" Is her current presidential campaign any indication of her ability to manage money or run a business? Is her campaign is an indication of her ability to lead people? Is her current campaign is an indication of her willingness to be truthful to the America? Is her current campaign is an indication of her understanding of ethics or propriety? And sadly, is her marriage to Bill Clinton of any benefit to her nomination or to this nation. Already the former President has made money from questionable sources arousing skepticism. He has also now become tied to receiving finances in a Columbian Trade proposal that she publicly opposes. Do they talk to each other? Has anyone ever actually seen their "Marriage Certificate"?
If anyone is wondering what he would do when back in the White House, let me spell it out for you. He is going to create havoc and stick his finger down the throat of everyone in America. Senator Clinton would be up at 3:00 AM alright. Crying?
The "Clinton Circus" is back in town! Last stop Pennsylvania, and I don't mean avenue.
L. A. Walker
© Leon A. Walker, April 9, 2008
Submitted by capt - Hussein (not verified) on Wed Apr. 9, 2008 4:39 PM PDT.
"In every campaign, the strategy is important and the day-to-day management is important. And in Obama's case, it's hard not to argue that they have run a great campaign," said Steve Elmendorf, deputy campaign manager for Kerry's 2004 bid and a Clinton supporter. "It's been one of the best-run presidential campaigns in the last 20 years. I think they are focused and disciplined and on message. ? The test of a good campaign is having a plan and keeping an operation on track to execute a plan."
Put simply, Obama has shown he can offer a compelling vision, execute a complicated strategy to convey it and, all the while, keep the ledger in the black. That's not a bad first step to becoming a strong leader.
(cbs)
Leon A. Walker
April 9, 2008
Free-lance Writer
Pensacola, Florida
leonwalker@cox.net
"The Clinton Campaign Is another Clinton Whitehouse"
Senator Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign has descended beyond embarrassment into a historic abomination. Interestingly, a look back at the White House under the first Clinton Administration provides the best vision of the ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that are the Clinton trademarks as campaigning continues.
No doubt those that continue to manage Senator Clinton's campaign are feeling some relief as Mark Penn shrinks from the main stage. Unfortunately, it leaves them with many challenges. There is a very real possibility of defeat that must certainly be fueling internal consternation. There is also a continuing damage control problem that is not only of Mr. Penn's making but also as presented by exposed inaccuracies, lies and deceptions contributed by both Hillary and Bill Clinton.
I have to consider however briefly, the potential reality of a new nightmare in another Clinton White House. I am among the growing throngs of "ex-Clinton Supporters" who are aware of having remained loyal through the many embarrassing scandals during the Bill Clinton Presidency. Understanding that Senator Clinton was not fully or singularly at fault for much of what transpired during those frequently dark days, she insists that she was directly often involved and cites this as a basis for being "Ready on Day One". In fully considering what that statement is intended to mean, I am extremely uncomfortable with another such Administration.
One does not have to examine the Presidential Campaign of Senator Clinton particularly closely to capture a glimpse of the seedy (no pun intended) tenure of the first Clinton Administration. Neither can one examine her current campaign without noticing many visible signs that ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that exist therein. The campaign made poor strategic decisions by ignoring the importance of smaller states and caucuses. The campaign has linked itself to impropriety through Mark Penn's activities, public comments and media that are suggestively based in racial and religious scare tactics. The Candidate herself has repeatedly lied about, manipulated or completely fabricated personal stories of danger, sacrifice and even death with cold and calculated precision. And Senator Clinton has essentially threatened and attempted to blackmail the Democratic Party Leadership. This has already become a delicately blended "New Clinton Nightmare" and we have not even gotten through the primary elections yet!
I am compelled to restate my belief that the nomination of the Democratic Party will be decided immediately after the Pennsylvania contest. What I will add to that prediction is that Pennsylvania will be much closer than many originally imagined or that Senator Obama has a chance to actually will it by a small margin. I believe that even with only two weeks to go to Pennsylvania; there is still a remote chance she might get short sheeted by the Super Delegates before then.
Senator either refuses to look at the handwriting on the wall or she is simply a dangerously ambitious opportunist. She and the former President are shamelessly making the Democratic Party appear in the poorest possible light to America and around the world. This is for me a clear impression of poor judgment and unwillingness to make sacrifices and also to make reasonable informed decisions.
If Senator Clinton will be "Ready on Day One", I can only respond by saying: "Ready for what?" Is her current presidential campaign any indication of her ability to manage money or run a business? Is her campaign is an indication of her ability to lead people? Is her current campaign is an indication of her willingness to be truthful to the America? Is her current campaign is an indication of her understanding of ethics or propriety? And sadly, is her marriage to Bill Clinton of any benefit to her nomination or to this nation. Already the former President has made money from questionable sources arousing skepticism. He has also now become tied to receiving finances in a Columbian Trade proposal that she publicly opposes. Do they talk to each other? Has anyone ever actually seen their "Marriage Certificate"?
If anyone is wondering what he would do when back in the White House, let me spell it out for you. He is going to create havoc and stick his finger down the throat of everyone in America. Senator Clinton would be up at 3:00 AM alright. Crying?
The "Clinton Circus" is back in town! Last stop Pennsylvania, and I don't mean avenue.
L. A. Walker
© Leon A. Walker, April 9, 2008
Submitted by capt - Hussein (not verified) on Wed Apr. 9, 2008 4:39 PM PDT.
"In every campaign, the strategy is important and the day-to-day management is important. And in Obama's case, it's hard not to argue that they have run a great campaign," said Steve Elmendorf, deputy campaign manager for Kerry's 2004 bid and a Clinton supporter. "It's been one of the best-run presidential campaigns in the last 20 years. I think they are focused and disciplined and on message. ? The test of a good campaign is having a plan and keeping an operation on track to execute a plan."
Put simply, Obama has shown he can offer a compelling vision, execute a complicated strategy to convey it and, all the while, keep the ledger in the black. That's not a bad first step to becoming a strong leader.
(cbs)
Submitted by capt - Hussein (not verified) on Wed Apr. 9, 2008 1:27 PM PDT.
A successful grassroots campaign that raises millions more than ever before.
That is good news!
Leon A. Walker
April 9, 2008
Free-lance Writer
Pensacola, Florida
leonwalker@cox.net
"The Clinton Campaign Is another Clinton Whitehouse"
Senator Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign has descended beyond embarrassment into a historic abomination. Interestingly, a look back at the White House under the first Clinton Administration provides the best vision of the ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that are the Clinton trademarks as campaigning continues.
No doubt those that continue to manage Senator Clinton's campaign are feeling some relief as Mark Penn shrinks from the main stage. Unfortunately, it leaves them with many challenges. There is a very real possibility of defeat that must certainly be fueling internal consternation. There is also a continuing damage control problem that is not only of Mr. Penn's making but also as presented by exposed inaccuracies, lies and deceptions contributed by both Hillary and Bill Clinton.
I have to consider however briefly, the potential reality of a new nightmare in another Clinton White House. I am among the growing throngs of "ex-Clinton Supporters" who are aware of having remained loyal through the many embarrassing scandals during the Bill Clinton Presidency. Understanding that Senator Clinton was not fully or singularly at fault for much of what transpired during those frequently dark days, she insists that she was directly often involved and cites this as a basis for being "Ready on Day One". In fully considering what that statement is intended to mean, I am extremely uncomfortable with another such Administration.
One does not have to examine the Presidential Campaign of Senator Clinton particularly closely to capture a glimpse of the seedy (no pun intended) tenure of the first Clinton Administration. Neither can one examine her current campaign without noticing many visible signs that ineptitude, impropriety and immorality that exist therein. The campaign made poor strategic decisions by ignoring the importance of smaller states and caucuses. The campaign has linked itself to impropriety through Mark Penn's activities, public comments and media that are suggestively based in racial and religious scare tactics. The Candidate herself has repeatedly lied about, manipulated or completely fabricated personal stories of danger, sacrifice and even death with cold and calculated precision. And Senator Clinton has essentially threatened and attempted to blackmail the Democratic Party Leadership. This has already become a delicately blended "New Clinton Nightmare" and we have not even gotten through the primary elections yet!
I am compelled to restate my belief that the nomination of the Democratic Party will be decided immediately after the Pennsylvania contest. What I will add to that prediction is that Pennsylvania will be much closer than many originally imagined or that Senator Obama has a chance to actually will it by a small margin. I believe that even with only two weeks to go to Pennsylvania; there is still a remote chance she might get short sheeted by the Super Delegates before then.
Senator either refuses to look at the handwriting on the wall or she is simply a dangerously ambitious opportunist. She and the former President are shamelessly making the Democratic Party appear in the poorest possible light to America and around the world. This is for me a clear impression of poor judgment and unwillingness to make sacrifices and also to make reasonable informed decisions.
If Senator Clinton will be "Ready on Day One", I can only respond by saying: "Ready for what?" Is her current presidential campaign any indication of her ability to manage money or run a business? Is her campaign is an indication of her ability to lead people? Is her current campaign is an indication of her willingness to be truthful to the America? Is her current campaign is an indication of her understanding of ethics or propriety? And sadly, is her marriage to Bill Clinton of any benefit to her nomination or to this nation. Already the former President has made money from questionable sources arousing skepticism. He has also now become tied to receiving finances in a Columbian Trade proposal that she publicly opposes. Do they talk to each other? Has anyone ever actually seen their "Marriage Certificate"?
If anyone is wondering what he would do when back in the White House, let me spell it out for you. He is going to create havoc and stick his finger down the throat of everyone in America. Senator Clinton would be up at 3:00 AM alright. Crying
The "Clinton Circus" is back in town! Last stop Pennsylvania, and I don't mean avenue.
L. A. Walker
© Leon A. Walker, April 9, 2008
Submitted by capt - Hussein (not verified) on Wed Apr. 9, 2008 4:39 PM PDT.
"In every campaign, the strategy is important and the day-to-day management is important. And in Obama's case, it's hard not to argue that they have run a great campaign," said Steve Elmendorf, deputy campaign manager for Kerry's 2004 bid and a Clinton supporter. "It's been one of the best-run presidential campaigns in the last 20 years. I think they are focused and disciplined and on message. The test of a good campaign is having a plan and keeping an operation on track to execute a plan."
Put simply, Obama has shown he can offer a compelling vision, execute a complicated strategy to convey it and, all the while, keep the ledger in the black. That's not a bad first step to becoming a strong leader.
(cbs)
A friend just returned from a month long stay in Europe.
Most of his time was in Germany with trips to France, Italy and London.
I asked how they were feeling towards Americans and he responded that they all hope that Obama is elected.
He also said they are following the race very closely.
Obama has been outspending his opponents from Iowa on. I have heard it called a Glitzkrieg on this [European] side of the Atlantic and the pure barrage of it does remind me of Nicolas Sarkozy's campaign style.
There's something scary about it, something insufferable, something disrespectful of democracy. I'm a native Pennsylvanian, living in France now, and from what I remember of the folks in my hometown, genuine feet-on-the-ground people, the obscenely disproportionate sums being outlayed by the Obama campaign will cause voters to look past the Glitz at the tall self-entitled candidate is his slickly tailored suits and they will say "no" to Obama and they will say no definitively. Be it in 2008 or 2012, Obama will have purchased his own defeat.
