April 27, 2008
Posted: 09:05 AM ET

From
A Clinton ad on the economy mirrors a spot that aired in March.
A Clinton ad on the economy mirrors a spot that aired in March.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — When it comes to campaign commercials, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are going where no candidate has gone before.

Obama and Clinton have spent a combined $110 million on TV ads to this point; we've had a race that's literally gone on since last summer for ad spending," said Evan Tracey of TNS Media Intelligence/Campaign Media Analysis Group, CNN's consultants on campaign commercials.

"We're beyond what has been record spending in previous presidential nomination campaigns. John Kerry spent close to $20 million to get the nomination four years ago. Barack Obama's already approaching $70 million."

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Political ads


Ronald L. Betts   April 27th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Obama refuses to debate Hillary in Indiana even without a moderator that he say's will attack him. If he doesn't have the confidence to debate Hillary then how can he have the confidence to become President? The Obama people scream racism every chance they get. I will give you a true definition of racism. When Barack Obama got 92% of the black vote in Mississippi, that was true racism!! I would like a question put forth to each of these candidates and the question is: If the price of gas rose to $10.00 a gallon would you be willing to go to war over it? Or put another way, at what point would you go to war over oil? Would the economy have to come to a grinding halt and the country go into a depression? I am asking this question because it certainly looks like neither candidate is willing to allow the oil companies to drill on our own turf for the oil. If they are not willing to drill for it and we cannot afford to buy it then I see no other option but to go to war over it. I think this could be on the minds of a lot of Americans and we deserve an answer.

Rosie   April 27th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

The thing is the press has never said the truth.
The truth is, Clinton and her supporters are racists.
They are the supporters of Communists in the 70's not Obama.
They (Clinton) have the radical anti-american views not Obama.
They will never get my 'black vote', nor of my relatives or freinds.
CNN, MSNBC, ABC, FOX and CBS have hated Obama since he began this campaign. They have all but came out and supported Clinton.

Sharon Minnesota   April 27th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

She's so smart! Point out the other guy's failures with good hard hitting commercials like right now.

As president, Ms. Clinton will give all of us more bang for the buck when she goes after the terrorists and anyone else who dares to threaten the USA.

HILLARY CLINTON = MORE INTELLIGENCE FOR LESS!

Sarah Smith   April 27th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Ms Manipulative Botox FACE alienates ME more than McCain

I am seeking SINCERITY

and find it NOT in the CLINTON CAMP..

Clinton is two faced forked toungue

pathological liar… does NOT represent

MY VALUES!

Hyenas be gone! you SCUM & scoundrels!

We ,must take RESPONSIBILITY to FIX this world

and SHE (THEY!) will just reign supreme in jocular sniping snobbery.

Ignorantbama   April 27th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I am looking forward to Obama supporters to call this ad negative.

SamSunny   April 27th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Unfortunately, that tempo is extremely negative and confrontational. Sort of "Sleeze Politics." And unfortunately, one abound with half truths and outright fibs. Not the qualifications one wants for the leader of the Free World.

wyoming dem   April 27th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

This is really out of control. There is so much more to do with all this money…..all spent to attack and bring the party down. That is one expensive red phone.

kathy   April 27th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

inflation

Paul vs Clinton
Google it — very interesting

Sure   April 27th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Sounds like leadership to me.

John   April 27th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Come on. If Obama knows he's got this in the bag, why don't he just shut up and save up for McCain?

Noah   April 27th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Sad that Obama spends all that money, but refuses to debate the issues. Hillary can win this election. Obama is avoiding the tough issues and relying on retoric and talking points from his surrogates.

Donate to Hillary now, she will need the money for the general election.

georgia   April 27th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Only because of increasing lies & pit bullish attack around smoke-screen non issues . When she's done detroying the Democratic party she'll probably defect BACK to the Republicans. Go Hillary.NOW !!!

Helen   April 27th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

It's not good sign. Why Obama wastes so much money in order to get nomination? We have lived in the world for so many years. We all know win by AD is not good thing. I Wish Obama to quit. I vote for someone who speaks by action, not by AD. I vote for Hillary.

ShannonL   April 27th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Isn't it great. Americans don't have enough money to feed their kids, yet our politicians spend hundreds of millions of dollars tearing each other down.

How is that change?

NANCY   April 27th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

What tempo would that be?
I don't think she is setting any tempo but deceipt, negativity, and hot air.

Spider   April 27th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

"Obama spends more but Clinton sets tempo"

Seems to describe the entire campaign.

Marc   April 27th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Ad wars are the future as more and more people become couch potatoes.

robert   April 27th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

everthing that it takes is ok

Tee   April 27th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

why hasn't CNN spoke about HRC's campaign paying people for their vote in Penn. Obama's camp did not. This is a known practice in Penn.
Is it legal?

lol   April 27th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

money bags obama can outspend her all he wants, it doesn't matter she still holds her own against him. americans are seeing his inexperience, and controversial friends and the real obama is becoming clearer.

jt   April 27th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Obama is just wasting money at this point!!

People are beginning to know him and come to coclusion that he is not ready.

Hillary is more polished on all issues.

Hillary is a stronger candidate who is willing to go toe to toe.

Hillary 08!!

brian bernard   April 27th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Yes he spends more.Because she out of money she can't aford it

pay back   April 27th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

In Nov, the Hill raisers will knock Obama to the bottom of the trash heap where he belongs.

We are sick and tired of the insults.

our time   April 27th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Our time has come.

We, Hillary supporters are fed up with the name-calling insults and the hate and the misinformation spread about us and our candidate.

We are not ignorant, uneducated bigots.

We just support a different candidate.

Keep it up- our turn for sabotage and swiftboating will come in Nov.

cameleon116   April 27th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

ugly wife

Cherie   April 27th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I am so sick of Hillarys 3 am add I could >>>!!! Please can't we see something original and not so negative from her camp. i am certainly tired of her adds, her actions, etc. By the way I am a w/f over 50 and make under 50 but I am not stupid!

Ex Hillary Supporter   April 27th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

And we will spend 70 million more if need be to get rid of this rash Hillary! Her 'tempo' is scare tatics and 'Old Politics'
Sen Obama set trends and Hillary follow or zerox it and call it her own like she did with Sen. Obama debate 'The president gives the orders and the generals follow' She's so lame!

Jesse   April 27th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Obama has to show his face more compared to a candidate that America already knows.

Obama Richardson   April 27th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

She sets the tone of negativity. Said so well. Yep, what a great leader she is. ACK!

show me   April 27th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

seems to me if these two wanted to help the people as much as they say they should set a spending limit and donate the rest to help people that need help now that would be a real change

Kris In PA   April 27th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

And Clinton has been getting much more bang for her buck, it would seem, since she' s winning in the states that matter most to the democrats come November.

Pat   April 27th, 2008 11:58 am ET

She is just spinning, and spinning around in circles faster and faster.

Jim   April 27th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Keep it up Hillary! You are showing us what it takes to win and to lead and we are behind you all the way!

Cinton's tempo   April 27th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Yes, Cinton's tempo is try to destroy Obama

Bill   April 27th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Vote for Hillary! She's been tested under fire….oh I forgot…not so much. I guess that was one of her ooops moments. Yeah, she's the one I want waking up at 3 AM and sending our people into combat…NOT!!!

American   April 27th, 2008 11:53 am ET

to CNN,

you talk about Obama’s cloths and shoes, but Why is that you never talk about Hillary’s remark that she would "totally obliterate Iran" when she becomes a president.??!!??!!??!!

Shame on you CNN.

charlotte   April 27th, 2008 11:53 am ET

The Obama-bots must be sleeping in…These blogs are uaually full of their garbage before anyone else gets a chance..

Jane   April 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Hillary Clinton won't be happy until she has annoyed every single US citizen to the point of migraine headache.

Mark   April 27th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Barak Obama needs to buy the country's support. Sad, very sad.

Cynthia   April 27th, 2008 11:45 am ET

The Clinton name is a household name be it good or bad. Senator Obama is having to get out there so that the people can learn about him and get to know him. What is the big deal?

A.K.   April 27th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Most of this article quotes one person, Evan Tracey. Thanks for making an essentially opinion-driven article look like a news item, CNN.

LL   April 27th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Sad. There are so many things that could be fixed in this country with money like this. Instead it's used to watch these two candidates duke it out. I really wish Obama could just run an ad showing all the clips where Hillary has lied. I realize that would be too many for a 30 or even 60sec spot, but at least it would end this thing. Then maybe the rest of the money could be used for some good.

underdog   April 27th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Keep beating on Hillary, Obama folks.

That just unifies more of us behind HER and against the hypocritical hype of hope.

We love this woman with all her imperfections.

Beats the pretend nice guy.

Look down on Americans while you seek their votes- wow, that is a winning strategy Obama and all you supporters blogging hate.

strong lady   April 27th, 2008 11:31 am ET

All the disadvantages and lies and hatred spun about this woman and still she is clearly the best candidate and is still standing.

Oh yeah… The Obama campaign has been positive:
call Hill divisive.
label her a racist.
pretend she is a warmonger.
strong arm her voters at caucus.
deny her the states she would carry.
Spew propaganda and lies about her.

That's unity and hope and positive change that I CAN'T believe in.

Hillary or the democrats can lie in the grave they dug for themselves, in NOV.

Bridgette   April 27th, 2008 11:30 am ET

I don't understand this sub-title. How does that mean she sets the tempo. I don't quite understand. I think all of this money is ridiculous. That money that they are both raising to go and help bail some people out who can't afford to put gas in their cars or food on the table.

Phil Newton   April 27th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Here's a 3:00 AM call:

"Help, you're needed in New York!"

OBAMA '08

Sensible Cape Coral FL   April 27th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I try to be a very politically involved person because I think it is important to be so But this campaign is making it extremely difficult for me to continue.

Hill   April 27th, 2008 11:27 am ET

On a level playing field she would already BE out nominee.

I can not and will not vote for Obama- the cheating, lying path of hate and dissent is not the direction I want for my party or my country.

Zoinks   April 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

you mean if Clinton continues to be a total dirt bag, then her tv spend goes further.

Hillary the LIAR   April 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Bill Clinton: "She lied because she was tired."

Don't worry America, Hillary isn't running for 2008, she running for 2012. The Clinton plan is to poison Obama this round, then give it another go after 4 years of McSame. This woman is a monster.

the best   April 27th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Hillary was and is STILL the awesome best.

Kick her down you Obama supporters… that is the positive, hopeful, uniting way.

Ane we will raise her back up…because we are true democrats who believe in freedom, justice and FAIR primaries.

Obama   April 27th, 2008 11:24 am ET

I am an Obama sheep.

Baaah, baaah, baaaah.

I wil follow Obama to my own death.

Grif   April 27th, 2008 11:22 am ET

"Yes! This is the Lady of the House". 'How can I help you'?

Brian   April 27th, 2008 11:20 am ET

NEWS UPDATE:

Arizona Democratic Party official and Super Delegate, Charlene Fernandez, endorsed Obama Saturday night.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   April 27th, 2008 11:18 am ET

All Clinton does is lie, stab, lie, stab ……… what a tempo - she's not my choice as a representative of this country's reputation.

Billy from Florida   April 27th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Obama can out spend Clinton every day of the week, but
he couldn't win Penn, I guess because "they are bitter"

After further review,Texas   April 27th, 2008 11:11 am ET

This must be why this nomination has taken so long.The media and the Ad companies have made a fortune.Now I know who to thank for the worst choice of candidates I have ever seen in 50 years.

Theogracias   April 27th, 2008 11:08 am ET

After lying about sniper fire. You don't set tempo for anything other then bs.

Pamela   April 27th, 2008 11:06 am ET

CNN and the other networks are cleaning up in revenue from these campaign ads. It is to their financial advantage to keep the spin and drama going at the expense of truthful and fair reporting. Lately these networks are making trash tabloids look credible. Wake up folks.

Brian from Iowa   April 27th, 2008 11:05 am ET

And yet, despite all of the money he has spent, Barack Obama has not been able to knock his opponent out of the ring. Interesting.

Brian (in PA)   April 27th, 2008 11:05 am ET

"He who spends more…" So much so the highly touted politics of change.

Eddie   April 27th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Can we please tell the American people the truth.Hillary is only in the race still because of name recogntion.Obama was a unknown,he has to spend money to get his name known,Duh.

christi   April 27th, 2008 11:02 am ET

campaign ads are such crap. MY PREDICTION - next election round there will be actually no programming because all the candidates and their cronies will have bought up all the time available!!!!

Obama all the way!!!! But honestly, combined they could feed a country or rebuild the lower 9th!!

Montana is Obama Country   April 27th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Hillary is so out of touch with Americans..

Even little girls she uses on this ad supports Barack Obama..

Yes.. We.. Can..

carlo   April 27th, 2008 10:53 am ET

What a bunch of crock. Clinton isn't setting the tempo, the media is. You guys always do. The only thing Clinton is setting the tempo for is how fast she can go bankrupt.

Slowpoke   April 27th, 2008 10:51 am ET

What a ridiculously biased article and title. Shame on you CNN.

Corinna   April 27th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Obama needs more ads than Clinton….The voters only hear Clinton-Bush, the last 16years……and Obama since 2years…

CJ   April 27th, 2008 10:46 am ET

With no more debates let's see how much "tempo" costs.

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