August 20, 2008
Posted: August 20th, 2008 09:50 AM ET

From
Burton’s Wednesday e-mail to reporters.
Burton’s Wednesday e-mail to reporters.

(CNN) - Pity the poor Obama beat reporter – sleeping with their blackberry within arm's reach and their cell phone tucked under their pillow awaiting the looming vice presidential announcement, their job description expanded to include Talmudic-style dissections of vacation itineraries, campaign logistics and grammatical slips.

Having trouble working up any sympathy? So is Barack Obama's campaign. Wednesday morning, as VP speculation reached fever pitch, national spokesman Bill Burton sent reporters an e-mail titled “Vice Presidential….”

First line of the message: “Just kidding.”

It'll probably be a lot funnier after the convention.

Filed under: Barack Obama


LuGotMilk   August 20th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Senator Obama's campaign is utilizing the strategy of secrecy and speculation on the VP's selection. Apple has shown us how this translates into sales, just before the launch of one of their anticipated products... I think Steve Jobs made the list too.

Viet Vet   August 20th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Hey Erika KS
Did you like Bush Hopping around the stage looking for WMD's in front of his crowd of HAVE MORES while we have our military getting killed in his name? Man that was hilarious. But nobody said a thing
about it??!!! HEY CNN how come nobody reports the REAL NEWS.
This country has gone to hell!!If I had the money I'd Leave. Anybody want to donate?

Print this CNN – -I want donations and I'm outta here

Colin -- Southern California   August 20th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

LOL! Awesome!

Wow, though... Who will it be?...

Nova from NV   August 20th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I love it when a campaign doesn't take the press seriously. I think it would be much funnier if the Obama campaign would name Rezko as VP because he contributed so much money to Obama when he was in Chicago. Or a funnier headline might be Obama to join his buddy in federal prison, and we would all have a laugh and enjoy the moment.

Ken in NC   August 20th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

HOT OFF THE WIRES…. Senator McCain is going to broadcast his VP pick by smoke signal. Remember too that all beers will be vetoed.

Morgan   August 20th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I am an American in Europe, This is a message for my fellow Americans. Not this time! Not again!! We should never allow a war monger to look patriotic. That is not what patriotic means. We should never allow turf talking look presidential. We don´t need to tell anyone we are strong, they know how strong we are? If we allow that my fellow American, we will see how isolated we will be from the rest of the world. The world is changing we have to follow, otherwise we will not be calling the shorts again, another country will rise!!!!!!

Bill in Minnesota   August 20th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I love it when a campaign doesn't take the press seriously. And guess what - the press retaliates in very subtle ways for being slighted. Thank you Obama campaign decision makers for helping John McCain....again.

PoliticallyIncorrect   August 20th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

News alert!: PUMA attacks are on the rise all over the internet. Be warned, PUMA's are very dangerous creatures, fearing only 47-year-old charismatic African-American men, the words "Hope," "Change, "Yes We Can," and blue dresses. PUMA's are found anywhere sore losers congregate, and have been known to smell blood from miles away and sense fear. If approached by a PUMA, mention delegate counts, the last eight years of the republican't regime, or winning fair and square, and they will immediately burst into flames.

Slow Down, You're Going Too Fast...   August 20th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Well, we'll all no soon than later. He has to have some news before Saturday, which is just two days away.

O/08

A CANUCK   August 20th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Jane...good grief....give it up !!!! Go have a bake sale to pay off Hillary's stupid , useless debt !!

Latina for Obama...NJ   August 20th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

funny!!!!

OBAMA 08

P.   August 20th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

This is hysterical! I really couldn't contain my laughter at work..

I'm glad at least some people have a sense of humor. It just further highlights the differences in attitudes and demeanors of the campaigns. When I see Obama on TV, I think "smart, personable, inspiring, confident." When I see McCain on TV, I think "boring, uninterested, cold, looks mummified."

Jane   August 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

What is going to be funny when they find out Obama is going to be Hillary's VP.

It ain't over 'til it's over.

PoliticallyIncorrect   August 20th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

McCain will be outraged when he sees this, as soon as he figures out what this new-fangled e-mail thing is..."what's a blog anyway? Sounds unamer'can, to me..."

Cmon, you neocons....admit it. That's clever....

Erika, KS   August 20th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Roxy, New York,
Obama is arrogant to think that as a junior, three year (and only actually being in Congress for half that time because he's been on the campaign trail the rest) Congressional experience to think he has what it takes to win the presidency. That, my dear is arrogance. And the fans that follow him are blind and buy into every word this empty suit says. Pathetic on both counts.

Dave Diamond, Mont Vernon, NH   August 20th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

OOH that so makes me want to vote for McCain! just kidding!! :)

Keith   August 20th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Kathleen, Calgary...you are an idiot. Donne Brazil for VP? You might as well have said Minnie Mouse because at least Minnie Mouse speaks well and has a brain!

Andrew   August 20th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Why is it that every time CNN throws something into the mix for a bit of brevity in our day, they get slammed as wasting people's time? If people would watch CNN like they're supposed to rather than saying that they do and listening to the evils of Fox News, they would know that CNN DO talk a LOT about policy, and talk a lot about the real differences between campaigns and also let the candidates speak in their own words for prolonged periods of time.

Get off of CNN's back. They're the best out there, by far.

Typical White Person   August 20th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

This is another one of those things like the New Yorker did that everyone but Obama-maniacs thought was funny...

Has anyone called him racist yet for doing it? Oh, that's right. He's on the Obama team so he CAN'T be a racist.

PUMA   August 20th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Good Joke...

Just like Obama...

Kenneth F.   August 20th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

It is funny. But Obama did not do it. His camp did.

Roxy, New York   August 20th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I'll never understand how anyone can look at Obama and think he's arrogant... and this is coming from a McCain supporter. You can level the inexperience charge if you want. Hell, call him exotic or unpatriotic, but he's just not arrogant at all. He seems like a genuinely nice person. In fact, I'm pleasantly surprised that McCain has been able to do so well so far, given his often dour and stiff demeanor. Obama is just much more pleasant to look at.

ANGIE   August 20th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

At least obama knows how to use a computer and e-mail more than i can say for mccain 21st century and mccain doesnt know how to use a computer funny and you people want this old dinosaur for president shaking my head!!!!

Theresa   August 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Just name the VP already......Grow up
Awesome that Hillary will be entered at the Convention.....it's not over til it's over

lol election   August 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Considering how immature the media has been hanging like paparazzi all over a presidential candidate, this message was a good dose of fun.

Its kinda ironic that the media releases a poll stating obama is to publicized while following the report with a 1 paragraph footnote that he was seen getting a McDonalds.

Tjaye in LA   August 20th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Okay....THAT was funny. And I am SOOOOOOO glad to see that I am not the only dork keeping my cell near by so I won't miss the text. LOL

I guess the McCain and HRC supporters aren't laughing because they have no hope for the future and can't afford to laugh.

Obama- Next Stop.. White House   August 20th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Get a Grip Haters.... You know that was funny....
Don't be soooo bitter....we know come November you will be voting the TRUE candidate!!!

B.O. 2008thru2016

Sweetie   August 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Bill Burton is a Joke!

He will go down in History as a fool that lost an election in a year that the Democratic Nominee was a shoe in!

McCain 08

Harvey Gant .. aka Two-Face   August 20th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

The message will come Tuesday evening ... one night before the VP's speech.

Walker, TX   August 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Obama's VP will be . . .

CHUCK NORRIS!!!!!

Garth   August 20th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

So many PUMA's out today. Did your Republican handlers give you orders to flood the blogs with witty comments like Robert and Jan/Michigan?

McCain represents the old way of politics as started with Clinton and well developed by Chaney (Bush is just a figurehead). We need a big change and Obama is the only hope. Nader and Barr want a socialist form of government and are so wierd it doesn't matter.

Think Americans, don't just accept what some gasbag on the radio tells you to think. We are becoming a nation of sheep. Self absorbed sheep that only pretend to think about anything but themselves.

Susan   August 20th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Why not have a little fun..McCain is souring the campaign so much that evryone need a chuckle!

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   August 20th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

That's cute. Low level non-offensive humor targeted at an information hungry group of journalists.

In fact, I think it is hysterical! Gotta, paparazzi! Ha, ha, ha, ha.

Erika, KS   August 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Really, Obama doesn't even have a sense of humor. His ego is too big. No room in there for humor. Every time he says something that he construes as funny, he comes off as talking down and condescending.

And no, people should not "lighten up." This is serious business and we're in a world of mess. I don't want these politicians to be funny. There's no time for that. I want them to discuss issues. But all I hear is them badmouth their opponent. Enough of that crap. There's no time for that either.

Charles   August 20th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Very funny. That is actual humor, not comparing somebody to Paris Hilton and such. Though I am sure the media guys are not laughing quite as hard!!

Dwayne - L, OH   August 20th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

When he does send and email to let the reporters and supporters know who his choice for VP is, He should text a message before hand saying "republicans...get your shovels ready."

Michael Hussein from MA   August 20th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Funny...lighten up people – Seriously, still thinking of changing my middle name to Hussein

sherry for Obama   August 20th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Too funny..........

keesa   August 20th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

voteing for mccain is like taking a gun in turning it on yourself,this man is crazy after russia invaded georgians mccain came out like america is the big bad wolf. this man judgement is a sham how we is gonna fight three wars at one time, quick to act but not thinking what he is doing. an about the surge i think the iraq`s are being paid not to attack us to make like we are winning. mccain talking about he put country first no iraq`s first helping them rebuild their country but not america. i think mccain is out for himself the republican party is playing a game on who can win a war first that`s why he always say`s im gonna win, crazy old coop.

John in Ohio   August 20th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

McCain reminds me of another “overwhelmingly-experienced” politician that’s unable to overtake an “amateur.”

If Clinton couldn't beat Obama, McCain sure isn't going to do it. America needs a president who actually sounds smart in front of a microphone.

Mike, Syracuse, NY   August 20th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

ha, ha. Almost as funny as the candidate Howard Dean picked.

Lynn   August 20th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

And he wants to be President! His arrogance just keeps on going!!!!!!!!!

JD   August 20th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

hilarious!

Joi   August 20th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

This is quite funny. I slept with my blackberry too and I kept checking it all last night to make sure it was working. When I woke this morning, I was still tired because I had not slept from checking my blackberry all night! Hilarious :)

Turnabout is Fair Play   August 20th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Almost swallowed my tongue along with my heart when I got that email, ROFL!!

Jan/Michigan August 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Obama IS a joke!
-------------------------------
Don't start that crap bitter old tired woman..go 'way and leave us lone. If Obama is a joke to you and he still be Hillary, what does that say about Hillary?

Please Love Me and Post My Stuff   August 20th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Humor is good, but not in this case. Presidential Campaigns and VP picks affect the whole country if not the world. It is not a joke. Grow up boys!

Jean   August 20th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

ARROGANCE

Is he arrogant because he looks confident, holds his head up, smiles, is smart etc.??

Ryan, New York, NY   August 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

It is funny. It's been fairly ridiculous how extensive the coverage of who these two candidates are going to select has been.

If only the MSM spent more time on what these people actually want to do with the country rather than who they want to do it with, I'd be a lot more pleased. Instead all that we have is analysis of who would best help him with state X because so and so is from that state, etc.

Sacto Joe   August 20th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Now, THAT'S funny!

Praetorian, Fort Myers   August 20th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Looking at the two dumbos we are left to choose–you gotta laugh or cry.

Most of us prefer to laugh.

Laura   August 20th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

I thought Obama's camp didn't like humor. At least, they sure don't appreciate McCain's. Academics, thoughtfulness, and a who lot of "uhs" are what they are into.

ran   August 20th, 2008 11:59 am ET

If anyone votes for Mcain or any republicans this time it will not be funny it will be a tradgedy.

OBAMA and DEMOCRATS this time.

Charlotte   August 20th, 2008 11:58 am ET

HA.

Mike - Texas   August 20th, 2008 11:54 am ET

I can just imagine how ticked some of those guys were.

Ha Ha Ha

Denise Groves   August 20th, 2008 11:53 am ET

This is newsworthy?

Alice in Florida   August 20th, 2008 11:53 am ET

The only thing funny about Obama is how clownish he looks when he doesn't have his teleprompter in front of him

McCain '08 for Hillary '12

Chris   August 20th, 2008 11:51 am ET

That is so funny! Hahaha.

Phil in KC   August 20th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Yeah, the reporters probably didn't think it was so funny, but I thought it was hilarious. One thing I like about Obama is that he has a sense of humor. Evidently, so does his staff.

Boston For OBAMA   August 20th, 2008 11:45 am ET

What a tickle.....................a little humor from the Obama side.

B J   August 20th, 2008 11:44 am ET

All of you moan about McCain being a hothead, what do you think you will get if Barry picks Biden for VP?

Jeffer65   August 20th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Laugh it up. Obama's use of the web, texting and other technologies helps him reach more voters. It may help him win in November.
If McCain wins, America loses.

Obama/Biden '08   August 20th, 2008 11:42 am ET

the only humor the McCain campaign is capable of is blatant lies about Obama.

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 20th, 2008 11:40 am ET

CNN is making me crazy this morning.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Jesse and Debby, get over yourselves. If the McCain camp had done this, you'd think it was soooo clever. I don't think this belongs on the Ticker, but it was a cute little "break the tension" joke.

Kelby from Houston, TX   August 20th, 2008 11:40 am ET

The joke was funny. The anti Obama, PUMA rhetoric that attempts to put a negative spin on this story is even funnier. Obama didn't even send that email...

steve   August 20th, 2008 11:40 am ET

hmm second ticker story in a row on this? how did this make the ticker even once. well i'll repeat my comment,

hopefully the next email will say "barack obama is the democratic candidate for the presidency – just kidding"
coronating obama can't be anything other than a very elaborate, long-running joke from the dems by now. they can't be serious about foisting up this empty suit in the real election

INDEPENDENT NYC   August 20th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Its really strange. Senator Obama has clearly and factually has gotten more negative press than McCain. Yet, he invites the press everywhere and McCain didn't bother with them when he took his European tour. Senator Obama has been as open as reasonably possible and very transparent. McCain has been deceptive, closed, and censor them when they give him negative press – he refuses access for interviews. In light of all this Senator Obama still allows his campaign to befriend them and accept that most are just doing their jobs. These actions and behavior speak volumes about each candidates character.

Jill in Chicago   August 20th, 2008 11:37 am ET

It will be more funny on Nov. 4 when McCain is President.

Cynthia   August 20th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Those of you on the blog with negative comments should just chill. You all did not say anything when Senator McCain was teasing the media that he might name his VP choice when Senator Obama was overseas.

Steve, Madison WI   August 20th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Well let's see – damaging stuff not yet talked about on McSlime.

Keating 5, left his 1st wife and married Cindy before divorce was final, flip-flopped on abortion, oil drilling, tax cuts, repeatedly mixes up facts and seems confused (debates should be fun!).

Contrast that to the sleeze being thrown at Obama and the real headline should be – Even with all the sleeze, McCain still trails Obama".

Time to take the gloves off and beat the Repugs at there same game. The media will not report the facts on McCain, so it is up to Obama to get nasty!!!

Independent-Latina-for-OBAMA   August 20th, 2008 11:32 am ET

YEAH.......... ROBERT, AND MCCAIN WOULD BE ANOTHER BUSH!

HAVEN'T WE HAD ENOUGH OF 8 YEARS OF REPUBLICAN LIES?

Remy   August 20th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Laughing is good for health.If a human fail to laugh, they will get nervous breakdown soon!

Db   August 20th, 2008 11:21 am ET

is it from Bill Burton to daily reporters or From daily-reports to Bill Burton ?

Caryn, Washington DC   August 20th, 2008 11:19 am ET

That's cute.

Nono in Virginia   August 20th, 2008 11:19 am ET

It's often heard that Religion and Politics should be avoided as social conversation topics. I would add that whoever makes jokes of either Religious or Political topics, is bound to fall flat and be found NOT FUNNY by most audiences. McCain insists on thinking himself funny... It's clear that only half-wits agree on finding him funny or even amusing. When he goes up on the polls I conclude that more and more half-wits are making their opinion count.

NObama 2008   August 20th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Yeah, that's a riot. Don't quit your day jobs, if you think that was even remotely amusing.

But, this is what we are relegated to in this day and age of CNN's "over the top, let's get Obama elected in aynway we know how" coverage of this election.

ENE M DIAZ   August 20th, 2008 11:12 am ET

POLLSTER ARE GETTING WRONG DATA FROM SLUM AREAS,STATISTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT DRUGS AND CRIMES IN THOSE CITIES AND THE FORGOTTEN ILEGAL DESTITUTE EXTRANGERS WITH FALSE ID TO VOTE NEXT NOBEMBER,

Robert   August 20th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Obama isnt funny, and he would be a terrible president. Probably worse then Carter.

Val, Ky   August 20th, 2008 11:08 am ET

To reporters of tv media:

Will you PLEASE chill out? You're beginning to act like paparazzi.

If you really are in love with Obama's campaign like everyone says you are, STOP over-saturating the country with Obama coverage/speculation. You're hurting his campaign by making us all sick of him. Focus on McCain's VP potential VP pick instead and make us sick of McCain.

OR- perhaps you actually LOVE McCain and you are intentionally overexposing Barack so that McCain is seen more favorably. Brilliant!

GO AWAY!!!!!   August 20th, 2008 11:01 am ET

To-dgal878 I'm an independant voter and my vote is absolutely not going to B-O.....Good no IDIOTS Allowed!!!

Polls mean nothing at this point   August 20th, 2008 10:57 am ET

It's nice to have humor every once in a while!

Go Obama!

Kathleen, Calgary   August 20th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Too funny. I have mine on chirp as well (but not at night) – Joe Biden is for me but I would really in my heart of hearts love to see Donna Brazil. They both are fairly awsome people.

Dan, Ohio   August 20th, 2008 10:56 am ET

To Debby,

Yes, because McCain's sense of humor has been just perfect throughout the campaign.

Or are you forgetting his "joke" about killing Iranians by selling them cigarettes? I hardly think a little jibe at the media is anywhere near equivalent to implied genocide of a sovereign nation's citizens. A President has to know where to stop and it's obvious that McCain does not.

Deb, Allentown, PA   August 20th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Jesse and Debby, get over yourselves. If the McCain camp had done this, you'd think it was soooo clever. I don't think this belongs on the Ticker, but it was a cute little "break the tension" joke.

Chips   August 20th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Oh! I just love it.

Toni - Atlanta   August 20th, 2008 10:40 am ET

I love it!

Debby   August 20th, 2008 10:36 am ET

CNN this was a stupid blog and its so childish what the Obama campaign is doing with this just kidding crap.

MT   August 20th, 2008 10:35 am ET

So.......why can't McCain close the deal? McCain reminds me of another “overwhelmingly-experienced” politician that’s unable to overtake an “amateur.” I find this fact very interesting.

skh4450IL   August 20th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I'm not a reporter and I'm doing the same thing, constantly waiting for my phone to churp with a text message, making sure the phone is within reaching distance when I sleep. This is pretty funny!! I know I would have laughed had I received that email. I'll continue to be patient and have a sense of humor at the same time!

Obama/Bayh 2008

bij   August 20th, 2008 10:33 am ET

ahahahaha...i just punked my coworkers and told them he chose clinton...u should see the uproar!

Judgement over experience   August 20th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Love your sense of humor Obama, shows you are a well rounded guy. John McSurge on the other hand is hot tempered, shoots from the hip, is a war monger and makes bad judgements. BTW where is mccain's gas tax holiday? He didn't even show up for the vote that he pandared you guys on. hahaha, now that is funny!

Rudy NYC   August 20th, 2008 10:28 am ET

I wonder if they sent it out at 3am.

Whew...almost 10 minutes without a pointless CNN update...   August 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Gosh, I almost had to surf over to Enquirer to have useless info. Thanks CNN for working so hard to maintain your readership base.

Report on Real news!!!!

Like why McCain said in 2000 <i"We all know that the Berlin wall is down . . . People should be able to get on the ballot in states . . . Everybody knows that I am a legitimate candidate. I should be on the ballot."
–and then he sues to have Bob Barr removed from the Pennsylvania ballot...McCain=Hypocrite.

And for you Obama supporters, same to you!! Obama sued to have his opponents in Illinois removed from the ballot before election!! Not hard to win if you're the only one on the ballot!!!

Jan/Michigan   August 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Obama IS a joke!

Michael   August 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Yes, Humor is important. When I think about President McBush starting WW3 and puting the American Economy into the next Great Depression. I just get the Giggles!

dgal878   August 20th, 2008 10:20 am ET

I'm an independant voter and my vote is absolutely not going to B-O!

Lost (maybe) in CNN Moderation   August 20th, 2008 10:19 am ET

The only beat reporter I pity are the one's in the McLame campaign. I beat they all take speed just to stay awake. Maybe that explains why they don't report on any of his gaffes.
They're sleeping!

MLH   August 20th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Suck it up. It was a joke, and if you didn't take yourselves so seriously, you'd be laughing too.

Lost (maybe) in CNN Moderation   August 20th, 2008 10:16 am ET

"I didn't decide to run for President to start a national crusade for the political reforms I believed in or to run a campaign as if it were some grand act of patriotism. In truth, I wanted to be president because IT HAD BECOME MY AMBITION TO BE PRESIDENT. I was sixty-two years old when I made the decision and I thought IT WAS MY ONE SHOT AT THE PRIZE."

- John McCain, "Worth the Fighting For: A Memoir" (2002)

Sounds pretty arrogant to me!

Linda from Prescott AZ   August 20th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Oh Please!

America the Dumbest   August 20th, 2008 10:12 am ET

CNN thanks for giving out more useless information instead focusing on real issue. Like policy.

Bulldog   August 20th, 2008 10:12 am ET

That's funny!!!

Chris L.   August 20th, 2008 10:12 am ET

LOL! Those punks! :o )

Jesse - San Antonio TX   August 20th, 2008 10:10 am ET

What arrogance.

hillybilly   August 20th, 2008 10:09 am ET

that is funny!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP