October 28, 2008
Posted: October 28th, 2008 10:25 AM ET

From
 The RNC has increased ad spending in Montana.
The RNC has increased ad spending in Montana.

QUAKERTOWN, Pennsylvania (CNN) - In a sign of last-minute concern about a traditionally red state, the independent arm of the Republican National Committee is launching television ads in Montana.

Democrats have only won Montana twice in the last half century, but Barack Obama has been using his vast resources for an aggressive push there - an Obama spokesman says they have 19 offices and 14,000 volunteers. John McCain has no Montana campaign offices.

"It's a cheap insurance policy" said a Republican official involved with the ad buy told CNN. "We don't expect a crash there, but we may as well buy insurance in case we do."

Recent polling has suggested McCain’s edge over Obama in the state may be in single-digit territory.

By law, the so-called Independent Expenditure arm of the Republican National Committee can produce TV ads and buy air time, as long as it does not coordinate with the party.

The Republican official said they spending $300,000 dollars in the relatively inexpensive media Montana media markets.

Montana now has two Democratic senators and a Democratic governor. Obama’s campaign already has an organization in the state thanks to the Democratic primary in June, which he won.

A senior McCain aide told CNN they are relying on a "very good state party" that has a few offices around the state.

Filed under: John McCain • RNC


Like I said   October 28th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Obama already controls the media. If you do not like a comment you just take it out CNN. That is control and bias. I put in comments that you just take out. Nothing in my comments are inappropriate.

Beware America – you are already being controlled.

Tired of fraud   October 28th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

After reading all the comments under this article I am saddened to see how many peopls ears and eyes are closed to the real truth ahead if Obama winse. You really will have someting to moan and groan about when our country is threatened and all Obama wants to do is invite our enemies into our most important place in the nation, our White House to have luncheon. While there he can confer with the unrepentant bomber, Bill Ayers and the radical anti-american reve jerimiah Wright. Wit good folfs your eyes will open and your ears will hear things you would never imagine. Why be stupid now when the time is now to try to see beyond empy words and promises. Are you ready to have your hard earned money taxed and given to those who do not work? The welfare and medicaid programs have been allowed for in the budget. There is not reason people with small businees should be placed under the higer burden of higher taxes. Do your math. Fox news tells the truth. Also if people would have been listening instead of forming false ideas you would ahve heard that Sarah Paliun's clothes were not purchased byt her. They werre rented for her and why shouldn't she be dressed nice. Anyone calling her sleazy is just jealous she looks like she does after having the fine family and standing up for her beliefs and not folding under in this time of small mindedness. If what I am reading from all the comments on this page I hope I never have call to live in those cold unfeeling states. Seems like growth there is still in the 1800's. Do you all still hang people?

Terry, Butte, Mt   October 28th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Too little too late Johnny… MT will be blue on election day.

The demographics of MT have been changing over the last 4 years. Obama will win big in Missoula and Butte and edge out McCain in Great Falls, Helena and Bozeman. The only real republican stronghold in the state is Billings. Obama has been to Montana 5 times and Biden once or twice. McCain zero.

Another factor is that Ron Paul is on the ballot and Montana likes to support third party candidates. Paul has strong support and will take maybe as many as 5% or more from McCain.

I am hoping that Obama will get over the 50% mark here but Im not holding my breath. I have talked to a lot of my republican freinds in the state and the really don't like McCain but are foolishly enthusiastic about Palin.

Nicholas   October 28th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

If McCain really loves his donors, he should step down and put all that money in the RNC to help get GOP senators elected. He has lost and he should admit it.

Jeff Brown   October 28th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Montana? Time to give up the ghost John!

Thomas   October 28th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Blindsided,

You are either another distorting Republican or just an ignorant fool. Anyone can take a quote and try to make it sinister. Grow up, this kind of crap has been what is wrong with this country.

We love Sarah   October 28th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

John McCain has never taken the American voters serious. He has pandered, slid, crook, and played more dirty tricks on us in the belief that we are not smart enough to notice. Well Mr. McCain since you don't take us seriously enough to be honest and srtaight-forward, we will not vote for you. Seriously.

slickingdom   October 28th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

It's good to see the McCain/Palin camp sweating. His ideas are old,
moldy and smell like grandmom's house. They make misleading
statements and tell outright lies in an effort to win this election, which is
typical of the republican party. I hope the Montana people are smart
enough to give their vote to someone that put the effort in to win their
vote, not to someone that has taken them for granted.

Obama/Biden '08

San   October 28th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Yes we can, Montana!

Democrat in Arizona   October 28th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Reg in AZ you are the man. Could not agree with you more.

pam Eugene OR   October 28th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

That's funny that they are so scared!
McCain is going down in a land slide. They can no longer count on the once red states as this $300,000 ad buy indicates.
That is an impressive amount of ground forces Obama has in Montana.
Go Obama

carl   October 28th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Here in Helena the GOP Headquarters doesn't have a single sign out for McCain-Palin.

DM 45 yr old black male retired navy   October 28th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Senator John McCain, voted against supported the US Military New GI Education Bill, Senator John McCain Voted against funding the VA for returning injuried Vet returning from the War. Check the facts about how Senator John McCain did not support the Vets...

w.l. jones   October 28th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Boy aren"t it proud to be "An American" the fun we have had over this election cycle.

Mel in MT   October 28th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Montana is looking UP!!!!!

Yes We Can!

Fired Up!
Ready to Go!

I am taking Election Day off to make sure all my neighbors get to the polls and vote for Barack!

w.l. jones   October 28th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Boy aren"t it proud to be "An American" the fun we have had over this election cycle. Now it time to close on a high note ....by.. by

Patty   October 28th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Desperate times require desperate measures

the snarly old hawk squawks in fellowship square   October 28th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Big Sky country about to be Big Diappointment country for old Johnny boy.

Sue in MI   October 28th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I wish he'd call for Palin to step down as well.she and her
pal" Stevens are birds of a feather. He is her supporter and mentor on getting earmarks. And she expects to become the new Republican Party leader? That's a joke, right? She's going to step over Mitt Romney and just take over the party? Maybe from her jail cell...she and Todd and Stevens can plot all they want...America is seeing past the high heels and fake maverick to the creepy political hack she is.
And bb. you should stop getting all your info from Sean Hannity...then you might know that Obama voted against that abortion bill because the protection was already law in Illinois, that McCain said exactly the same thing about wealth in 2000, that Acorn is involved in only the REGISTRATION of voters, and that McCain spoke glowingly of them in 2006, that McCain was part of the Keating 5 scandal, and that your beloved Sarah has ties to a real domestic terrorist group ,the AIG, in Alaska. Plus she pals around with her buddy, the felon Ted Stevens...and did SHE call for his resignation? No, because she's afraid that the Personnel Board is going to come to the same conclusion as the legislature and find her guilty too. Then when they start looking into the building of her mansion, more things will come to light. Plus, you do know that she and Todd are millionaires...despite Hannity's claim in their interview. She's a fraud.

Randy   October 28th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

This is a true sign of desparation. The McCain campagin has to fight for 3 electoral votes in a state which usually goes republican.

Martha in Ohio   October 28th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Gov. Sarah Palin's signature accomplishment — a contract to build a pipeline to bring natural gas from Alaska to the Lower 48 — emerged from a flawed bidding process that narrowed the field to a company with ties to her administration, an AP investigation shows.Corruption? Who built her house and for how much?

PrObama in AZ   October 28th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

The White House is one less house John and Cindy McCain will occupy.....as long as we continue to get out there and VOTE!!! Don't let up, don't quit and most Definitely DO NOT GET COMPLACENT it's not over!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Brian NYC   October 28th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Montana??? Who lives there?

Lights Out   October 28th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

McCain's campaign is coming apart at the seams. Palin thinks she is stumping for 2012. I've got news for the Baracuda..... the Repulican Party can't afford to turn ever more to the right....where she is....they will be turning more to the center where most Americans are. Palin can go back to Alaska where she can find a few seperatists that will like her righ-wing agenda. But for 2012....forget it Palin. You are nuts and people got to see it these last few months. Your negative ratings are climbing each day. Bye-Bye....

tee   October 28th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

bb
The only one practicing socialim is Sarah Palin-Taking from the oil companies then spreading the wealth. The alaskan people are not complaining.

terri in MT   October 28th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I am voting for Obama... and I know lots of people here in eastern Montana who are too. Obama will win this state! Even though we have only 3 electoral votes, Obama has made 5 visits in our state, even coming here for the 4th of July! Mccain.... 0 times. He wants to buy ads now as insurance of our vote.... how offensive! GO OBAMA!!!

chas alabama   October 28th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Why don't we hear anything about McCain's connection to Hanoi, the communists love him

Bruce   October 28th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

McCain and Palin still have nothing to say ,no plan to offer, only BASH Obama. Obama said he can take their attacks as long as everyone supports him and get out on 4 Nov 08 to vote for him.

Zeppo   October 28th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I am supporting John McCain but if Obama gets the most votes than I want him to win because it is more important that our democracy survive than my candidate win.

I get the feeling that most Obama supporters (just like Bushies in 2000) want a win at any cost, even if it means giving up our greatest freedom, our precious and fragile democracy.

Punish the incumbent party (Republicans)   October 28th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Can I see an Obama ad Cnn? Tired of looking at grumpy old rich men.

Chris S.   October 28th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Mccain looses in a landslides. Thank you America for finally getting it right.

TangoDancer   October 28th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Montana is one of the most beautiful states in the country. I worked as a volunteer in the wilderness region near Bozeman in 1987. I recommend that everyone take a vacation at least once to Montana. The people here are rather conservative, but by no means should they be considered stupid or bigots if they do not support Obama. I'm glad to see that Barack has a slight chance here and that the GOP feels inclined to spent precious money as an insurance policy in this state – but it may be beyond wishful thinking that Montana will vote against McCain. I wish these folks in Montana the best, regardless of how the chips fall on November 4th.

Tony   October 28th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

PEOPLE HAVE MADE UP THEIR MIDSN, EVEN TEH SO-CALLED UNDECIDEDS. THEY MAY NOT SAY SO, BUT THEY KNOW WHO THEY WILL VOTE FOR.

OBAMA / BIDEN ARE THE ANSWER! TIME TO GET THE COUNTRY OUT OF THE DITCH AND MOVING FORWARD AGAIN.

Bama4Obama   October 28th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

"Blindsided"-Why on earth do you keep posting the same nonsense on every story? Stick to the topic at hand!

Go VOTE!

Obama/Biden 08/12

Dinku   October 28th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Listening to Barak Obama I am reminded of Captain Piccard of of the StarTrek. Measuring his words and listening intently to all sides and making decisions. He strikes me as an intellingent and courageous man who does not rush to defend himself against a pile of untruthful comments trusting our intelligence to sift through the rehtoric come to the right conclusion. I think he has made enough of a case to get my vote.

Fred, So. St Paul MN   October 28th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Pull out of Iraq? Perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Chicago!
>
> Body count in the last six months:
> 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago; 221 killed in Iraq.
>
> Chicago.... Who Runs it:
> Senators: Barack Obama & Dick Durbin
> Rep: Jesse Jackson Jr.,
> Illinois Gov: Rod Blogojevich,
> Illinois House leader Mike Madigan,
> Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike), Chicago Mayor
> Richard M. Daley (son of Mayor Richard J. Daley)
>
> .....Our leadership in Illinois .....all Democrats.
>
> Thank you for the combat zone in Chicago. Of course, they're all
> blaming each other! Only because they cannot blame the Republicans;
> they're aren't any!
>
> State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country.
>
> Cook County's (Chicago) sales tax 10.25% – highest in country (look
> it up if you want).
>
> Chicago school system rated one of the worst in the country.
>
> This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Illinois.
> And, he's gonna 'fix' Washington politics for us and 'change' it, too!
>
>
> Wake Up America !

Lucy   October 28th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

EVEN KARL ROVE AND "W." CAN'T HELP YOU NOW.

REG in AZ   October 28th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

If they can keep us concerned about problems of being too ‘liberal’, then they have us distracted and looking the wrong way. The drastic problems we now have are because of the greed and dishonesty of a few, because of our government’s focus on benefit for Special Interests and a select few, because of our government’s deceptive and irresponsible neglect of any concern for the majority, and with all of it being because of the power and pressure from a few, rationalized as ‘conservative’ thinking. If it takes someone with a more ‘liberal’ view to turn things around, then we better bring them on. We need to realize McCain and Palin simply don’t offer anything but more of the same. They talk of change but offer nothing specific, only empty rhetoric. What McCain does change is his position frequently. First he brags that he shares Bush’s philosophy and that he voted with Bush 90% of the time and in-between he says that he isn’t Bush, that Bush’s policies failed, that he is different and will provide change from Bush. We have actually seen him change multiple times almost each day as the economic crisis unfolded, always worried about political advantage instead of finding real answers. McCain is really not convincing as he is either unsure and tentative or impulsive and poorly thought out without any real answers and only criticizes Obama who in contrast does confidently present detailed plans. McCain vacillates between his need to convince his ‘conservative’ base and trying to manipulate the voters with the most likely result being that he would just provide more of the same; the same Bush-Cheney style failed ‘conservative’ policies that he has supported all along. We really can’t take more of the same, whatever you want to call it!

Zeppo   October 28th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Everyone is talking about how much the GOP spent on Sarah Palin's clothes, but no body asks how much the Democratic party spent on Joe Biden's Botox.

MBFLA   October 28th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

The Hate Talk Express is impressing nobody who wants to save this country from the regressive politics of the past 8 years! We are voting for the smart guys this time in record numbers and turning America blue!

Obama/Biden 08

Cleveland voter   October 28th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

What I really want to know is why Palin is palling around with criminals like Ted Stevens. They had a REAL relationship and if anything needs investigating, it is that. But of course, republicans would rather investigate a man of the cloth and a university professor, both of whom have never been convicted of a felony.

Ohhh, the hypocrisy!!!

Lee   October 28th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

I support John McCain, but if more people vote for Obama then I want Obama to be president because it is more important that the democracy survive than my candidate win.

I get the feeling that Obama supporters (just like Bushies in 2000)want a win at any cost, even if it costs us our greatest freedom, our precious democracy.

Jim   October 28th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Good luck McCain; you'll need it. At this point, you can't even steal the election. Go home and take a nap. I've enjoyed your last 3 months of NegativityHateFearFest. It's only served as a bigger deeper hole for your hopes to continue running this country into the ground. Thankfully, Americans are showing some backbone and courage, deciding to vote their way out of the status quo. I look forward to Obama's landslide victory Tuesday night.

Chris F.   October 28th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Come On Montana get out the vote and vote Obama. I wish Obama would make a surprise trip there and blind side the Repugs. After Obama goes to Montana he should also stop in North Dakota the polls looks tight their as well. If Obama would make a campaign stop in those states then the REpugs would have to spend their time their..

kathy   October 28th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

McCain needs to change his stump speeches. Anyone who's watched one has heard them all. Palin was a bad choice for VP and now has only managed to capture the attention of the repbulicans. it may be to late for all republicans, as to many of them are being brought forward for corruption and abuse of power, including Palin.

gobo, tx   October 28th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Go Montana, vote Obama!

No Palin No Way   October 28th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

To bb, do you actually listen to any reports that even disagree with what you say? Or are you deliberately sensationalizing false accusations due to blind devotion?

Montana Mama   October 28th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I drove over 300 miles last week here in Montana and was impressed with how many Obama yard signs I saw in several small farming communities as well as my own district that has been traditionaly conservative. I saw only one McCain sign...McCain is so out touch with Montana, that he votes against the Farm Bill and money that would keep Amtrak here. Our rural communities depend on Amtrak to get to doctors and businesses depend on Amtrak for the delivery and/or shipment of goods.

Tony   October 28th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

WAKE UP AMERICATHINGS ARE BAD, PEOPLE LOSING THEIR JOBS, PENSIONS, RETIREMENT SAVINGS, 401(k)'s, ETC.

IF YOU THINK THINGS ARE BAD NOW JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS IF MCCAIN AND THAT DIWMIT PALIN ARE ELECTED.

LOOKS LIKE THE COUNTRY IS WAKING UP AND REALIZING TAHT THE ONLY WAY OUT OF THIS MESS IS BY A MAJOR CHANGE, WHCIH OBAMA AND BIDEN ARE OFFERING.

STOP VOTING PARTY, STOP VOTING OUT OF STUBBORNESS, AND START VOTING FOR YOU FAMILY, CHILDREN, COUNTRY AND WHAT'S BEST FOR YOURSELVES.

OBAMA / BIDEN ARE THE ANSWER. THEY CERTAINLY COULD DO NO WORSE THAN THE LAST 8 YEARS. GIVE THEM A CHACNE AND WATH TEH COUNTRY RIGHT ITSELF AND START MOVING FORWARD AGAIN!

Lucy   October 28th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

You are such a "HAS BEEN" McSame. I can't wait till Election '08 night to see your sad face and McMoosie. She knew you couldn't win, too. She used you when she shoulda been scrubbing floors in AK. Get outta town! My champagne is chillin' for "That One's" day to shine!!!

OBAMA/ BIDEN '08

The World for Obama   October 28th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Montana ... join the majority of the nation and come out of the dark ages: VOTE OBAMA!

hsl   October 28th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

The fine folks of Montana are seeing through the facades of the Republican party.

Time for change and big change.

Tired of the antics, PA   October 28th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Wow, I am amazed at how uninformed the McCain supporters on this site tend to be. They mouth lies and half-truths all in an effort to support their candidate. Where are the people who support McCain for true policy reasons? I want a president who talks about how we all should be united to fix the large mess being left by Bush/Cheney.

Blue is my favourite colour   October 28th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I think that John McCain should spend all the rest of his money in Montana, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, New Hampshire, North and South Dakota, and Arizona.

He can have as many 3s 4s and 5s (Electoral votes) that he wants, and Obama can keep his focus on PA and Florida. I don't think PA will turn red, and if Florida turns blue due to early voting while Obama's at his highest, then no matter what JM does, he'll still lose.
McCain only wants the white house so that he can brag that he now owns an even number of houses–ten.

JL   October 28th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I hope Montana turns out in large numbers and lets their voice be heard. Vote vote vote vote. No matter who you are voting for, it is very important that we all become more involved in this process.

Donna from Colorado Springs   October 28th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

McCain is just desperately throwing money at a very big problem that he can't overcome or solve!

Bruce   October 28th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

The Red Days are over. Got Johnie singing the BLUES

Theresa   October 28th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

America can not afford a hater in the White House. This is our time to unite and become the country of pride we once were. McCain and Pailin are not ready to lead the nation or the world in this crucial time. Their hatred and dividing arguments can only harm us.

bibi   October 28th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Good republicans and independents
The people of the world are asking you to forget 'race' and to vote wisely. It is not just about America now. Your policies affect all of us. Watching your campaign is like watching a movie. When outside it you can identify early who the good characters are and who the bad ones are. People inside the movie usually find this out at the end of it – a bit like colombo. The whole world cannot be wrong. We have all seen that Obama is intelligent, honest and demonstrates genuine concerns for the wellbeing of people of his country and for those in the world. We see him as a leader who will bring about peace through diplomacy. We can see him taking the lead in world affairs and we are all yearning for calmness in the world. There are too many children and american soldiers being killed and maned ibecause of American bombs. Please help stop this. You need better management of this war and other problems. Please vote Obama. We are worried about Mc Cain and his wars but we are even more worried about Sarah Palin who would be mostly at the helm because of Mc Cain's age and poor health. Palin's low IQ will make her an easy pawn for the oil lobbyist. Please Give Obama a change. If he does fail the people then you vote for someone else after 4 years. In the mean time please vote for a saver world. We beg you.

RIF   October 28th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

McCain might want to drop an ad in his homestate of AZ as well. New polls show him up by only 3 or 4 points.

Bruce   October 28th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Still Chasing your tail John

CanIcallyouJoe   October 28th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

The only things John McCain has done in the past thirty years worthy of any remark are adultery, the keating five, and destroying one military and four civilian planes.

How...is this not a complete landslide, America? Are you THAT backwards? This is not a hard decision!!!

No Grandpa for '08. I've had enough of Bush.

GA Independent   October 28th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

bb – you're confused. But the diehard party people are confused on both sides. Take your head out of the sand, smell the fresh air that's coming and enjoy real, useful CHANGE!

Hoping Montana comes into the light too.

Obama/Biden

franklin county ohio   October 28th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

The Fat Lady Is Singing her in ohio..Don’t let the door hit you on your way out…

FED UP!   October 28th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

ARRRRGGG you've lost old man!!!

GO AWAY!!

Joel   October 28th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

When a Republican has to defend Montana, you know things are bad.

rene   October 28th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

i'm glad i'm on the winning team, i voted for OBAMA A MONTH AGO IN THE GREAT BLUE STATE OF OHIO

Chris   October 28th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Jeez, McCain. Instead of spending money in Montana, how about spend it to give Palin a proper wardrobe?

Scott   October 28th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Montana....McCain's failsafe is Montana?? Man, that is a sad state of affairs for the Republicans,...and well deserved I might add. Ronald Reagan would be ashamed of what his party has become. Reagan never ran vicious and personal attacks on his opponents. His differences with others were in ideas. At the end of the day, he and Tip Oneil were friends and stayed friends. McCain will not win on comments like "socialist", "palling with terrorists", etc. He must win on ideas, which he cannot because he has none. As I said....Reagan would be ashamed.....which is why so many Republicans are leaving the party. Wake up people.

Lisa P   October 28th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

My sympathies to Montana. After deluging us all summer with negative ads (why is it the Republicans just want to talk about Obama and never about McCain or his plans? I think I can guess...) the McCain campaign finally figured out which way the wind is blowing in Wisconsin and started spending their TV money elsewhere. The quiet is nice. You'd hardly know there was an election on (at least compared to 2000 and 2004).

Best wishes to all the swing states - choose wisely, we're counting on you!

rob   October 28th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

wow–who wants to hear the old man lie again

Linton   October 28th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

I believe leaders should have vision, foresight and be able to motivate the people. McCain shows a severe lack of these qualities in the way he has run his campaign. I believe in my heart that this election will be over by now if Obama is caucasian.
Why is McCain and Co. trying hard to make people feel uncomfortable about Obama? Can one person turn this country into a Socialist state?
As far as government's involvement in the private sector this Bush's venture. If the government can deny me an abortion in cases of RAPE and HEALTH issues why should I worry about the government being involved in providing healthcare for me? Anything to lower the cost of health care is good for most of us ordinary families. Co-pays, payment for prescription drugs and even dental visits are very scary.
The republicans are promoting the same things that they are accusing Obama of . $5000.00 dollars a year will not buy any valuable form of healthcare for someone in a state like VA. Does McCain expect people to cross state lines for treatment if they buy health care accross state lines. Someone should tell JSM and SP to look at health care cost for some one who makes anything below $50.000.00.
Anyway, I quess I am ranting too much ....

obama 08-12   October 28th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Even in montana, he is buying last minutes tv time that it is sign of trouble.

Mn voter   October 28th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

You people keep harping on the money spent on Palins clothes. What about the $200,000 it cost the dem doners for obama to take his canpaign jet to see his grandma. He has now gone there twice with it. If you dispute the cost, here is some of it. Lease of airplane, fuel,cost of crew, maintance, ins. Why is this not being talked about. He did not pay for this out of his own pocket.
MCain/Palin 08

john for OBAMA   October 28th, 2008 11:59 am ET

I spot a leak in the McSame ship!!!!! We got them on the run!!

Mickie in PA   October 28th, 2008 11:58 am ET

The only test Sen. McCain has been through is failing in his mission and being a POW. How did that train him for protecting us? My husband served in Viet Nam and many other people became POWs but that doesn't mean they are all qualified to be president. Not to mention, McCain is starting to become senile and his dear mother may be in her 90's but she was not tortured for 5 years and that does make a differenc. Palin doesn't even know where other countries are let alone how to deal with them. Her and her husband were for seceding from the U.S. and Todd had some pretty nasty remarks about the US and their rules. Palin spoke at their meeting and said she agreed with them. Now if that's not dealing with terrorists I don't know what is.

Steve   October 28th, 2008 11:58 am ET

transparency – I would like to know why Palin blocked permits from being issued on her house construction.

I smel corruption. Look it up!

Bitter in Texas   October 28th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Lawdy! McGimmick looks like an undertaker in that picture...and you know you can't trust those folks.

Native Son Bob   October 28th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Dear people of Montana.

As I person born and raised in Montana I share your concern regarding McCain / Palin ticket. Here in Seattle, we are well familiar with the Maverick McCain that tried to torpedo the Refueling tanker deal with Boeing. As we suspected, McCain wasn't necessarily interested in saving US Taxpayers money, he was interested in outsourcing jobs to Europe. Up to 5 members of his election committee were lobbyists with AEDS.

Thanks John for putting Airbus 1st, and American's last

John in Ohio   October 28th, 2008 11:56 am ET

"blindsided": I don't speak crazy Republican, could you explain what you find so horrific and unspeakable about the quotes you've cherrypicked from Obama's books?

Bitter in Texas   October 28th, 2008 11:55 am ET

...ain't it nice when the Rethuglicans have to defend one of their own strongholds. Maybe all the people in America are waking up and getting a bit tired of their BS. Vote! If you can, vote today! We can't let them steal this one.

Winners & Losers   October 28th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I think it's so funny how the "mavericks" have turned on each other. Funny, funny, funny.

Losers: McCain and his henchmen
Winners: Barack, Joe and America

McCrazy   October 28th, 2008 11:55 am ET

From Audacity of Hope:
"I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

Someone should point out here that he said "stand with Muslims", not stand with 'terrorists". This correlation the GOP likes to draw with Muslims and Terrorists is such an insult to those 99% who are not anti-america.

This says it all right here.

Idiot woman in crowd, "I heard Obama is an Arab"
McCain: " No he is a good person"

This seems to insinuate flat out that Arabs are not Good people.

Way to bring our country together John!!! Even when you think you are doing something right, you are wrong.

Dave   October 28th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I just want to say thanks to people like "Bob", who think we Montanans aren't much smater than our horses - by the way, we drive cars here, and we have electricity, too! I'm voting for Obama and I hope my state does, too, but with an 'elitist' attitude like that from the rest of the country, is it really that much of a mystery why my state tends to go Republican?

SENATUS POPOLUSQUE ROMANUS   October 28th, 2008 11:54 am ET

McCLOWN LATEST MOMENTS OF PANIC...... :-)

Dan, Mpls   October 28th, 2008 11:54 am ET

During this economic downturn, we shouldn't feel sorry for small businesss owners who were fooled by the GOP in the past they were part of the big corpotation that the GOP favors. If their company goes bust, they are just paying the price for voting for Bush.

Lisa M   October 28th, 2008 11:54 am ET

This is not a good season to be Republican.

Even Indiana is showing up as a state that McCain might lose and you know how red that state is.

McLame & Cindy Lou   October 28th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Cindy Lou looks like they've already lost. Look at her face, sometimes she looks teary eyed and other times she looks depressed. I can't say I'm not happy because I can't wait for Barack to WIN.

Obama/Biden 08

John in Ohio   October 28th, 2008 11:54 am ET

McCain has 138 EV from states where he has over 50% of the vote in polls. These are places like Alaska, Utah, Texas, etc. McCain only has 22 EV from states where he is placing under 50%, and Montana is one of those.

McCain has 160 EV from states where he leads. Obama has 72 EV from states where he is in the lead and under 50%, and 306 EV from states where he is over 50% in the polls. McCain has to hold his 160, including the 3 from Montana, and he has to take every single state where Obama leads him, and he has to cut into states where Obama leads by more then 50%, in order to get over 270 votes.

Not a chance.

suzyku   October 28th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Come on Montana, DON'T VOTE FOR THE OLD, ANGRY, POLITICS AS USUAL MCCAIN! HE HAS NOTHING NEW TO OFFER, NO HOPE, NO HELP, NOTHING! AND HIS MORONIC RUNNING MATE IS EVEN WORSE!
VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN

Seriously?   October 28th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Wow, McLame is worried about losing in a state full of white militia racists? He truly is in trouble. LOL

I'm hoping my own beloved "red" states goes blue this election. It's stunning to me that anyone at this point would vote for McCain and Palin. Seriously.

McYuck   October 28th, 2008 11:52 am ET

STOP THE LIES, and take your scanky "wife" back to Arizona.

Terry in NY   October 28th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Looks like we'll get what we deserve when the majority elects the Junior senator the media has treated like a GOD because of the Ultra Liberal stance. So when guys are marrying guys and women marrying women all around the country, traditional family values are gone and the media runs rampant with every military secret they can divulge just for a story, your taxes are through the roof and you have to sell your home, the terrorist are attacking us all around the world and no one comes to our aid then lets just all remember we got what we asked for. Let's also remember this whole financial melt down started AFTER the dems took control of congress!!!

Filipina   October 28th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Who cares!!!!!!!!

Fred   October 28th, 2008 11:51 am ET

I live in Wyoming. Even though McCain will win this state he is still ten points behind where Bush was 4 years ago. Plus, we have a neck in neck race for Congress that could give us our first Democratic Congressman since Tino Roncolio in the 1970's.

I've been to Montana a few times. Montana people are like Wyoming people. Tough, practical and independent. These types usually vote Republican but can be persuded. The fact that McCain is in single digits in Montana, lowered poll numbers here in Wyoming and Colorado as a swing state shows that the Republicans are really in trouble.

chelle   October 28th, 2008 11:51 am ET

BB – please don't display your ignorance, Obama served over 300 days in the actual senate which tallies to about 750 days as a senator, before launching his campaign. He is no more a socialist than the Republican hero – Theodore Roosevelt. Simply because John McCain says it, doesn't make it true. He did not SUPPORT domestic terrorists – he was 8 years old!!! He served on a board with an esteemed professor. John McCain is actually friends with Liddy – personal friends – not casual acquaintences. The Republicans have as many contacts with Acorn. He doesn't have zero experience either – how can you even make that claim with a straight face??

Informed Voter in FL   October 28th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Mc Cain time to campaign in your home state (AZ) .. didn't you hear it's a toss up state/leaning repub ... LOL

John in Ohio   October 28th, 2008 11:50 am ET

The difference between Obama and McCain? Obama doesn't need to win Montana. McCain absolutely needs to hold it.

Gypsy King   October 28th, 2008 11:50 am ET

I laugh at John McCain and his wimpering Republicans.No place to run and no place to hide.

Betty   October 28th, 2008 11:49 am ET

I just checked the list of endorsements – Obama has about 1150, including 22 high-level military endorsements. McCain has just about 140, including 27 high-level military endorsements. Most of McCain's endorsements are from current and former republican politicians. Obama's endorsements are vast – politicians, newspapers, scientists, labor unions, sports figures, and actors. McCain's claim to fame is the endorsement of 4 former secretaries of state (all republican – big surprise). Obama got the one still-living democrat (Albright) and one republican (Powell) former secretaries of state. Oh yes, and Obama also got an endorsement from the richest man in the world.

Annie, Atlanta   October 28th, 2008 11:49 am ET

"It's a cheap insurance policy?" Kind of makes the good folks from our great state of Montana feel all warm and fuzzy, huh?

Please   October 28th, 2008 11:48 am ET

@Jack Jodel

More famous lies from the campaign trail.....

He's just a guy in the neighborhood,

Some truth from the trail,
A white man's greed runs a world in need, the Warren court didn't go far enough as related to redistributing the wealth, tax cut for 95% of the American people, no involvement with ACORN, that's not the Jeremiah Wright I knew (but called him a 'mentor' in his book - just before tossing him under the bus), Ask a tough question...access gets cutoff (WFTV), the criteria by which I'll be selecting my judges: those who know what it's like to be a single mom, or an african american yada, yada, yada.

Bob Indianapolis IN   October 28th, 2008 11:48 am ET

More fake cowboys, just what America needs after 8 years of one asleep at the wheel...

Jo-Ann   October 28th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Just listenned to McCain/Palin in PA.....

Whey do they keep saying the same speech and it has been proven that they are lying....I just don't get it!!!!

Obam did not go to Joe the Plummer's house...Joe the Plummer walked up to him in the street..

Obama has not written his "Victory" Speech...it was written by a Hillary supporter last July 07 in a book he wrote...

Socialism has been around for years.....Social Security, just an example

McCain condems say the Alaskan senator should step down...
what about Sarah Palin who was found gulity of ETHICS VIOLATIONS..

i just don't get it....do any of you?

Gracie   October 28th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Hey Johnny boy...

If you weren't spending $150,000 on your Pitt Bull who has clearly turned on you, you would NOT be short on cash!!!! Where's your judgement man? I mean, $150,000, there's NOT amount of clothes on Sarah Palin worth $150,000. Sarah Palin is NOT even worth $5,000 let alone $150,000!!!

What the heck were you thinking man? Oooops, that's the problem, you weren't thinking. Your whole campaign is tanking and the RNC is more focused on "dressing up their Caribou Barbie" than fixing the economy.

Do you know how many families make less than $150,000?

CD   October 28th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Hey guys here is the best kept secret from the Obama Camp. You heard it hear first so wait for it ..... Obama is up by 4 in Texas. Yep baby good old Texas. Hillary was playing checkers while Obama was playing Chess so she lost (Hillary misread the black and white square boxes on the board to be checkers but we play chess there too), ONE WOULD THINK McCain would know that by now but no he is playing craps while Obama is still playing chess. This game is OVER!

Latina-Indepedent-4-OBAMA   October 28th, 2008 11:47 am ET

THANK YOU..........MONTANA!!! GO BLUE!!!

I believe that a new day is dawning in America, in which we, the People WILL RISE UP, and take our Nation back from the hate-lies-fear-and-division mongers of the far-right-Republicans!

Many Republicans have crossed party lines to vote for Sen. Obama! THANK YOU!

The vast majority of Independents are voting for Sen. Obama! THANK YOU!

What the Republican-hate-lies-fear-and-division mongers, like "Faux News".......Limbaugh, OReilly, Hannity, Reagan,Hewitt, Savage.........do not GET is that we......... fair-minded-clear-thinking AMERICANS REJECT THE POLITICS OF HATE, LIES, FEAR AND DIVISION!

WE ALL LOVE OUR COUNTRY! WE ARE ALL PATRIOTS!

Simmy   October 28th, 2008 11:47 am ET

NAACP: Take a chill pill! We're on the same side! First D L Hughley with that monstrosity of a show, now you! Then Catherine Hughes is complaining about ads. Why is it that you keep trying to make this election about race?
As an African American, I'm sick of the attempts to dummy down the intelligence of the American people! Sen Obama is running for ALL Americans-stop trying to make it a 'Black Thang'! We've come too far for that. Please stop trying to steal the stoplight!

OB08PLUS!

Electra   October 28th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Blindsided u are a total moron, and i swear people like you shouldnt be allowed to vote. He is talking as a mixed race teenager who faces issues you dont understand cos u aint mixed. And as Colin Powell said he aint Muslim, but what the hell is wrong with being Muslim??Palin is a Christian nut with extremist views but thats ok! Religious nut is a Religious nut neither view is more valid then the other.
Sometimes abroad thinks that Americans shouldnt be allowed to vote for their own election as it seems they cant be trusted :-) . We see Repub supporters as Cletus' (from the Simpsons- 'slack jawed yokel'). Dubya dragged the rest of the western world down with him both economically and the terms of world standing- now we all cleaning up his mess. Don't make the same mistake again- Vote for CHANGE!

Charlie Bradley   October 28th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Danielle from VA: I think this election year is McCain's last chance and the Oval office. Period. If his age (72) is a factor in this one, which it is, then he would be at least 76 for the next election if not 80. I think that Senator McCain will be the Bob Dole of this election year and fade into the setting sun with November 4.

doc stone   October 28th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Hey Mc Cain, alittle more on this 2001 interview with obama, inquiring minds want to know more. How can I decide without more input....

2012 ;-)

Marilyn   October 28th, 2008 11:45 am ET

The Obama cult proves that we have indeed become a nation of idiots. God help us if this guy is elected!

Ghost   October 28th, 2008 11:43 am ET

This is what you get for the negative campaigning. We need to vote all the repubs out so that Senator Obama can repel the Bush tax cuts.

Don't get cocky with the polls looking good for us. You have to get out and vote. Nov. 4th is the only poll that counts.

Jeez   October 28th, 2008 11:41 am ET

He wishes he could quit Palin.

SHELLI13   October 28th, 2008 11:41 am ET

I wonder for WHAT? All they can do is spew negative ads and NOT ADDRESS THE ECONOMY OR TALK ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

Eric   October 28th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Blindsided.

For months, you have come up with the same quotes over and over again. You feed on them, unable, with the little intelligence God has given you, to understand anything about Obama's reflections. Your worlds consists of black and white, you/they, good/bad, unable to grasp any subtleties.

Thing is, nobody is interested in the hate you feed on. You should move on. There are groups for people like you.

Winnie Hussein . . . in Montana   October 28th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Hold on, hold on, let me add something here, CNN. There are more horses and cows and elk and deer in Montana than there are people, but we are pretty smart! You may have seen our Democratic governor giving a speech at the Democratic Convention this year, he was phenomenal and people across the country loved him! Both of our Senators are Democrats and they ROCK! So, we're pretty smart here and I think we'll make a good showing for Sen. Obama!

T from AZ   October 28th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah............ ummmm BLAH!

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   October 28th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Sounds like he getting desperate not to lose much more to Obama. Many states are in a bit of flux right now.

reggie   October 28th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Obama will NOT win Montana. Mark my words! My family is from there and they don't know of one single person voting for Obama. The polls are so biased and WRONG.

A Senior Southern Lady - NC   October 28th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Purchasing air time in Montana will not work for the Republican Party. They have tried everything to bring-down Obama. They especially have tried to make LIBERAL a four-letter word. Let' see what Webster has to say:
CONSERVATIVE – tending to oppose change. Favoring traditional views and values. Traditional in style, cautious and restrained.

LIBERAL – following political views that favor civil liberties and democratic policies. That favor freedom of individuals to act and express themselves. Tolerant of the ideas of others.

Now, ask yourself, where do you fit in?

Soccer mom from Manhattan   October 28th, 2008 11:38 am ET

We're supposed to learn from our mistakes as well as those of others. Didn't the McCain campaign watch Senator Clinton continue to sink money into a sinking campaign. Those poor people who donate their last few dollars to try to save a campaign. Is it fair to them to just through the money away? My understanding is that Montana is majorly in toss up.

Ken   October 28th, 2008 11:38 am ET

[R]s: Out of time. Out of ideas. Out of morals. Out of honor. Out of fake plumbers.

The choice in this election is so obvious that a new sub-species of homo sapiens should be scientifically established for those voting [R]: these people are too dumb to be pro-creating with the rest of us.

NB   October 28th, 2008 11:38 am ET

What worries McCain most is how to keep Sarah Palin's mouth shut.
He can't even put up with his own VP candidate. How do you expect him to work with people across the aisle. Sorry McCain go home and take some rest. Let the young and energetic President do the work for us.

Kyle   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

It's a smart move. We really haven't heard much from McCain this election, Obama has been to the state numerous times and has hit all of the really populated areas. It seems the GOP has taken Montana for granted up until this point. The last 2 elections most Republican incumbents were voted out, so it will be interesting to see what happens, however, I am in the western part, and the east is a different world.

Terry, Butte, Mt   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Too little too late Johnny... MT will be blue on election day.

The demographics of MT have been changing over the last 4 years. Obama will win big in Missoula and Butte and edge out McCain in Great Falls, Helena and Bozeman. The only real republican stronghold in the state is Billings. Obama has been to Montana 5 times and Biden once or twice. McCain zero.

Another factor is that Ron Paul is on the ballot and Montana likes to support third party candidates. Paul has strong support and will take maybe as many as 5% or more from McCain.

I am hoping that Obama will get over the 50% mark here but Im not holding my breath. I have talked to a lot of my republican freinds in the state and the really don't like McCain but are foolishly enthusiastic about Palin.

Montana turns blue for Obama.

The Republicans are comedic GOLD!   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Who cares?

Jim Colorado   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

If Obama was to show up in Phoenix AZ. for just one rally Mcain would probably take a major hit in his own state. Give it some thought Obama campaign.

Rob   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Would the electorial votes from Montana really make the diff? Are they not already up in that poll? It could be interesting though if Montana does goe Dem. The most interesting thing is looking at where McCain has the lead: they are all bible thumpin places. If this is not a clear enough indication that the Republican is really only supported by right wing relitious groups, I don't know what is. I can't help but feel that alot of this election is the rejection of these groups. Thank you GOD!!

Mike from Calgary   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

There they go again! Nice Speeches in Hershey by Palin and McCain but ALL THEY DO IS THROW ROCKS, THROW DIRT AND LIE.

WHEN McCAIN THROWS DIRT, ALL HE DOES IS LOSE GROUND.

WHEN McCAIN AND PALIN SPEW THEIR LIES AND VENOM, THE ONLY FRUIT IS BEARS IS IN THE THREATS AND PLOTS FOILED BY THE FBI. McCAIN AND PALIN ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR LEADING OTHERS TO SUCH HATE CRIMES. DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT BY SOMEONE WHO USED TO BE HONOURABLE!

Rick CT   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Amazing what you can do when you break your pledge on public financing. Obama has just guaranteed Presidential campaigns will cost billions inthe future.

Just the first of many broken promises.

jfs Memhis, Tn   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

GREAT spend the money that you do not have in MONTANA. You need to help damage control to the GOP. Bush has done enough ...McCain needs to collect his CASH...GET OUT OF PA. and spend Money in MO, GA, FLA, NC, Ind. where they have a chance and stop the bleeding down ticket. He needs to help the GOP cut the losses . McCain cannot win...........why play into the Dems. Plan ????

Bobby   October 28th, 2008 11:37 am ET

McCain/Palin are going to make a lot of Nobama people very unhappy Nov. 5th. There will be a lot of surprises in the battleground states!

Phoenix   October 28th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Why would I vote for a man, McCain, who is only leading in his home state, Arizona by five points?

Lucy   October 28th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Don't have faith in a Presidential nominee who know nothing about a computer. This is 2008. Obama is on his blackberry 24/7, and McCain can't use a computer. One has to live in the current world.

Ron   October 28th, 2008 11:35 am ET

I WANT TO SEE OBAMA'S ADS HAMMERING MCCAIN ON HIS MONTH-OLD MOMENT OF SINCERITY WHEN HE SAID THAT "I DON'T REALLY KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE ECONOMY". I WANT TO SEE AN ADD THAT CONTRASTS THAT MCCAIN WITH THE ONE TALKING ABOUT HIS "GREAT ECONOMIC PLAN" FOR AMERICAN AND HOW "EVERYONE KNOWS THAT IN A CRISIS YOU DON'T RAISE TAXES [FOR THE RICH]". IT'S TIME TO EXPOSE THE OLD MAN'S LIES....

jm for sc   October 28th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Billy, it does not matter what Palin does. She is living by a different standard. Do you hear people calling her the messiah because of her support? McCain does not have the authority to call for Stevens to step down. Who does he think he is? This is just another scheme fool the American people.

Obama/Biden by the way of landslide 08

Eric   October 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Is it me or he looks like a funeral home manager?
CNN, why don't you report about the 40 workers who walked out of their job at a call center, disgusted because they were being forced to repeat the lies from McCain's campaign. Those are true Americans.

When everything will be put to rest, there won't be no place for McCain. He'll be a disgrace at the Senate, plastic Barbie will dump him and expect Palin to do all she can to put the blame on him so she can run clean.

Michael watching from Canada   October 28th, 2008 11:34 am ET

McCain probably regrets spending $150,000 on Palin's wardrobe.....

so that he could have afforded to launch his own attack ads in Montana!

Ken   October 28th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Tony in MT: THANK YOU and the other members of the human race there in MT that have made progress recently.

Mick   October 28th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Disaster will be the result with John McCain as President. This man cannot even run a campaign. He's been tested alright and failed miserably.

The Stallion & The Champ vs. The Old Mule and Winky Half-baked Alaska   October 28th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Hey Grampy!

Staunch the bleeding in the red states and quit wasting your time in the bluest of blue states. And you want to run our country you idiot?

The Watcher   October 28th, 2008 11:32 am ET

You never wanted to win did ya Johnny! Come clean and 'fess up, what did they promise you?....and you call yourself a patriot.

Ratboy   October 28th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Hopefully the ad will explain why McCain, a Republican, will be different from the last three Republican presidents and won't run up trillions in debt. Otherwise, I'm voting Democrat, since they seem to have an idea how to balance the budget.

Clinton = no deficit.
Reagan, Bush, Bush = huge deficits.

Was Buf., Now Was.   October 28th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Gotta love that people like Blindsided are quoting Obama's books... but hey Blindsided, didja notice that your quotes are all in past tense? As in, when I was a little kid, I thought girls were icky. Now I'm happily married, but hey, I thought it, so I must still think it.

Obama won't win in MT, and he won't win ND either. But he will win PA and VA, and that's all she wrote for McC&P.

Already making sure we have warm enough clothes to take the fam (including my toddler) to the inauguration. Go Blue.

Lou   October 28th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Palin doesn't care about Alaska, her family, McCain, Republican Party., or America. Alaska-Troopergate, McCain-Rogue, Family-Dessertion- Republican-renegade, America-Divisiveness.

Winnie Hussein . . . in Montana   October 28th, 2008 11:31 am ET

I have news for McCain. He can buy all the airtime in Montana that he wants, but he is not what we want. My town is by and large a liberal, green, college town. We recycle, we have a lot of aging hippies, and we have vastly more Obama and Democratic party signs than McCain. Granted, much of the rest of the state is rural and conservative, but all of our largest towns are Democratic. Even in the rural areas, I know very few people who make over $250,000 a year or who couldn't use some subsidies that McCain is against. So, good luck McCain, you make eke by, but Montana is definitely attainable for Sen. Obama.

Blue By You   October 28th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Wouldn't this be a hoot to turn blue! Thanks for the $300K spending spree in Montana, RNC. Hey, you could outfit Palin for FOUR months with that kinda dough!

Lupie   October 28th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Palin is out for herself. She has left the team. Game over.

08 Voter   October 28th, 2008 11:29 am ET

I'm surprised that Obama hasn't blamed the amount of crime in his backyard, Chicago, on Bush... Why not??? That's the only line that he's been able to feed... I don't hear anything else from him... Another 8 years of Bush....Mr. Community organizer any idea how to deal with Putin, Syria, Pakistan... Yeah have lunch with them and all the problems will disappear... Please....

Why????   October 28th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I’m calling on all young people that can vote. It seems that the republicans are counting on you to stay away from the polling place on Election Day. This is your chance and time to prove them wrong. Show up and vote in record numbers. Let them know that you are very responsible and capable. The republicans think that you are lazy and want show up to vote. Prove them wrong and step up to the plate in 2008.

AVEE capitalcityVA   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Again, lets get this straight. No one has experience to be POTUS, unless you are running for a second term. To say McCain has all this experience t be President is bull. To put an add out to say the "economic crisis will be Obama's first in this chair" is stupid. News flash, it will be McCain's first crisis in "this chair" as well. If what he did when the bailout package was being worked out, suspending his campaign, is any indication, what makes anyone think he will do a better job if he becomes President?

Get Real. The I know how to fix it and I have a plan speach with no substance is nothing. Like "Faith without works is dead." McCain is the one NOT READY TO LEAD!

Anthony   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

I'm from Phoenix, Arizona and I can't stand McCain and Palin.

GO BIG BLUE – OBAMA 08'

Scott   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Desperation! No state is safe when you're John (ignorant rhetoric) McSame and your running mate is Sarah (power monger) Falin.

Although I must commend McBush for demanding that Ted Stevens step down, it's the first time he has stood up to his party!

Ian   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Can Obama run this country right into the ground?

YES HE CAN!!!!!

Praetorian   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

I found the proof I need to vote Democrat!!!!

I searched the help wanted adds for my community of 100,000 and I wasn't qualifed for any of the TWO JOBSs advertised.

JT   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

there are fliers flying around in some states such as Virginia telling people that the day of election is Nov 5th. This dirty trick is being spread by the RNC. Please people and the DNC and the Obama campaign should fight back and stop the people from being confused. The election is on Tuesday Nov 4th!!!!!!

Pearl Lacey   October 28th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Sarah Palin has turned into a renegade rogue. This makes McCain look weak. He can't control his VP or Campaign. How is he going to control congress and run the US which is larger, if he can't handle his VP and campaign which is smaller. Never put two Mavericks together. One might go ROGUE.

Darryl Miller, why do they still lie?   October 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Now, you must ask your self have they violated the Campaign Ethic laws again when the spent $ 150,000.00 on clothing for Gov. Sarah Palin again. They only return them when the media reported it and they got busted.....

Shrimp Barnicles, NJ   October 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Be afraid republicans. Be very afraid.

No Repubs 08/2012   October 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Keep posting false comments about Obama but guess what: we are not stupid...intelligent democrates/republicans/independants are against right wing REPUBLICANS! No McCain/No Palin

Obama/Biden.

Bulldog   October 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

McCain is closing in on Obama in the polls. People better get out and vote and not take anything for granted.

Proactive voter (Germain SK)   October 28th, 2008 11:26 am ET

We can't afford 4 more years of the same policies that have moved us downhill.
NO WAY, NO HOW, No McCain &Palin
Obama&Biden

jenny   October 28th, 2008 11:25 am ET

John McCain should be very worried about loosing all of the Red States to Barack--Case and point---THEY ARE ALL AMERICANS WHO ARE FED-UP WITH BUSH ,CHENEY,MCCAIN AND MOST RECENTLY PALIN FOR PROVING TO BE FAKE JUST LIKE TED STEVENS FROM ALASKA. OBAMA SAID IT'S A MOVEMENT AND ALL AMERICANS ARE TAKING PART FOR FREEDOM AND PROSPERITY.YES I DID SAY FREEDOM BECAUSE JOHN MCCAIN SAID HE WILL CUT SPENDING AND MAKE WASHINGTON LIVE ON A BUDGET LIKE THE PEOPLE. WELL THE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ANY BUDGET,MONEY,OR TOLERANCE AND ALL MCCAIN WILL DO IS PUNISH AMERICANS MORE AND CONTINUE TO SPEND ONLY ON WARS AND DEFENCE. THESE ARE JOHN MCCAIN OWN WORDS AND I DID NOT MAKE THIS UP.

McCain Supporter   October 28th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Voters should realize that Obama is a power hungry politician. He's a good speaker and a community organizer. Will he put to action what he has promised...NO... He'll continue to blame Bush for everything that he will not be able to accomplish.

Evan   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

All I can say is WOW! Even if McCain wins there in single digits it would be amazing that it is in SINGLE DIGITS in a state that goes red. North Dakota is also now only leaning McCain. Pretty amzaing, and it goes to show how the Obama campaign has such a good ground campaign.

tigerakabj   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

That was the whole strategy of Obama: make McCain defend everywhere, effectively bankrupting him. Obama has got McCain running to Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Indiana to play defense.

I guess McCain this is your way of "spreading the weath around."

Obama/Biden 2008/2012.

David, Silver Spring, MD   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

The folks in Montana are as sharp as the folks in Pennsylvania and Colorado and New Mexico and Illinois and Maryland and Florida and New York and California and Washington....

They know McCain won't make their lives any better. They know McCain won't make the country any safer. They know McCain won't do much of anything except keep us on the road laid out by GW Bush.

Observer   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Americans are tired of the politics of negativity and division. It is time for everyone to unite for the good of the country! Obama is focusing on a positive vison of unity and progress for our future. Everyone should join him.

Ken   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

McCain to Montana: "My friends, please do not abandon me and my irresponsible choice for VP. Keep the faith, and my irresponsible campaign will make those of you with IQs of a monkey proud."

Those red states that remain red this election cycle should re-evaluate their connection with the human race.

undecided   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

It is time to face facts, Obama is BUYING the election. Between his spending and ACORN's voter fraud, he will win this election.

And it will be a sad day for America.

Darryl Miller, why do they still lie?   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Gov. Sarah Palin answered questions Saturday from local media for the first time since joining the Republican presidential ticket as John McCain's running mate.

Palin declared that the Legislative Council's report on her firing of former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan absolved her.

"(I'm) very, very pleased to be cleared of any legal wrongdoing," she said during a conference call.

Yet the report's first conclusion found "that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch ethics act."

"Alaska statute 39.52.110(a) provides 'the legislature reaffirms that each public officer holds office as a public trust and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust."

Alex Miranda   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

McCain is not a moral persona at all. Reagan is the one who started this redistribution idea in the first place. Accusing Obama of meeting terrorists? How about McCain having secret meetings with dicatators (Chile) and not saying anything at all? How convenient!!!!
Face McCain...this time your family ties and connections will not help you at all....like they did when you were at the Naval Academy, out of VietNam, in getting cushy jobs, etc.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

I have been watch the Montana and North Dakota numbers. Guess what? They are turning blue. Whodda thunk?

Florida voter   October 28th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Truth is no gov't can 'fix' this economy. Obama will make it worse though.

adg   October 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

If someone makes there choice because of what Obama felt win he was a kid is stupid !we all had confused thoughts when we were young , when I was a teen I wanted to be a rock star!!! but then I grew up!!! reading and comprehension goes hand in hand if you cant understand what your reading , your lost.! ....or your blindsided!!!

Matt in Virginia   October 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Alaska’s largest-circulation paper, the Anchorage Daily News,Is supporting Obama and said state governor Mrs Palin was “too risky” to be one step away from the presidency. In an editorial it says her nomination “captivated” Alaskans but that must not “overwhelm all other judgment”.
The focus should be on John McCain, it said, calling him the “wrong choice”.
John McCain killed an American citizen in a car accident in 1964 and the government & the military covered it up, now we know why John McCain won’t release his military records. Research John McCain & “The Project for a New American Century” if you want to know the chilling plans that John McCain has for your children’s future, he is a co-founder of this group that is committed to starting wars all over the world to control the populations.

John McCain = The Draft & WORLD WAR III

Michael watching from Canada   October 28th, 2008 11:23 am ET

I hope that Americans don't get complacent in that Obama is leading in the polls......

polls are only as good as those that vote.

Please Obama voters.....vote and encourage others to vote as well.

Carole   October 28th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Go ahead and put in Mr. Socialist himself. You will wake up only when you see that Obama's so-called change is to completely change "your" way of life – not his. Obama ran with people of bad character who hate America, and you want to put Obama in the Oval Office because you seem to think that Obama is not "one of them". Think again folks. You Obama supporters are either completely blind or just dumb. Obama could very well be our first black president in history, but he will also be the first president to turn our Country into a socialist country. Government will have all the say-so and the people will have none. We already see strong signs of that from Obama. He conceals things about himself and controls the media.

Once he is in it will very hard to remove him. America – you will regret your choice. Bush was unpopular, Obama will be a total nightmare.

Terry, Florida   October 28th, 2008 11:22 am ET

As an Englishman who came to this country many years ago to pursue the 'American Dream', I am so disappointed in how blinded you Americans have become.

Putting aside Iraq, which isn't going to change regardless of who is elected, how many of you can honestly say you were doing badly 2 years ago? Unemployment was down, gas was inexpensive, people were taking vacations, the stock market was at its high.

Then the Democrats took over Congress and look what has happened to this country of opportunity. Now, you want to elect an outright socialist and hand the country over, lock, stock and barrel, to the same politicians?

Yes, you are totally blinded if you think a Democratic government is going to handle your money better than you can. Unfortunately, Europe has been socialist for a long time and look where that has lead their economies.

Socialism has never worked, and that is what this country is headed for – big time. You think things are bad now? Just wait.

Charlie Bradley   October 28th, 2008 11:21 am ET

HaHa this is jus the type of 11th our crap that I expected from George Bush III To say its a cheap insurance policy is JUVENILE and communism pure and simple.

Yeserday whe I voted for Obama and Biden using the touch screen voting machine, it felt a little like knocking those two bungholes down with my pinkie lets ALL KNOCK THEM DOWN and send that witch NORTH to Alaska

Will the Real Maverick Please Stand Up?   October 28th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...the McCain/Palin Desperation Tour of '08.

No you are not Presient Bush...you are a little smaller than that. A sidekick.

republicans hate america   October 28th, 2008 11:20 am ET

We the people are rejecting you and your ideology McPhony

Chuck   October 28th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Have you noticed how McCain and Palin are copying certain things that Obama is saying, even the inflections and tones.

They do not have an original thought in their bones. They are nothing but copycats.

EDW   October 28th, 2008 11:20 am ET

This just shows you that Obama is concerned about the entire country. The show of offices that he has in MONTANA shows that he views this country as a whole.

Unshrub   October 28th, 2008 11:19 am ET

McCain is running out of time, money, and ideas.

thomas   October 28th, 2008 11:18 am ET

John McCain doesn't seem to understand that once the wheels have fallen off the train, she ain't movin' no more.

Oma   October 28th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Why, oh why such a negative campaign, Sen.McCain?
I'm from Arizona, and I don't even want you as our senator now.

Bob   October 28th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Glad to see McCain spending some of that money in Montana Looks like he's spreading the wealth where its needed. He either spends it or loses it, so ditch it where it won't matter..More horses in Montana than people, and most of the horses are smarter.

Maybe McCain can run for governor of Montana next

DANIELLE FROM VA   October 28th, 2008 11:16 am ET

WHOA!!!!!!! campaigning in MONTANA??? are you kidding me? John Mccain...just give up...take your last $2 and donate it to Obama. You have no chance and I can't wait until Nov. 5th when they announce Obama has won. This is what dishonesty and trickery gets you. You used the dispicable tactic of recruiting SARAH Palin on your ticket and she's turned on you that quick. Next time...how bout formally interviewing and critiquing your VP CHOICE JOHN! Thanks

PS...GO OBAMA!!

MLH   October 28th, 2008 11:16 am ET

When the RNC refers to an ad in your state as a 'cheap insurance policy,' it seems that they don't really respect your right to vote for whomever you want. Kind of illustrative of the RNC attitude towards the individual's right to vote in general. In fact, one might say it illustrates the Republican attitude towards lots of individual's rights – voting, privacy, etc.

Obama/Biden 08!   October 28th, 2008 11:16 am ET

You have to remember the current polls are conducted with 34 states having "EARLY VOTING" now and close to 3 million people have taken advantage of early voting; therefore these polls are polling a much smaller population in those states with early voting compared to the 16 states who have to wait for next Tuesday to cast their votes. It would seem that if Barack Obama still has a significant lead with a smaller population available for polling he may very well be farther ahead than these new polls are showing. Mcain needs more than a last minute TV ad purchase! Anybody know where he can purchase a miracle??

If you can vote early please do so, I have to wait until next Tuesday but I will vote for Barack!! Do not get cocky get voting!!

Jeff G   October 28th, 2008 11:14 am ET

They should start thinking about buying ads in arizona next because that state is going Democratic too.

Ron in Wyoming   October 28th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Montanans: if your jobs, your retirements, and your lives are better off now than they were eight years ago, then go ahead and vote for four more years. If not, do the right thing and vote for a change and send a message to the Republican party.

Dan, TX   October 28th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Get out the vote and bring Montana along. We need to elect Obama and also we the people need to make sure Obama keeps his promise to pay for his plans as he goes. The first year or two may be spent fixing the economy and that may require additional spending, but after that, he needs to show year-over-year deficit reduction and be heading toward a balanced budget. Obama has shown very good judgment and common sense from the beginning.

I have no qualms whatsoever. Vote Obama.

Chryssa   October 28th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Yeah that's right . . .we've been working hard to win Montana and this is what the GOP gets for taking red states for granted! Might want to look at Idaho while you're at it.

Robert   October 28th, 2008 11:13 am ET

McCain will take Montana and will catch up in most of the other states. People in Montana don't like the idea of French style socialism. This is exactly what Obama want's for our country!

A Real American   October 28th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Every dollar wasted in Montana is a dollar he can't spend in Pennsylvania or Florida.

He's right, economics isn't his strong suit!

Denise Groves   October 28th, 2008 11:13 am ET

What does it tell you about te state of mcCain's campaign that he may loose Montana? What next? Utah? Texas? The man is NOT going to win this election

Bill,ca   October 28th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Do not reward those republican crooks with 4 more years of the same.

Choose a new direction with Obama.

VOTE for Obama / Biden

Proud to be American   October 28th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Americans are so over the lies – GOP days are over and they will loose Montana.

Doug   October 28th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Montana?! No offense to that beautiful state and its fine people, but is Montana a player in this election? Maybe for McCain. He needs all the electoral votes he can get. A sure sign that a campaign doesn't like its own chances is when they go fidhing for the small states to gather electoral vots 3, 4, 5 at a time. (Sorry....don't know right off how many EV's montana has, but I'm guessing not many).

bill for barack   October 28th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Ain't it nice to see them sweat ?

CMG   October 28th, 2008 11:10 am ET

John, pack your bags. The people of Montana know what you are all about. The party is over,and please don't forget to take Sarah with you. Next Wednesday we will all see a brighter tomorrow.

vw   October 28th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Vote for McCain, the only and correct choice at this critical moment.
He is the only person that can protect/save American.

Steve - Minneapolis   October 28th, 2008 11:09 am ET

This is why Barack had to decline public funding. McCain is using the RNC coffers to sponsor adds that are not officially funded by the campaign or endorced by McCain. I hope this is noted somewhere.

vote! OBAMA-BIDEN NOV.4th   October 28th, 2008 11:08 am ET

VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN NOV.4th

Breaking News   October 28th, 2008 11:08 am ET

The home of Robert Redford will not vote for McCain.

Riaz   October 28th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Montana... for howmany electoral votes ??? 5 Looks like they lost their BRAINS...

Tony in MT   October 28th, 2008 11:08 am ET

As a Montanan, I can tell you that this race is much closer than the polls suggest. A lot of the larger population centers in the state (Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Butte) tend to vote Democrat. Billings is a Republican stronghold. Voter turnout here in Missoula will be huge, and it will go 75% Obama. My beautiful city single handidly put John Tester over the top against Conrad Burns in the Senate race 2 years ago, which gave the Democrats the majority. You're welcome America!

blindsided   October 28th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Learn about this man Mr. Obama. Do NOT just go along with the promise of hope… I know we all need things to be better. Obama is not the answer he promises:

From Audacity of Hope:
"I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

From Dreams of My Father:
"I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."
"I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race."

Jack Jodel   October 28th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Famous lies of the 2008 campaign:
"My friends",
"Hockey Mom",
"Obama will tax your income",
Joe the plumber,
"Maverick",
"I am not President Bush".

Montana, don't fall for the McCain/Palin bull.

Obama/Biden '08

Kim, Charlotte, NC   October 28th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Good! I hope McCain looses by a landslide!

Ken in Dallas   October 28th, 2008 11:06 am ET

McCain and Palin didn't waste any time tossing Ted Stevens under the bus abd backing over him a few times. What's remarkable is that they think they deserve better treatment than they offer their former ally.

Joe Regis   October 28th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Montana is a tough nut for McCain, this is one of the places when they say they will vote for you it means there are with you all the way. This time Montana is voting blue on Nov 4th. The repubs are doomed there this year.

Obama/Biden 08/12.

Praetorian   October 28th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Be real...

McCain keeps preaching about how he will help protect small business. Yet, we've seen legislation that offers incentives for large multinationals to operative off-shore, then flood the markets with materials, produce, and goods that are produced so far below the cost of U.S. based suppliers, growers, and manufacturers to compete. Once the small business is "out of business" the multinational raises the prices back to where they were when U.S. employees were creating the goods!!!

Some deal huh, thanks John...but we've had enough of that kind of help.

SPENCER/VIRGINIA   October 28th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Not only is he out of touch, he's out of time.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Billy   October 28th, 2008 11:04 am ET

John McCain, call for Gov Palin to step down because she has violated Alaskan State Ethics Laws and betrayed the public's trust.

demwit   October 28th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Spread the wealth!!

Dawn   October 28th, 2008 11:03 am ET

This is McCain last ditch to get into the oval office, He is a sour puss and his trusty side kick Caribou Barbie who is sticking an athame into his back and is twisting it.

This is fun to listen to them, and seeing the Republicans jumping ship the latest is Joe Liberman...

Go Obama/Biden08/12

CitizenAJ   October 28th, 2008 11:03 am ET

LOL! The republicans have to defend the 3, 3, 3, 3 electoral votes of Montana. Ha ha! I am glad that Americans are sending a message to lying, deceitful, divisive politicians. Get out and stay out! Stop calling fellow Americans unpatriotic just to win elections. Get serious about energy independence that John Kerry talked about in 2004. Lets get people healthcare, why do Americans have to go without it? Lets better educate our children and teach them community service. Vote Montana, vote for the right ticket!

arc, Lugano CH   October 28th, 2008 11:03 am ET

'Uncounted'.

This is a must-see bi-partisan documentary for educated global-minded voters. The dire situation that the United States now finds itself on the domestic, economic and foreign relations fronts are a result of outright criminal election fraud by the Bush Administration and the Republican Party.

ANGIE   October 28th, 2008 11:03 am ET

What an Idiot does this man even know what he is doing and some want him for president unbelivable!

Go Montana!   October 28th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Come on Cowboys, come on Montana!

McCain!!!!!

Cowboy = Horse, = Cowboy Hat, = Boots, LOL, Obama, just don't see it!!!

bb   October 28th, 2008 11:01 am ET

A junior senator, who had only 142 days of experience in Senate when he declared his candidacy, who supported domestic terrorists and organizations like Acorn, declared 'socialism' through 'spreading the wealth around', supports infanticide, have zero experience is going to be the president of United Sates? Are you kidding?

If we have a brain in our head, vote McCain!

katiec   October 28th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Truly believe the American voters have seen through the veneer of the republican party. Having gone down in history as the sleeziest
campaign ever run, they continue to run their outlandish ads,
full of lies, distortions, hate, attacks.
Now they are trying to take away our legitimate votes. This is
going on in many states and must be stopped.
Do we want people such as these running our country??

SPENCER/VIRGINIA   October 28th, 2008 10:56 am ET

He's putting out ads where he's going to when. What a dummy. He's not focusing on the states that he needs to win. It's over John.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 28th, 2008 10:55 am ET

McCain will lose Montana. They know the truth. The propaganda will not cut it there.

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
hambypCNN: @DanDoranBlum nice. hopefully you get two big wins over Pitt in one week.
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:42:32 -0800
hambypCNN: @AP_Ken_Thomas excellent duane spencer reference. let's try to work in lee scruggs, too, before the season ends.
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:14:50 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: Shocking - what's happening in Baghdad. Five terror attacks. More than 100 killed and 400 injured amid fears the violence will increase.
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:08:29 -0800
hambypCNN: Kaine vs. Steele on Situation Room today in 6P hour.
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:55:02 -0800
@edhenrycnn: My colleague Dan Lothian and I show what's it's like on the road with the President - http://bit.ly/7XSU53 #cnn
Updated: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:09:21 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP