October 30, 2008
Posted: 03:10 PM ET

From
Obama's 30 minute ad was watched by nearly 30 million people.
Obama's 30 minute ad was watched by nearly 30 million people.

(CNN) — The major networks may just wish Barack Obama took up more airtime after taking a look at the ratings for the Democratic presidential candidate's 30-minute infomercial Wednesday night.

According to preliminary ratings numbers from the networks, more than 26 million people watched the program on CBS, NBC or Fox. That's 3 million more than usually watch those networks at that hour, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Averaging in the cable networks that also carried the event, about 30 million people in all saw the long-form campaign ad.

The ad was most watched on NBC, where nearly 10 million viewers tuned in. More than 8.5 million watched on CBS while just under 8 million viewed the program on Fox. On average, about 7 million people usually tune into each network at that hour.

Overall, according to Nielsen, for the six networks that aired the infomercial simultaneously, it scored a household rating of nearly 22 percent — meaning 22 percent of all households watching television at that hour tuned into the spot. That compares to the 38.3 household rating the last presidential debate scored.

Obama's combined audience beat the highest rated television show last week: CBS' CSI drew about 20 million viewers. It also drew more than double the viewers the average World Series game this year did.

But even if viewers didn't catch the spot when it first aired, clips of the program have repeatedly been broadcast across the cable news chanels Thursday, maximizing the Illinois senator's exposure in the crucial remaining days before Election Day.

"The strategic brilliance of this for Obama is that he is going to consume about 24 hours of the news cycle," Evan Tracey of Campaign Media Analysis Group said. "It boxes [John] McCain in, takes the oxygen out of the room."

It's unclear exactly how much the Obama campaign spent on the commercial in total, but estimates put the cost at least $3.5 million.

Filed under: Barack Obama


Swing State Girl   October 30th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I'm sure the number of viewers had nothing to do with people tuning in to watch the history making game 5 of the world series which normally airs at 8 pm. Personally, when I saw that crap, I decided to catch up on my DVR recordings for half an hour. It's nothing but meaningless propaganda. I'll believe it when I see it.

geecee827   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Obama is spending the money that his contributors sent to him voluntarily. He is not spending money out of the General Treasury the way McCain is. You should be angry at McCain and his disastrous campaign strategy which is a joke. At least we Obama supporters are getting our money's worth. Obama is smart enough to know what works. McCain isn't smart, as evidenced by his awful pick for V.P.

DX in TX   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Barack Obama has earned the right to be the president of this great country. He has run an intelligent campaign. I sincerely believe that he cares about the American people. There have been several times he could have attack John McCain, but instead he stuck to the issues.

John McCain never gave us a clear message. He spent too much time hating on Barack Obama and attempting to smear him. I cannot support a candidate that cares more about winning than the American people.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Lance   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Buy as many votes as you can BO you will need it!

Response To Go Sarah!   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Doesn't take Palin to figure that out!

Bill - Ann Arbor, MI   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Amount of $$$ being spent on ads is CRAZY but keep in mind that is $$$ going back into the economy too! Wages, overtime & bonuses for those who work in the ad industry or with the campaigns and those people will in turn go out & spend that $$$ or invest it. I do wish Obama & McCain would ask the places they advertise with to donate a portion to charities though..
Bill – Ann Arbor, MI

2008 Election   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Whoooo Hooooo

We have Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore campaiging for Obama. Thank you for your support….Whose next…

Let's get out and Vote, It ain't over…the race is still on. Common folks, this is our year to get this country back on track. The Republicans had it for 8 years and we are in such turmoil…I do not think they deserve another 4 more years. All the BS/lies, let it go through one ear and come out the other…let's not waste our energy and breaths on these individuals…all we need to do is Vote and get others to do the same.

Obama for President   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Obama For President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough Said!!!!!!!!!!!

Oregon calling   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

It brought tears to my eyes and a wish to do more for my fellow person. I also had my 12 year old daughter watch with me and although she is ready, as am I, for this to be over, she also had tears.

VOTE AMERICA!!!!!!!!

Obama / Biden 08

Veteran for Obama   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I watched the lady who had to ration her food out in sections of her refrigerator. The family knew what was there had to last until the next pay day. A lot of us have been there or have been close to being there.
Obama offers hope of rising above that existence.
Folks in that situation don't need a handout. They need a hand. They need a job that pays enough to stock the refrigerator with something left over for that emergency that always comes before payday ever does.
The big bucks spent on the infomercial were an investment on that kind of future. Please vote for Obama and give him a chance to help folks get back to self sufficiency and the dignity and pride that go along with it.
Bring Back the American Dream.

mccain is a liar   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Chuck, Tennessee

Look at your own guy. every word that comes out of his mouth is a lie. I guess its ok because he was a POW. By the way why are his records sealed? Could it have anything to do with that person he killed in '64

nerakami   October 30th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

John McCain has run one of the most dysfunctional campaigns in modern history. It is the litmus test of how he would govern this nation…
chaotic, erratic, unfocused not to mention, full of in-fighting.

Haven't we had enough incompetent Presidents to last us a lifetime?
Why in God's name would we choose another?

Douglas, Los Angeles California   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I loved the program and thought it was very well done. My friends and I were getting teared up during the show. We were all voting for Obama anyway, but the way he explained his policies and outlook really sealed the deal. I was very pleased to see my donation dollars at work, very well spent!

Texas Trail Dog!   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I wouldn't bring out what a success this AD was unless your counting how fast you can spend money that is not yours. $100,000 a minute FOR 30 minutes. Isn't this kinda ignorant. Why does he want the president so bad for? What are his intentions? IMAGINE WHAT HE WILL DO ONCE HE IS IN THE WHITE HOUSE. YOU THINK BUSH'S ECONOMY IS BAD? YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET BUD! WHEN YOU GET A DEMOCRAT PRESIDENT AND A SOLID DEMOCRAT CONGRESS THAT CAN'T BE FILIBUSTED THEN THE UNITED STATES AS WE KNOW ARE DOOMED. WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE A REVOLUTION TO GET THESE DISGUSTING PEOPLE OUT. I'M SPEAKING FROM KNOWLEDGE OF BEING ONE FOR 51-YEARS BUT BOY HAVE I WISED UP. AWAKE UP AMERICA BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

Stone Harry   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

That's your money Obama decided to waste on a self serving infomercial! Ha Ha!

j williamson   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

People are so yearning for a new direction – this is not a political catch-all pharse, but the sheer truth of the matter. The fact that so many people "tuned in" to a political "commercial" underscores this. P.S. I already voted for Obama (absentee, NY).

Sevin   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I keep waiting for John McCain to tell me what he will do different than George Bush. However, all he does is knock the competition. I was taught early on that this is a bad course of action to achieve success.

Linda D. Carrollton, TX   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I have already voted for Barack. I think he did an excellent job making his points and he laid out his plans for the country. I think he is definitely a great choice for President. His AD last night was the main reason why. I think he did an excellent job.

Scars   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I wish I could have seen it. I have read a book on him and he is truly an incredible man. I can't wait to watch him mend our scars.

WoW'd By OBAMA   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I was so enthralled by Obama's closing speech! I am tired of people saying that he is a great speaker but he doesn't tell you how he'll accomplish all of this. He told us his plan and what he wants to do as much, well actually a million times more than McCain ever has. All McCain does is cry about bits and pieces of out of context pieces of information he scrapes up! I can't wait for this to be over!

VOTE EARLY TO AVOID THE LONG LINES OF PEOPLE CASTING THEIR VOTE FOR THE RIGHT MAN!! OBAMA '08

Penny   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I have donated my money to the Obama/Biden campaign and I have no complaints as to how the money was spent, so that didn't as someone earlier said – Shut up.

Also, all of those McCain/Palin people who keep saying the same thing over and over again. If you feel your candidate is so strong and has so many answers – you tell me what he is going to do, you try to convince me why he is the better candidate instead of always tearing down mine.

I don’t want to hear what that ….Sean Insanity or that Rush “dope addict” Limpball has to say but what you truly believe. You all keep talking about rhetoric, what are you listening to when you listen to those….creeps.

The world needs a change and a man who lives for the furture.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Doug   October 30th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Think about that folks, 22% combined. Talk about positive spin. Heck, it was on every dang network channel except abc, and combined it barely beat CSI last week.

CNN and Foxnews didn't run it, thank god there were options.

And if you didn't catch it, he said in his Obamatisement that If you are a FAMILY making less than $200,000, that's $200,000, you won't see your taxes go up. He denied it was $200,000 this week and said it was $250,000, yet comes on and says it's $200,000 again. Be wary folks.

Texas Straight Talker   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Alan G you shop at QVC way too much! It feels great to support the candidate who promotes unity!

frank   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Maybe if the RNC would have put their money towards an ad like this instead of outfitting Palin and her family they wouldn't be so behind.
Priorities people.

eve   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

so much talk about Obama overspending but no one takes into consideraton that FOX and the right wing radio is 24/7 , the money was needed to correct the fallacies that people continue to believe because the McCain campaign continues to spew lies

bazznewzz   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

how any self respecting jew…ahem american…can vote for "That One" is beyond me…
But then I see the fact check site on cnn which uses the recent words of khalidi and obama to refute the actions and words from before the campaign cycle…
obama cannot hide from his strange bedfellows…
the msm is not doing its job by misleading the public…
the LA Times has lost any journalistic integrity by not releasing the video…
do we know of any friend of obama that he is not trying to distance himself from?
http://scattershooting.wordpress.com

beevee   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

This clearly shows how brilliant Obama is in his campaign strategy and how smart his strategists are. Hope he wins the election and brings in his brain power to adminster this nation to glory days both in its economic superiority and and international stature.

Anonymous   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

An unbelievable interruption into our lives!!! More of the same is what you can expect if Senator Obama is elected president.

I hope this never happens again.

Arrogance and greed. Look at me, listen to me.

Did you hear anything good about the USA? or let me guess we are waiting for hope and change.

Never lost hope, and I like to decide the changes I make in my life. Less government is better.

rob   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

to so ?–a vote for Mc Cain is like dancing with the stars–no substance–bad clothing—no carisma–and lots of pan cake make-up–except Mc Cain does have those nasty yellow teeth

Larry, Hazleton, Pa   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

The program was well done and thought provoking – should allow any of the indenpendent voters the opportunity to make a informed decision about the choice of who should be our next president – The choice is very clear for me and I highly recommend to all who willing to listen that Mr Obama is superior in all details to Mr McCain – I will be voting for the OBAMA/BIDEN ticket on Nov 4.

Ron, NYC   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Joe, sarah palin is voting for Obama

Phil Newton from Murphy, Oregon   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

DON'T BE FOOLED:

You know what I don't trust?

A GOP team made up of Karl Rove lobbyists.

RS   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

One more things Ads are necessary….a $150k clothing and Louis Vuitton purse are not ask Sarah to return that purse and give the money to someone that needs a mortgage payment or medication and the clothes to a charitble organization.

Ronda   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

My favorite aspect–he didn't mention McCain once. It wasn't negative. I want to go out and help! Obama is inspiring the best in us.

NYHillary   October 30th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Not sure the Wendy Button story is true. There on website that's against Obama. Could be another trap from the sicko group (McCain/Palin). That's why we haven't heard it on CNN. Great video Obama, please make more. Oh by the way, my money pay for it too.

Go Obama

Matt   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

@ Brady

You can't complain about the election being "for sale" just because Obama collected more money and your guy is losing. This is the first time in almost a century that a Democratic candidate has had more funding than the Republican candidate. And hey, wouldn't you rather the election be bought with money that spreads the truth and unites us as opposed to money that spreads rancor and lies and divides us like McCain?

VOTE EARLY/VOTE OBAMA   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

It was so sincere, honest and heart warming to hear Obama speak and not one negative word was spoken unlike McCain and Palin who do nothing but talk negative thru out their rallies. This is the type of person I want talking to other world leaders and handling the problems all Americans now are faceing. Not some windbag and his dimwit sidekick. McCain can't even stop flip flopping. First he says he won't drill in Alaska, last night on Larry King he says Palin wants to drill up there so he guessed he's have to fly up there and check it out because that's where Palin wants to drill. Who will be running this country is God forbid he would win? Him or Palin?

JL   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

RFEERO

The "koolaid" is for washing down the B.S. from the last 8 years…you might need some yourself.

mccain is a liar   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

RFEERO or should I say gop insider

OBAMA KOOLAID DRINKERS UNITE YOU WILL CHASE AWAY ALL
THE CAPITAL FROM THIS COUNTRY BY HIS SOCIALIST POLICIES
AND ….BLAH BLAH BLAH

Thanks to people like you I donated this morning to President Obama

This is Crazy this race is still close   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

I have donated to this campaign many times (the 1st time in my life) and I am VERY proud of how my dollars are being spent. I would be pissed if the campaign was spending 150K on clothes for Joe Biden. Not pointing fingers but you all know what I'm saying!

JRM-PA   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

All right Obama fans why is it o.k that he spends all this money on an ad and mean while his own family is living in the slum. what a hero! NOT!!! I guess we the American people are the only ones who have to share our earnings. Wake up and smell the coffee instead of the kool-aid.

GO MCCAIN/PALIN!!!

Eric M   October 30th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

This was a great tool to inspire his supporters and get them fired up about voting on November 4th, but I don't see it as swaying any significant number of voters from McCain to Obama (though I'm sure some in these comments will claim that to be the case).

It's a wonderful way to get people excited, and could be a deciding factor for a few undecideds here and there, but I don't feel like it was a game-changer. As a cynic, I found myself rolling my eyes on several occasions, particularly with an ad that promised specifics, and then glossed over details the same way the Obama campaign has done for months.

Saying "we will create green jobs and revitalize the economy" is not a plan. Saying "if you make under $200k, you will get a tax cut" is not a plan. At least when Ross Perot tried something similar, he came armed with an overabundance of substance. Obama's ad was an emotional crescendo to his campaign, but did not give the kind of details I was looking for out of such a heavily hyped program. While I feel for the guy when he talks about losing his mother to cancer, I'm not concerned about "getting to know him" in that regard, so much as getting to know his specific plans to put America back on the right track.

I have no doubts that Obama will be our next President, but this polished ad really didn't do it for me. I've seen the stump speech, and I walked away from the program not having learned anything about him or his policies that I didn't know the day before.

Voted for OBAMA on Tuesday in Louisiana   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Yes! This ad was great and brought tears to my eyes! Same thing when I voted! I feel so proud to have voted in this election for the right choice.

OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUDS   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Obama is going to win & you narrow minded right wingnuts can't stand it – well too darn bad – get used to it: PRESIDENT OBAMA! AND SO IT WILL BE

AMILES   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

What matter of man is Obama? He must have been called out by God to lead our great nation and bring peace to the world. He is truely the right man for the President of these United States. I believe that the calling on his life at this time is much bigger than him. I also believe that he will make us all proud. You go my brother! You go!

Vobama   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Joe take your head off your crack and listen to the truth and reality that face us right now. Obama has a strategy well laid and thats why McSame the insane is crying foul even before the election is over.
Strategic mind is what we need in the white house.
Can you see the flow of cash streaming towards Obama even though we are facing a recession !!!! people are investing in their futures and thats why the give to OBAMA.
Then man is a uniting factor after this division factor that we have seen within the last eight years. I am tired of seeing some of our brothers and sister kill themseves because they just can't take it anymore , chain themselves to their houses to fight forclosure, any yet some want us not to tax the rich?? The country is well built if it starts ground up and not up down!!!!

Bala   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Sid,
You can go to youtube.com and type barack obama infomercial, you will see it.

Ditto   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

More from McBlame.

McCain's complaints about Obama opting out of government funding are his lame way of blaming someone else for his own lack guts. No one forced him to take government funding. Unlike Obama, he simply did not have the courage to trust that his supports would fund his campaign.

On the topic of his negative and nasty campaign? It is Obama's fault because he would not do town hall meeting with McCain.

What is next? Obama made me pick Palin?

Bonn   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I donated to Obama's campaign and helped pay for this ad. I'm proud of Obama and his message and philosophy. Besides, I would rather pay for Obama ads than the Pallin family underwear. $150,000. Joke.

SB in NoVA   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Loved the endorsement from the guy from Google!
Loved that fact that McAin't wasn't mentioned or even eluded to even ONCE! I challenge McDumb, Dumber and their no show plumber to put together 30 minutes of relavant information w/o mentioning Obama! HAHAHAHA … they are NOT capable!

I proudly voted for the SMART one!!!
Obama/Biden 08 and beyond!
Turn VA and the USA BLUE!

Phil Newton from Murphy, Oregon   October 30th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Now THAT'S reality TV.

Bravo!

Obama 08

Reese'-Rich VA   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

My money went to a GREAT ad. It is a shame that we have to spend so much more in order to have a chance to win. I am glad to see my money being spent wisely instead of being spent on overpriced clothing.

NoBomma Hussein   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Any person making under 300,000 dollars will not see a tax increase.. no.. whats that?.. Any person making under 250,000 dollars will not see a tax increase… wha? oh.. Any person making under 200,000 dollars (biden whispers – 150,000 obama.. remember?) will not see a tax increase and most will see a tax cut.

40% of america already doesn't pay taxes… all your doing is now giving them money instead of them just paying nothing.

remember in 2007 when you voted on a bill to RAISE taxes on anyone making 40,000 dollars? OBAMA the SCRIPT READER = great. OBAMA OFF THE CUFF = a FLOP! real politics aren't behind a teleprompter. any holllywood actor / news anchor could have said exactly what you "read" off that prompter. good thing you paid for smart writers… and what about when you "PROMISED" not to take private funding, then went ahead and raised 650,000,000 dollars, more than ANYONE in the history! how much more! try 500,000,000 dollars more than ANYONE EVER. not like a few mil, but 500 mil.

also, where were you born? kenya? hawaii? why did hillary try and get you removed from the ballot.. cause she knows your kenyan, not american.. alot of people will lose jobs on that coverup so hopefully it doesn't break.. you are a powerful man, better keep that covered up. where are your college records, your birth records, your HS records, your records for your masters or ANYTHING.. why do you have it all locked down? where is the tape of you toasting off a terrorist, i mean, your buddy.

reading comments on CNN.com just shows me how idiotic america really is… you all are voting for a unexperienced liar who raised taxes on people making 40k a year with no experience, bad ties to bad people, and locked up records on his past so he can't be exposed as a moron.

Cheers America. happy voting on the 4th.

Steve from Somerset   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Has anyone heard that the man who worked as a lobbyist in Washington, DC for Saddam Hussein has been named to serve on a candidate's presidential transition team? I'm serious. The name of the lobbyist is William Timmons and the name of the candidate is John McCain. Do a google search on THIS.

Trevor Guerlain   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Good for him. He deserves his own half-hour sitcom, a comedy entitled: I Wanna Rule Da World…who knew that Obama could be the next Will Smith? He's so Jazzy Jeff right now.

rob   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

to RFEERO–your friend Mc Cain admitted to Larry King that Obama wasn't a socialist—so don't post until you know the facts

Jean Braithwaite   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

This is Jean the Journalist and my vote is for Obama.

Solider   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Obama's 30 minutes lastnight was an eye openning expereince. I have been to Iraq and I have seen things and done things to protect the freedoms of this country. The thing I can not protect is the American dream…..that is provided thru Government and how they manage our economy. I woud give my life for my country but I have had issues with how my country has treated us when we have returned from this war…..and it is discouraging. Obama has given me hope…I believe he will take care of the military…..I believe he will take care of our families….because what I saw lastnight was the America I fight for….It would feel so much better to know that my country was doing FOR the people not FOR the compaines and special interest.

David, Silver Spring, MD   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Much of the post-ad chatter has been asking about the money spent and whether the spot was over-the-top and stuff–all insider pundit stuff.

I think just about everybody who saw it came away with a positive image of Obama and put aside the crazy stories McCain has been pushing about him.

Purple Alaska   October 30th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Let it be…let it be…let it be, oh let it be…whisper words of wisdom…let it beeeeeeee.

Fired up ~ Ready to Go!

Elizabeth   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Just a note to all those who lament the amount of money spent on the ad: donations made to a candidate cannot be used for any other purpose than the campaign they were given towards without permission.

Yes, the money could have been spent on infrastructure…if people had donated it to infrastructure. The point you miss is that many people donated money to the campaign so that Obama could present a clear and definite image to cut through all the false attacks.

Stay positive! Obama/Biden 2008

Gabe Louisiana   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Dear on the fence voters

This ad was not for die-hard McCain and Obama's supporters. It was for the indepents and leaning toward Obama voter. This ad was so simply that a 4th grade could get it. You cn not tell me that you for polices because he put it out there as simply that anyone can put and had stories to go with the polices. I mean that he related to Americans that is stuggling to achieve the America dream that we want to have. In the ad should how he read bedtime story to his kid and how a white man from Ky read a bedtime story to his kid. It just that all races want the same thing, a better future for there kids. What got me was when he talk about mother when she in hospital while dying of cancer, then dying with no worries , but worryingaout how to pay her medical bills because her insurance that she put her hard earning in wouldnt coverage her medical expense. It ws so real to me because went through that with my grandfather, very emotional. So please that another look at each other polices and make the choice that is better for you and not negative stuff that is out and not because of race to be you reason on voting

thank you for your time
An early voter

oldfartmustgo   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

shame on you CNN. This will come back to haunt you in the near future. By next week you'll be yesterdays news just like you did to Beck
I guess the deep pockets of Exxon prohibited you from broadcasting
the message. too bad.

Annie, Atlanta   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

To Rfeero – define socialist. Would that be like Sarah spreading the wealth in AK?

As far as Obama's spot on tv last night, I thought it was fantastic. Now McCain is whining today about Obama not taking public financing. I thought Obama would have agreed to it if McCain did – then McCain wouldn't agree – then Obama decided not to – then McCain decided to. Kicking yourself, eh John, for playing games?

kkelly   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Well done, glad to see my donations went to good use and not to his VP's wardrobe, I making another donation today!

Johnny the Boy   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I have a hard time coming to grops with the fanatic devotion I see from both sides of the aisle for both of these useless candidates. Start acting like Americans and get off your bottoms and start making the changes yourselves.

Redistribution of wealth is anti-american. Get out there and get it yourself. Do you really beleive that Obama is gonna stop at couples making $250,000 a year? You are idiots to think so.

Do you believe drilling for oil is the solution? Make the changes in life that will limit you need for oil McItes.

These two are nothing more than mouthpieces for their corners of the world. As AMERICANS we shouldn't depend on them to make our lives easier.

NewAmerica   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Did anyone ever think that they would want to see a political ad more than one time? Me neither.

Brady   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Election for sale!

Dana Knight   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I'm a 34 yr old white man living in the deep south…where the color of a mans skin certainly will play a factor in the election. Most here won't admit it however it is deeply embedded in a tradition and generation of hate. Unless you're straight, white, Catholic and/or Baptist you are nothing in the eyes of the generational ignorance here. Barack Obama makes me feel so proud to be an American…he represents the heart of America. I was moved by his speech…he gives me pride and hope that we as a nation can finally come together. What a great man!

Don't Be Fooled   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I'm glad you all enjoyed watching last night. I did not watch – and I will tell you why.

Yes, on the one hand, I am voting for John McCain – so there was a part of me that didn't want to give the Obama campaign the satisfaction of increasing their ratings.

On the other hand, I couldn't bring myself to watch a 30 minute tribute to the most egregious narcissist of our time, paid for with millions of dollars of illegal campaign contributions. Do you Obama supporters not know that his website is intentionally designed so as to allow illegal contributions from falsified people, using falsified addresses? You defend the fact that he backed out on his deal with the American people that he would accept public financing, but can you defend his morals? Just because he is a father and husband does not mean he is the caliber of person who we should trust to be the leader of the free world.

I don't trust him. Neither should you.

deb   October 30th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

The "ordinary folks" paid for this ad, McCain, NOT big corporate money! I, for one, gave my small amount of $75 to HELP GET OBAMA ELECTED! That's the purpose of donating to a campaign. Obama collected money from all the little "joes" out there, the REAL people of this country who really want COUNTRY FIRST. McCain/Palin are narcissists who just want the glory of being President/Vice President. Obama CARES about this country and is trying to do THE RIGHT THING. His message was uplifting and positive, just the opposite of everything McCain/Palin say or stand for.

No need   October 30th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

He's already had my vote for a while. However, it was very well-done.

Obama-Biden 2008

Oakbrook, IL   October 30th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

To all UNDECIDED Voters:
Give Obama a chance. You can fire him in 2012 if he didn't do his job well.

Chuck, Tennessee   October 30th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

To GP

What do you mean that Obama says government is not the answer? He may utter those words, but every proposal he espouses involves more government to fix the problem. Neither candidate seems to really believe in smaller, less intrusive government, as evidenced by their votes on the bailout.

Caligirl   October 30th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I completely agree with VOTER @ 3:18 pm. Senator Obama presented 30 minutes of yet another example of a well-organized and extrememly positive campaign. This is the 1st time in a long time that I am excited to cast my vote on Tuesday. May God bless America and may the people elect Obama and Biden.

AMY OF DAYTON, OHIO   October 30th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I love it. We SHALL OVER COME. We shall over come these scrupulous BUSH ECONOMICS and FAILED POLICIES. For all of you Obama HATERS, you will be the first GREEDY CRUMB SNATCHERS trying to get a PIECE OF THE PIE when things are back on Good Street, SO JUST SHUT UP AND GET ON BOARD. We are headed for THE GOOD OLE DAYS !! And if you still don't like it, PLEASE, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT – DON'T EAT, JUST STARVE LIKE YOU'VE BEEN DOING !!

Momo   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Joe is looking for a wife, of cause he'd show up.

Mr. Palin watch out!

Karen   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Joe – I guess you know more than CNN since you are reporting it. I wonder where you got your information. Was it the McCain campaign.

sykor   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Well done, as expected. No name calling,no put-downs, no sarcasm.
If nothing else, it raised the level of discourse above eigth grade.
I pray that Obama will be elected so that our children will learn that you can win without playing dirty.

Raleigh, NC   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Anti-Obama people are all the same…..negative; that's why your candidate is behind. McCain's campaign has been nothing but negative. Obama conveyed a great message last night. He showed us that it's not about him…. it's about the American people. He understands the serious problems that this nation is facing and is committed to helping solve them.

John   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

WOW, last night was powerful. I saw my story in one of those families.

I am glad I voted for Obama/Biden this year.

I was at the Sunrise,Florida location and so many people waited to get in and I am so glad I was there.

Give Obama a chance.

rahepee   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Love him or hate him, you've got to admit, this guy's a genius regarding how to run a successful campaign. He's blowing the pants off of McCain. It's like the future is here, and all the old methods of running a campaign are obsolete. If the GOP doesn't learn from this, they are doomed to go as extinct as the do-do bird.

reggie   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Obama does what he does best…TALK. I want a president who walks the walk NOT talks the talk.
McCain is the only real choice!!!

djak   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

I watched it, even though I have already voted. It was a brilliant move that was aimed at reaching viewers in all the battleground states at once. Not one mention of McCain or any negativity in this ad which only supports the fact that Obama has real ideas, and is not out to smear the other guy.

Cindy- St. Louis   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

How could we not be moved when motivated to act as our "better selves" rather than our "shadow selves"?

Hope, optimisim and truth will eventually win out.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08 AND 12

Positive in NC   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Great job! Glad my donation could contribute to sharing Obama's positive message. Yes, We Can!

Geez   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Give me a break! All you numb-nuts out there talking about Obama's "terrorist pals." I guess you've forgotten about Keating, and that McPain gave $500K to the same PLO adviser…and what about Palin and "THE DUDE" wanting to make Alaska their own country. Get a life. The tide is changing, and you're getting washed out to sea! This white, Christian, Republican, voted early in FL for "THAT ONE". The only candidate who is truly Presidential…Barack Obama.

McCain/Palin   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

WENDY BUTTON IS NOT SENATOR OBAMA'S SPEECHWRITER, SHE WAS JOHN EDWARDS' SPEECHWRITER. If you're going to spew lies, stop trying to involve Senator Obama in EVERY SINGLE LIE you tell (and get your facts straight the next time).

Janelle   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

I'm tired of the criticism of how Obama spent so much on this advertising. Myself and millions of other supporters sent him that money to spent exactly as he did–in a wise way to get himself elected president.

That's what I donated it for and he did as I asked–makes me more confident than ever as to how he'll spend my tax dollars.

Cathy   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Go President Obama!

IndependentNY   October 30th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Well done Barack! Very moving and informative commercial and refreshing to see something about us and nothing to do with the other guy you're running against.

This man has given me for the first time in my adult life something no other political figure ever has …. HOPE. It's also something one needs to feel like we CAN succeed, we CAN rebuild our lives, we CAN change our ways to accomplish all of the amazingly difficult challenges we have to give our kids a future. To be able to do these things, we need a leader who INSPIRES, not someone who tries to scare us. Who do you want to follow? One who always uses spooky language or one who lifts you up and makes you feel good about yourself and your country? It's a no-brainer folks. OBAMA/BIDEN GO USA!!!

Roy   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Fantastic and Positive Show. Very Impressed. Worthwhile to watch. Obama all the way!

TIME TO REVIVE THE USA!!!   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

That was "must see, TV" I loved every minute of it. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!! The gop will try to find some way to steal it.

Lala   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

all I can say is brilliant !!!!! McCain Quit complaining… when the shoe was on the other foot (Mr. Bush raising so much money no body complained.. yes i gave 125 dollars of my hard earned money to Obama. He is not accountable to any one but his donors… stop whining Obama O8 NC is going blue baby

matt   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

i am not voting for barack, i only watched it because i was waiting for the Baseball game to start…

yeah screwed up the whole pregame show
pissed me off

Concerned in MA   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I'm glad it was a "ratings success"… maybe some of those 30 million realize that they're being led like sheep to the slaughter.

And actually, the numbers are proving out that very fact.

For those of you who think your contribution was "money well spent"… sorry, but my money goes to feeding my family and helping those less fortunate. Might I suggest you do the same?

John the Gulf War Vet   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Senator McCain you are no hero, you are a terrorist.

Your campaign advisor was a Saddam Hussein lobbyist for 5 years.
You pal around with Gordon Liddy, domestic terrorist.
You are a member of "The Project for a New American Century" – a radical extremist terrorist orginization.
Your VP candidate's husband Todd Palin is a domestic terrorist in the Alaskan Independence Party.
You have given $500,000 to PLO, a group that McCain himself says are terrorists.
You have met with Chilean Dictator Pinochet, a terrorist.
Your using FOX NEWS, the Bush Administration, The Justice Department to commit voter intimidation & suppression is a act of terrorism.

John McCain you are a disgrace to your uniform

TJ Johnson   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

He said not one thing we haven't already heard. In other words, he wasted Americans' hard-earned dollars for his own self-aggrandizement. All bad!! That One would be a poor president, careless with other people's money.

tishoogle   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Excellent, Excellent Obama! Now lets go out and vote Obama!

Kelley   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It was an awesome depiction of what people are going through. Real troubles with real people. That's something that someone with 7 houses and 15 cars wouldn't have a clue about.

Obama/Biden '08

MAGDELENA   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

hey joe, button was fired by the obama campaign & so who cares who she votes for as most of America will be voting OBAMA!

Lorna, NY   October 30th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Barak Obama's campaign has been the best run campaign in American history. The man is BRILLIANT!

RealityKing   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Obama is putting talking at us above talking with us..

marie - ohio   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I wasn't asked and what I saw it didn't do anything for me. Oh, by the way I'm one of those undecided voter and black

Go Obama   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Obama tells us his plan to revive our country and to make tomorrow better.
McShame talks about why we shouldn't vote for Obama by accusing/calling Obama names…
you decided.
Obama '08!!!

Vigla   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

RFEERO, wheer have you been? We ALREADY ARE BROKE with conservative policies! Why not give progressive ideas a shot for the first time in over 30 years? I'll take a little socialism if it will fix this country's problems. But honestly, what Obama offers is not socialism, you need to get out more and learn. Don't believe everything you hear.

cindy   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

If McCain (the republicans) had the millions that Obama has been able to raise they would be tauting their organizational skills and ability to raise so much cash but since they haven't been successful in that area (and many other areas) they have nothing left than to berate Obama for his success in rasing lots of many andfor running a very well organized and smart campaign!!!!

This is the kind of leader I want for this country not the hatred filled people kinds of people in this country!!!!!!! I don't care what party you belong to hatred is vile no matter who expouses it!

RS   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

What is amazing to me is the number of people that think McCain and Palin are a good choice. AMAZING!

Gail   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

It was a well done ad. Sen. Obama seems to have run a very good race. McCain was suppose to spell out his economic plans this week. Instead we got "Joe the plummer" talking about policies, both domestic and forign (sic) and maybe a book deal and Aaron Tippin maybe producing a record deal with him.

What type of race is this????? McCain has me soooo confused.
All he has done is try to instill fear in America about Sen Obama. Which doesn't seem to be working.

Maybe that is why the Republicans are falling apart this time. I am an independent and I've voted both parties in some years. But this year, I dare say – the GOP will not get my vote.

Latina for Obama (nj)   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

HE IS BRILLIANT!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

ted   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

HERE'S A BIGGER AD OR BLOOPER

BILL CLINTON INTRODUCES OBAMA SAYS HE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE ECONOMY BUT TOLD HIS ADVISORS COME UP WITH SOEMTHING AND HE WOULD SELL IT TO THE PEOPLE

Silver-tongue attorney Obama can read a teleprompter like no one else – he sounds poised, polished and measure … just as attorneys are trained to be.

But actions speak louder than words.

"You know what he did?" Clinton said, heralding Obama's reaction to the financial crisis. "First he took a little heat for not saying much. I knew what he was doing. He talked to his advisers – he talked to my economic advisers, he called Hillary. He called me. He called Warren Buffet. ….

"The second thing – and this meant more to me than anything else, and I haven't cleared this with him and he may even be mad at me for saying this so close to the election – but I know what else he said to his economic advisers – he said, 'Tell me what the right thing to do is. What's the right thing for America? Don't tell me what's popular, you tell me what's right, I'll figure it out and sell it.'

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/kissimmee-kate.html

If you were getting on a plane .. would you want a pilot who had never flown before

If you were getting an operation .. would you want a surgeon who had no experience.

Obama it’s not that he’s black ..he’s just way too green.

NO TO OBAMA – Pelosi – Reid 2008

Matt   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

cry about it republicans…your tears sustain me

kingpin   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

The prior story "Joe the no show" is just another example of how McScam manages his campaign and how he would manage the whitehouse!

Alex   October 30th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I am seeing a trend with the arguments against Obama. People are saying they are upset by wanting him to spread the wealth and their hard earn money should not be given as hand-outs. But when Obama receives money from supporters and spends it on hard working Americans to run his campaign, then Obama should be giving it to help out the country as hand-outs. Weird. At this point I believe everyone has basically made up their minds who they are supporting and voting for. I also give thanks to the other article on this ticker: "Greene: If You can't (or can) say anything nice…" It shows that if everyone stopped for a moment and said something nice about the opponent, then they calm down. It does not mean you have to change your vote…just the attitude.

Farah   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.
An extraordinary job well done. Senator Obama is the kind of president I would like to have in the White House.

Absolutely Brilliant.
Obama/Biden 2008

Demorat to the bone   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

TO ALL YOU SOUR REPUBLICANS, STOP PLAYER HATING. OBAMA WILL BE THE PRESIDENT FOR ALL PEOPLE. THERE IS STILL ROOM ABOARD THE OBAMA TRAIN. ALL ABOARD!

SEE HIM ON THE 4TH…….YOU ARE WELCOME TO THE CELEBRATION. NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST HIM WILL PROSPER……….

WHEN GOD BLESSES YOU, NO MAN CAN CURSE YOU.

milo   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

"…YOU WILL CHASE AWAY ALL
THE CAPITAL FROM THIS COUNTRY BY HIS SOCIALIST POLICIES…"

Larry King asked McCain if he really thinks Obama is a socialist.

McCain said NO.

Enough with the "socialist" nonsense, at this point even McCain himself has said it's not true.

reggie   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I do not of one single person who watched the ad who was not already voting for Obama. Thus, it's not really a success. Is it? McCain is moving up in all the polls, while Obama is drifting downward!!!

Adam in NJ   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I'd be very proud to call this man President. To all of you saying he could have spent the money used to make the commercial fixing problems with the nation, it was money donated from his supporters, not taken from taxes.

To all the individuals typing in ALL CAPS ranting and raving about Obama supporters being kool-aid drinkers, stuff it. No one's drinking Kool-Aid, and you just look like the crazy ones typing in caps and spreading your lies and misinformation.

Obama all the way!

Californian4Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

It's now "Joe the No-Show" – he stood up McCain at a rally today. Why is the GOP campaign run so sloppily? Glad I'm voting for someone who has their _ _ _t together.

Gracie   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I thought the 30-Minute Ad was BRILLIANT. It made me even more PROUD to be an American, knowing that we are UNITED in times of crisis. Sen. Obama is right. If ONE falls, we ALL FALL. We need to be our "brother and sisters keepers". Millions of families watched that video and KNEW they are NOT ALONE in these hard times.

THANK YOU SEN. OBAMA, FOR REMINDING US THAT WE ARE "NOT ALONE", WE ARE A PROUD PEOPLE… WE ARE AMERICANS!!!

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

milo f.   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

hey to the person that cant spell that dont like obama maybe you should go back to school then to learn how to spell the word "because" then maybe you can vote for insain mccain love ya!

Yeswecan   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

If he runs the country like he has run his campaign, happy days will be here again! OBAMA 08!

Me   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Obama's shady shadowy past.
The Americans have been scammed.

Barack HUSSEIN Obama: The Manchurian Candidate

Harry A. Haney   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Hey Larry of Boston,
The millions spent by Obama were donated by us families on the brink of financial collapse. Average donation = $68. He spent it wisely.
You say Obama lied? John McCain promised to run an honorable campaign. Did he lie? The old McCain didn’t want Roe overturned. The new McCain completely disagrees with the old McCain. Did he lie? McCain used to oppose Bush’s tax cuts for the very wealthy, but he reversed course in February. Did he lie? McCain took a firm line in opposition to torture, and then caved to White House demands. Did he lie? The list goes on and on. Does he lie? In the words of Caribou Barbie "You Betcha".

John   October 30th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Go Obama, finally we have a man that we can trust!

Mike   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Brandon – Your guy is one of the Keating 5. He has never said a thing about all the bad things he did back then. He has never explained himself or talked about what drove him to accept these gifts. This is exactly the thing John McCain is asking Ted Stevens to step down for. Why didn't he take his own advice back then? If you want to ask some questions… I suggest you start with your candidate. (While you are at it, see what Ms. Palin has to say about the $21,000 spent on her kids – with Tax payer’s dollars.) Obama has shown some true integrity and I feel happy to have cast my vote for him and to have supported his campaign. I am so looking forward to Wednesday’s celebration.

Where's the Beef???   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I'm a Democrat that has wanted to find out more about my candidate- Senator Obama, and I have failed repeatedly in my attempts to find out who he really is. Because the media doesn't show any healthy skepticism toward Obama, I am going to go with the candidate I know about good and bad – Senator McCain. Yes, I'm now a Democrat for McCain because the media won't cover Obama with intellectual honesty. I’d feel doped on Obama and I’m not falling for it.

Ron frm Baltimore   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I watched. I am once again proud to be an American. This after feeling shame at watching the McCain-Palin ads and rallies; and, very sad to say, after seeing the Elizabeth Dole "Godless" attack on her opponent for the Senate seat in North Carolina.

I am white, 59 years old, fairly educated (PhD), English-as-a-second-language, second-generation American. I am voting for Obama-Biden.

susie   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Obama's set had gold colored drapes just like the White House. At least, he has a video so after McCain wins he can check out the video to see what the WH looks like.

Mr. Williams   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

A brillant message presented in a positive and uplifitng manner. This man is going to move the country back into the right direction. So respectfully all the 1 or 2 republicans lol on here please by all means go vote for your guy if you want McPalin and all of his Bushie advisers he has surrounded himself with to continue to carry the country in the wrong direction that his buddy Bush has (who he has suppoted 90% of the time).
But please stop hating the fact is that this is the first time ever that the Democratic presedential nominne for the general election has out fundraised his Republican compeitor, meaning the Repulicans have always outspent the democrats so who's really been buing the vote? Barack and his team are just smarter and raised more money maybe instead of hating and compaling McCain should've surrounded himself with a smarter team of fundraisers instead of the Bushies. But I don't think it would've matterred becuase at the end of the day Barack Obama has a better message and better policies that are a departure from the old politics that have ruined our economy and country and he's conveying it withoout all the negativity that CNN's poll supported regarding who america feels has been running a negative campaign. So stop hating even if you don't like Obama deep down you gotta know that he's runnign a superior presedential campaign and doing it wtih style and integrity! I voted early so I already held my boy down and you should too because we need new Hope and new direction! Obama 08 Change is Coming!

Domingo   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

How refreshing to actually have a candidate (and hopefully president) that actually has a command of the English language, that can inspire wiht words and speech instead of terroizing us wiht mangled English and fear?!.
Inspiring and enlightening! For all of those who say its all hope and words, I say, Isn't this what we've been thirsting for? So what if some of his goals will not be achieved – won't our country be the better for trying?

Bridgette-PA   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

"JOE"- Stop telling untrue stories like your candidates have been doing over the past several months! Your not good at it and neither are they. Get a life and get ready to vote for OBAMA on 11/4. You know your a "secret" OBAMA supporter. COME OUT OF THE CLOSET!

OBAMA/BIDEN-08!

Salim Chowdury   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I saw a Rednecks for Obama sticker in Iowa yesterday. I want to say that the country is united for Obama. This could be a blowout of historical proportions if Dems go out and vote. So do your civic duty and wash away the hate and incompetence of the last 8 years. Let's vote for Barack and Joe and make the US great again. Obama/Biden 08 and 12 and make it a blow out. Do your civic duty.

What a waste   October 30th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Nearly 3 quarters of a Billion dollars to satisfy his ego. If you people have so much money to donate to his campaign, perhaps you should look at helping the people that really need the money in this country. It's OK for Obama to lie about public financing…a messiah can do no wrong.

Chi4Obama and all you others…but keep drinking your Koolaide. You're in for a surprise when he back-steps about all the other things he's promised. Not that I don't think they are good intentions.. but an extra Trillion dollars in spending??? He says he'll pay for it by cutting gov't spending..but other than the Iraq war, neither he nor his champion Bill Burton can tell us what that is.

Say and do anything to get elected. That is what he's done.

Enlightened Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Bert – so the millions upon millions of taxpayer monies that mccain spent and is still spending doesn't bother you but the money WE DONATED to Barack is bad??? You rethuglicans are hypocrites at it's best and you are disgusting and that is why john mccain and sarah paliar are losing because they are clueless, pathological liars just like their base!!!

seant   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

That was a joke…where in the world is he going to get all the money to provide everything he promised. This guy is a snow job

Kyle   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Anyone else see the Colbert report a few days ago with teh actualy Socialist presidential candidate.

He said Obama is the furthese candidate from Socialist and has no idea why McCain keeps implying he is.

Cleveland voter   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

One more thing. By not accepting public funding, he took a chance that he wouldn't be able to get enough donations to fund his campaign. Would the repubs have so much to say if he hadn't pulled in so much money?

Jealousy is never a good look.

Ann   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

YES FOR BARACK OBAMA ! NO FOR JOHN MCCAIN. HE IS AN EVIL RACIST OLD MAN, MIGHT I ADD CREEPY.
THE MORE THEY SLING MUD AT OBAMA THE MORE SUPPORT HE GETS. As a black man he is the underdog, not that white aired one.

Rena   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

What Bert and it wasn't wreckless spending when they spent 150K on Palin and her family just for her to parade around and spew hate. What her kids have to do with this election. Why did they spend bundles of money on them? He used campaign money for campaigning, you do understand that's the whole purpose of him raising the money and that's to campaign and put out ads. Campaign money is not for you to go on a shopping spree.

sam   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

To Rfeefo. Have you been living under a rock for the last 8 years. Millions of people have already lost their jobs under your Bush and McCain. They are the Socialist. You are a total ignorant idiot. Your Bush has taken everything from this country.

carole p   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

'Obama ad a hit'
well I for one watched it because I wanted to see if this arrogant self centered candidate could come off authetic for even one minute out of the 30 I am sure I was ont the only person watching who felt that way

Hey has anyone read the article on Fox about how Obama's family in Chicago lives in POVERTY! His Uncle was evicted for 2000.00$ back rent Ya think maybe Obama could have paid it for him????
His Auntie says she can't talk about him till after the election???
What's that about has she been warned to shut up???

KM   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Obama supporters, have you volunteered to help? Are you on the phones, knocking doors, talking to your friends? We need all the help we can get, including data entry and driving people to the polls.

We will only win if we don't let up for one moment. Don't just sit there watching poll numbers, get out of that chair and lend a hand!

Steve in CA   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Joe (3:15 pm ET): So what if Wendy Button is voting for McShame. General Powell is voting for Obama. I have more respect for Powell than I do Wendy.

fella from Chicago   October 30th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Let's agree to put a cap on campaign spending then back-out. So I'm a liar, but I have money now to buy the presidency. Kool-aid drinkers of America, you'll have what you wanted and waited for next week. I hope you choke on his tax increases because Obama the Kenyan is going to re-establish the welfare system including the welfare "queens" of urban America. Idiots!

Pam   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

I should have taped it last night. Obama is full and hope and sees the good that I see in this nation. Unlike McGrinch who has led the MOST negative and dirty campaign I can remember. McGrinch and Failin' would bring NOTHING but more despair to this already desperate nation. The President sets the MORAL tone for the nation and the best choice for this is BARACK OBAMA!

So all of you Repugs need to shut up, sit down, and do as you are told the next 8 years while WE clean up YOUR mess!

Mary-Dallas, TX   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

I donated money to Obama and I consider the ad money well spent. He has been very sensible with his spending in both public and private life. Some of the very uninformed McCain hatemongers are what scare me. BTW, Wendy Button WAS NOT an Obama speechwriter!

R. Dale Woos   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

CNN should bite the bullet and admit that the Rick Sanchez show is a continuing commercial for Sen. Barack Obama. It is so obvious that Rick is promoting Obama that I want to never watch CNN again.

vote! OBAMA-BIDEN NOV.4th   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

IT WAS WONDERFUL!! VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN

Tony   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

So as the ratings confirm, overall it wasn't that big a deal. Basically a buncha Obama supporters watched it and then pat themselves on the back. Number of votes gained: zero.

kyle Rossco   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

I WAS WATCHING COPS

JUSTIN   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

That might possibly be the biggest mistake Obama could have made. It was cheesy with no substance. I'm telling you folks he will lose this election.

Oakbrook, IL   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

very clever and touchy stories of all types of Americans. God bless America.

pa.joe   October 30th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Ads, speeches and polls don't win elections.
Votes do!!
Nov.4th!
Get out and vote!!

aware   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Words without action may impress but may also greatly disappoint!

Obama's dismal record leads me to believe that he will greatly disappoint!

He has not demonstrated anything that would encourage me to trust his words!

I am a former democrat and Hillary supporter, now an Independent, who voted for McCain/Palin 08!

g canada   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

mccian comedy hour the new three stooges

Ceasar   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I'm very excited and glad that I had an opportunity to early vote for Senator Barack Obama! The 30-minute minute video was AWESOME!!!!! If you miss it, please go to Youtube and check it out!

I don't understand why the McCain camp is continuing to spew negative info on Obama with only a few days left before Election Day! He should be addressing his economic plan instead. Nevertheless, anyone should easily discern that Senator Obama is an honest guy who goal is to bring people of all races together. It's so blatant who is the better person. Take a look at the people at McCain rallies and then look at Obama rallies which include Citizens of all walks of life.

Eloquence vs experience   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Eloquence is great for making speeches. So he makes a great speech. But I would rather have someone in the top office of our country who knows what they're doing rather than one who has a great speech writer. Vote for the actions people, not the promises. Words will get us nowhere. We need a doer in office not an empty promise maker.

Kentucky   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

RFEERO:

Can you please tell me what is left for the government to take? They've already taken it all. So before you start dishing out negativity, get your stories and facts straight first. Typical McCain supporter. As far as the Koolaid remark, you may need to watch your mouth because we already have enough to deal with without you shouting out racist idiotic remarks. Take a step back a look in the mirror, then maybe you'll realize you're part of the problem and one of the reasons this nation is so divided. I'm white by the way, but idiots like you piss me off.

Ranchlady - WA State   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I would like to thank the producers, the director, the many writers, the camera crew and all the people involved for putting on such a tear jerking event. I still did not hear specific things that make me feel comfortable with Obama as President. Too much warm air for me.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Obama's ad took John McCain back 2 years and he is still stuck there with a few days left in the campaign talking about campaign funding. John McCain is an old crook who is finally getting what he deserves after deserting his first wife Carol who was badly injured in an auto accident and waited 5 years for his return only to marry younger and richer Cindy. Don't ever forget, there is a just God.

Elle   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

So funny to watch the republicans slam this ad… but if they had the money you know they'd be doing one too! Obama may have "backed out" on public financing, but it just shows his judgment skills. He knew he could raise more dough independently, and he did, so he took the option he thought was best. McCain supporters, you don't care what Obama does and you won't see clearly, you're just full of hate and I feel sorry for you. Wish you would realize all this slander put out by the Reds isn't true – Obama has all of our best interests at heart, which showed in last night's ad.

julie   October 30th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I thought it was brilliant! I'm surprised McCain didn't have a heart attack while watching it. The live rally at the end was the exclamation point!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

pahleeze   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

The only reason there were high ratings was because all of the people who wanted to watch the world series had NO CHOICE but to watch the last few minutes of that blah, blah, blah……. CHASE UTLEY FOR PRESIDENT!

JasontheUPSGuy   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Prediction : Stock Markets around the world will JUMP close to 1000 points when Obama is elected on Nov. 4th.

Mark my words.

Robert   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Obama looks presidential. He acts presidential. He sounds presidential. This country needs a man with a steady hand and who is in control of himself – not an angry old man whose greatest attribute is a quick temper, a foul mouth and the poor judgment to pick a totally unqualified running mate. This country NEEDS Barack Obama!

AirDiva in NC for OBAMA   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I was in line the first week that early voting started here in NC. I cried then because it was so emotional and I'm still crying because it's all about to become a reality!! I volunteer with the campaign, donate money (still donating to this day) and I can't be more proud of MY CHOICE for PRESIDENT!!! The Obamercial was donation dollars well spent !!!!!

Yonatan   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

CNN …….. you should aired Obama's ad…………………….GOOD JOB OBAMB……………..

Ken   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

CNN, the LA Times, MSNBC, and the NY Times are no longer the news networks and publications they once were. Everything about Obama is a "smash' hit. Next….Headline: Obama Blink-A Smash Hit! Get real. Report news…not create news, but wait-you guys are no longer news organizations, just an apparatus of the Obama campaign so it wouldn't matter. The infomercial was pathetic, he can buy another hour or two and still wouldn't change a thing. What Obama doesn't get is that it's not what he'll say over and over that will get to people, but rather his records that he can't buy. He can buy all the air time he wants, but it's his records (or lack of) that he can't buy. I wonder who and from where are you polling, CNN that made you declare the infomercial a "Smash Hit"? You polled workers from CNN….now I gets it. It makes perfect sense. Post this if you dare.

Sue Joordens   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

When I saw Barack Obama speak at the Democratic Convention in 2004 I finally felt there was hope for America – he has done nothing to change my mind since. Hopefully on November 4th Americans will realize they need someone with Obama's intelligence and judgement. The way he surrounds himself with smart people and thinks before he speaks is so refreshing – do you really want another cowboy in the White House?
Go Obama.
Sue from Toronto

Mike   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

On an earlier comment someone was saying that "the tax level for Americans who will receive cuts under his plan seems to have changed from the $250,000 to $200,000″.

If they were paying attention actually what Obama said was that Americans who make $250k or less will not see their tax level increase and that those who make $200k or less will get a tax break. There has not been any change in his tax policy. Pay attention!

Obama/Biden 08

Amazed   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

You can judge a candidate by the way they led their campaign. Those who are still voting for McCain only care about their personal gains and their right wing agenda. Haven't they ruined this country and its reputation enough?

David in Dallas   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Some people's campaign donations went to this ad.

Some people's campaign donations went to buy Palin's wardrobe.

'Nuff said.

Dan   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

It's no wonder Obamalosi has such a following. He keeps promising all these freebies, and the do-nothings in our economy can't line up fast enough. That, along with the Obamedia being totally in the tank for him.

Laurie   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Wendy Button merely switched her registration from Dem to Ind. She was also fired from her two speech writing jobs and is a little more than bitter about it. She has clearly decided to grasp her "Joe the Plumber" spotlight. It's pretty pathetic and very sensationalistic.

FLORIDA for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

We believe our DONATIONS have been put to GREAT use.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08 AND '12

Joe the Schmoe   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Set it and forget it.
McCain is Done

Obama/Biden 08

arc, Lugano CH   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Senator Obama laid out his economic plan without attacking McCain's character and ideas.

Inversely, all McCain seems capable of is appealing to the lowest common denominator of ignorance and fear in people who don't have the education and experience to think globally and progressively.

This year's election season truly revealed the True Face of rural, conservative white America for the entire world to see; as best displayed in the effigy this morning in Kentucky of Senator Obama.

Ken   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Why is it the Dems talk all over the place about the Reps spending $150K on the Palins' clothes in this tough, tough economy, but no one will talk about $3..5 MILLION SPENT ON AN INFOMERCIAL?!!!!

DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT MONEY COULD HAVE HELPED?! HOW MANY PEOPLE COULD HAVE KEPT THEIR HOUSES?!

Must be nice to buy and election and break a promise on public financing.

Proud to be American   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I loved it and it was wonderful…. I called friends and family talking about waiting to vote on the 4th and encourage them (not much arm twisting) to vote early….. change is coming.

max   October 30th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

what's with the lessening of tax bracket from $250k to $200k? I haven't heard this before so what made him change the plan?

Bob in Oklahoma   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

After seeing your piece on the interview with Goldbure, and his SMUG look on his face, I ask myself what will be the next thing the republican's do to discredit this ELECTION?????

Paul   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Obama 08!

hello   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

it was mind boggling and awesome.
a very honest president we can have after Jimmy carter.

Mickie   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Wendy Button is no more credible than Joe the Non-Plumber, who didn't even both to show up for his center ring show. You would think someone would have mentioned that to John McCain before McCain announced him. Gee, I wonder how smoothe the government would run with these same people in charge (LOL)!

Hardworking American for McCain   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

what's so outstanding? Anyone could do what was done last night. Obama is an attorney. Attornies do this all day long. There is nothing special about this wasted 30 minutes of my time. All that was done is waste $5 million of money that could have helped the less fortunate!

Calofornaian_96   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Joe, where are you?” McCain asked, clearly hoping that Joe would make himself known. “Joe, I thought you were here today. All right, well, you’re all Joe the plumber, so all of you stand up.”

The Watcher   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

CNN and ABC did what they were supposed to do. Just playing their roles. It's all part of the show. Dare you to post this…

Larisa, Chicago IL   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

As always, it's brilliant.
I can sign up under every word from Rena in her long message.
Just one addition – hope you hear Bill Clinton yesterday. And as usual he pointed out on 4 most important thinks: basic ideology, new policies, DECISION MAKING AND EXECUTING THESE DECISIONS.
If Barak Obama will run country the way he ran his campaign, there is the hope that country will eventually return to the right path. His ability to gain knowledge, pull together the right people as advisers, and base his final decision on understanding the problem is the most important think. Time and again he shows the incredible intelligence, and our country NEED SMART PRESIDENT NOW!

Jeanne H.   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

The reason why Obama's ad was a success because people are so tired of watching McCain recite over and over the same complaints, attacks, excuses… people want to see and hear something positive and hopeful. I am not offended by Obama's "socialist" speeches at all. In fact, like the majority of americans, I don't make nearly close to $250K a year (and I am a successful professional), so I'd be glad when the wealth gets spread around to me a little!!!! What's wrong with that? Nothing!

MY FRIENDS - REPUBLI-KLANS JOA$$HN McINSANE/PAIN-LIN ARE SPREADING HATE & BIGOTRY IN AMERICA   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

VOTE STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE DEMOCRATIC TICKET.

VOTE EARLY – BARACK THE VOTE.

Darrell Burks   October 30th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

I am happy that over 20 million viewers got to see the Barack Obama that I have come to know over the last 4 years. He is a man of integrity, vision and with a leadership ability that I have not witness in my lifetime. I can not wait until 5 days from now to proudly say – President-Elect Barack Obama as my President.

Vote Barack Obama!!!!

Lisa   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Thank you Obama for using the money that we, the people donated to your campaign to transmit a positive message of Hope for this country's future. Unfortunately, McCain's campaign cannot transmit something that they do not have. Keep up the good work.
Barrack Obama 2008

Ken   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

California Voter: It is quite telling for you and YOUR GOP party that you would equate a frivolous expeniture on personal items with true campaign expenditures that are an investment in our country. Looks like the slack-jawed live in every state. I think Obama spent the money sent to him wisely, including last nights air time. You are welcome, if you wish, to accept the fact that contributions to McCain's campaign were spent spiffing up his trailer-trash side-kick…..but it just goes to show where the real priorities are in the new [R] party of neo-tards.

RICARDO   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

INSPIRING????????????HOW DEPRESSING.A WOMAN WHO CANT AFFORD MILK?BUT HAS CAR,CAN PAY FOR HER FANCY NAILS?? WHAT A JOKE

David Goldman   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

MAN SPENT MY MONEY WELL !!!

OUR MONEY

OUR COUNTRY

OUR PRESIDENT

OUR FUTURE

GOD BLESS HIM & THE ALL AMERICANS.

AM in VA   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

How sad to see the man who worked for a company for more than 20 years and then has only a $350 per month pension after being promised much more. It's happening all over the USA today, companies are doing away with pension plans and going with 401K plans (in time for the market crash). Obama has much more empathy for the working man than John McCain.

bburgin   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

It was wonderful but I think Fox must have changed to Obama because they are killing McCain with the trash they are talking on Obama.

wycliffe, NJ   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

OBAMA SPENT MY MONEY WELL…AND NOW FULLY TRUST HIM IN THE OVAL OFFICE

Brandon from Ohio   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Absolutely — it was very inspirational — pretty much the opposite of everything John McCain has done (or hasn't). This will be my first Democratic vote ever for President. McSame can head back to one of his 7 homes to drive one of his 13 cars in the desert to say hello to all of his illegal alien buddies, while Daily Scandal Palin can head back to her igloo. I hope I never see either of them on national television again.

oh no   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

maybe Joe the singing "plumber" could host like a HSN show and market his own plumbing tools….. and have Palin and Mccain there for there testimonials.

Mike. OH   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid DID NOTHING to stop the financial crisis, Freddie and Fannie caused, while they were in control of Congress for the last two years.

OBAMA = PELOSI and REID…Say NO to MORE OF THE SAME!!!

KM   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Hey RFEERO – Turn off your cap locks and put the bottle of Jack down. You've been drinking too much..again!

Pamela Rainsong   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I voted early. I live in Clearwater Florida. The doors opened at 7:30 AM at the Pinellas County Supervisor's of Elections office, and there was a line. The scanners appeared to be working fine. I think my ballot went through okay.

I pray that it did.

Obama/Biden 2008

Mike   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I loved it! I thought it was incredibly well done and Obama cointinues to give me hope that we can get beyond the ideologically driven idiocy of the last eight years.

YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO GET OFF THEIR BUTTS AND START VOTING!!!! I've read several articles indicating that people under 35 are not partaking in the early voting nearly as much as older voters. WE NEED YOU TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH YOUR VOTE!

GO OBAMA!

Bill - Ann Arbor, MI   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

It was GREAT! Very touching. Almost a tear jerker, definitely compelling & I watched it again online after. :-) I am glad Obama has a plan and a positive message, unlike McCain & crew.
Go Obama!

Michael watching from Canada   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

What irony?

McCain complains that Obama refused to take Public Funding (which I am to understand is taxpayer money).

So McCain takes taxpayer money to support his campaign (Obama does not) and then McCain calls Obama a socialist!!

Woman for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I truly believe that if mccain wins it because they paid somone to cheat!!! Because he does not deserve to become Presidant. Obama has shown me He CAN HANDLE Being comander an chief of our country… Obama won my vote!!!!

Denise OKC   October 30th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

I enjoyed it…..Very well put together. I appreciate listening to the stories of other Americans and their issues. Made me realize that I am truly blessed to not have been hit as hard by the economy crisis. Thank God and I pray for my fellow Americans. We will work through this together!
Obama/Biden 08 **For sure**

SB for BO   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Love it! If there are undecideds still out there something is wrong with them. I haven't seen McNasty lay out a plain and simple plan for Americans yet. Negative talking about terrorists and taxes (yes, we all pay them) gives me a yarn. How about telling the ones who will vote for you something they NEED to hear instead of the smear tactics. At least leave the campaign with your integrity in tact.

Songbird: everything you called wasted is just what Americans need at this time–Unity, Progress and Hope…instead of more of the same BUSSSHED policies. And you should be scared of that….

Kate   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Even the anti-obama contributors here have nothing but silliy innuendo (complaining he has bad friends, but can't provide anything substantial as to how those relationships cause a problem) or appeear to suffer from the Stockholm syndrome. McCain supporters who are not currently millionaires please tell me: What have the republicans done for you lately? Or done for you at all?

John   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

If Palin can buy a $2,500 a day of expensive clothes with money from Republican donors, then Obama surely can use the money his donors gave him to get elected. Who do you want running for President, someone who uses money to get elected to go shopping during an economic crisis or someone who uses money donors have contributed to bring his message home to voters?
I can't imagine voting someone into office who will use our hard earned tax money to go shopping at expensive stores. Is that what McCain means about tax breaks for the rich? If that's all the rich are spending their money on, then they should think about their country first and pay taxes like everyone else.Obama/Biden '08 Country First!

No McCain   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

This is good news…very pleased to hear this…

OBAMA /BIDEN 08

Matt, CO   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

I <3 Obama

A Unified Nation - Reaching out Beyond Ideology   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

The smartest, best run, most strategic campaign in the primaries and now in the general election. Just watch the get out the vote campaign: shock and awe.

GOP has no real answers and no true party leader. They are fragmented and torn between ideologies that are all failed or failing.

I hope my Dems don't sc%@#w up this opportunity to create a political cultural change that truly embraces citizen leadership and participation.

Clare   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

The infomercial was great – thoughtful and sincere.
McCain is starting to sound like a bitter old man (full of hate and resentment), and Palin is just getting ready for 2012……. she's already done with this election.

vw   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

This behavior came as Saddam.

bburgin   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

It was wonderful but I think Fox must have changed to Obama because they are killing McCain with the trash on Obama.

GA Independent   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Excellent… The perfect touch, the change we need.

Susan   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Yes,
I liked it.

It much better than McCain's camp's idea of negative campaigning.

Now Palin Diva is saying that Obama is palling with another radical. Did she look into McCain's closet?

A Wannabee   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Didn't watch it. I watched McCain on Larry King. It was the best!

OBAMA should spread HIS money on the poor people and stop buying up ADS…

Gail   October 30th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Cathy Forster – Naples,Florida October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Not here in Naples. Actually, not a lot of people watched here in Florida.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
who are you trying to kidd Cathy. Everybody in Florida watched it because Obama was IN Florida yesterday. He had a huge rally with Bill Clinton later that evening.

Maybe you just don't know very many people.

Arsha, QC, Canada   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I watched the ad; I had tears running down my face. How sad that his Mom is not around to witness history being made. Obama is a brilliant person and I hope that he will be elected the next President of the United States. McCain knows deep down inside that this race is over but he will take it to the finish line; very comendable if only he could keep it honest. Enough of the attacks. McCain is in no position to tell Larry Kind that this election will not be decided based on "race". McCain/Palin are the biggest racists I have ever seen or heard from.

Please win Obama.

Patricia   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

The arrogance of this guy knows no bounds. I am so sick of seeing his face plastered all over every network that we are all in danger of Obama-overdose. Does he has any idea that some of the public is turned off by this display of self-serving smugness and continuing to say the same old talking points without ever adding some truthfulness about just what he intends to do about taking from the most productive and handing out a welfare check to the dead beats in this country?

hangin from bakersfield   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

just saw newsroom's rick sanchez pose a simple question to a blushing and bumbling michael goldfarb, a CHIEF mccain spokesman: who is barack obama's 'anti-semitic' buddy 'other' than khalidi? well, to goldfarb, the question may as well have been if rick had snapped goldfarb's bra strap. the mccain camp's spending at saks is much more defensible than feeding goldfarb. then again, he is a solid synecdoche for the lot of them.

Becky   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

And McCain on Larry King Live said that Obama is NOT a Socialist. Maybe McCain should clue in Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin giving all Alaskans $2000 kinda sounds like "spreading the wealth around" to me…

Real Talk   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

To everyone criticizing the cost of this as. I donate my hard earned money to Senator Obama's campaign, and think that I just saw proof that it was a way better investment than my 401k. I hope people took a chance to actually listen to the plans he laid out, and how they will help our country rise from the republican ashes.

GOP Pay As You Go Society   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

The smartest, best run, most strategic campaign in the primaries and now in the general election. Just watch the get out the vote campaign: shock and awe.

GOP has no real answers and no true party leader. They are fragmented and torn between ideologies that are all failed or failing.

I hope my Dems don't sc%@#w up this opportunity to create a political cultural change that truly embraces citizen leadership and participation.

CAL   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Robert the man comments.

Well first of all the man part of this name is questionable. LOL how in the heck can you relate failure to any part of Obama's campaign. mcsane and that big mouth barraccuda are the failures here. mccain has made the republicians a laughing stock of this country. Obama and Biden and the american people are the true winners here, thanks Obama and Biden, I know better days are coming!!!

Obama/ Biden

demwit   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Lat night Obama promised us Bill Gate's style education for all Americans. How soon before it comes to my failing school district??

Hana abebe   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Joe the Plumber hahahaha McCain toast

keekers   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

The $$ we sent the Obama campaign was well spent!!!
Lets get a decent human being back in the WH.

C A   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Robert The Man October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET
Of course he had high ratings, everyone wants to see what a failure really looks like. Come the 4th everyone will know.

On the countrary Robert. Everyone wanted to see what their next President had to say. I know it, you know it, but you can't admit it. To bad. Maybe in time you can get over it.

Enlightened Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Compare mccain/palin's negativity, lies, smears, attacks, divisiveness to Obama's positive message and there really is no choice for us voters. Cnn lost out on this one!

Brandon   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

When Obama looses, please don't riot in the streets, but rather at all network news places. It will be because ALL of them have given you a false sense of hope that Obama would win this election.

THE SLEEPING GIANT HAS YET TO VOTE. WE ARE GOING TO STOP THIS MEDIA PROTECTED, RADICAL IDEOLOGUE!!

henriettap   October 30th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

This ad was a portrait of the man that will rule the country with dignity and calm a person that really does care about the average American dream.Not one that gets rattled and confused when theres turmoil,a person that flies into Washington to say nothing a person that said the fundamentals of the economy were strong ,who did not know how many houses he owns now his camp is pulling not from the last straw but have now gone on to get Joe the plumber the plunger to see what might be left in the sewer since they are stopped up and can't seem to say anything that makes any sense on the economy.

Cindyloo   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

GO OBAMA BIDEN '08!!!

bg   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I am mystified by all of this talk about Obama lying as to the acceptance of public campaign funding… I think if you walked up and down the streets of New York, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix… etc. and asked whether or not the "Joe/Jane the Plumber" tax payer wants to see candidates utilize public funds for their campaigns…. the resounding answer will be NO NO NO… our tax money is squandered enough as it is.

I say HOORAY to Obama for funding his campaign the right way… by inspiring people to throw $$upport his way of their own volition.

Brian   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Brilliant ad.

paula   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

joe, who cares about wendy button?

read the article on her and she sounds to me like a disgruntled wanna-be who only took to mccain because she felt she wasn't getting anywhere in the democrat campaigns. and she wasn't even a lead obama speechwriter (bet there are more and ones who played more central roles) like you make her out to be, merely an insignificant one who had a personal axe to grind. someone certainly i wouldn't even find remotely worth valuing my opinion against. nor should yours be for that matter, especially after major endorsements elsewhere and so many more GOP/republicans voting for obama.

ANGIE   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

What A great True American Story Barack you make me proud and thanks for taking My Donations and using them in a positive way !!

Youtubby   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

To all the folk asking why the money wasnt spent to help the poor in our soceity, I thought you repubs called that socialism. A ccording to you, poor people in the soceity should not get anything handed to them, they dont need a break cos they are lazy, rich people giving to poor folk is socialism blah blah. So why flip the script now and advocate for poor people? You hypocrites !!

2 yrs and its a Republican Congress again.   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I watch it as long as I could stay awake, same sad stories same pontifications really Boring sorry. when will this campain be OVER.

2012 ;-)

offwallst   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SAYS WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

B   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Very refreshing to see a campaign ad talking about hope for the future instead of hate and fear from the past. John McCain let himself and his nation down with deceptive attacks and rampant half-truths. Maybe the next Republican candidates will show more respect to their voters…

Once upon a horse   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

wow you just have to shake your head over all the negativity being posted here by the far right and McCain/Palin folks. Perhaps if these people had any kind of heart and would stop throwing mud and trying to force a fake lying plumber down the Areican peoples' throats they could see what we really need in this country. I recall President Bush's father running on a platform of having a "kinder, more gentle America"…where the heck did that Republican party go to?

Suzan   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

My money should not go to Fox News…
Obama should have used CNN instead…
Fox is so biased I stopped watching it longtime ago

James, Ho. TX   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Bravo, Bravo, Bravo !
Can You Imagine how much Better, Obama could be with Experience ?

White Middle Aged PA Woman for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Amusing how people can say he should have spent HIS money (actually money from his donors) differently when the current President has spent all of OUR money funding a war in Iraq that most people of this country want ended. Billions of dollars that could have gone into our own country and made a difference in housing, education health care. THAT, my friends, is the real injustice here, NOT Barack Obama spending 3.5 million on an ad that by the way, was very Presidential. I contributed many times – what I could afford any given pay week – $10.00, $20.00, one time it was only $5.00 and I couldn't be any happier with how he and his campaign has chosen to spend it.

Let's fight the fight that needs fighting at this point – taking this country back from those who put us in this position.

Dan, TX   October 30th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I think Perot's ads were better for explaining policy positions. I voted for Perot.

But Obama's ad was reasonably good. I'm voting for Obama.

MM   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Well, thanks to your comment section, I know that at least 110 people watched the speech. Although I don't personally know of anyone that watched it!!!!

Nicole   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Brandon, what do you mean we don't know anything about Obama? His life has been probed more than McCain's or Palin's life. All we know about Palin is that she was a beauty queen, she likes to hunt and after she became governer of Alaska, the state was in $19millions in debt. What else do we know about Palin? Obama has been scrutinized and ran through like a fine tooth comb. Anything you don't know about him is because you haven't been listening.

aware   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I just read "Rules for Radicals" by Saul Alinsky! It was a good read, provacative, outrageous but funny and Obama has quoted portions of this book in his speeches! You don't have to totally agree with Alinsky to enjoy his books. :)

However, I couldn't help but think that Obama lost much of the heart of Alinsky by spending 20 years with the angry Rev. Wright!

If you organize people to get power for yourself and not to empower people you become a demagogue! Obama seems to have moved into Obama-power as a means to his own ends. :(

Camilo   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

This is so great! I'm so excited to finally get a smart president again. My son is nine years old and all he knows is a stupid, petty and incompetent president. I can't wait to show him what a real president should be like. Go intelligence!

shell   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

I am also glad I have sent money to the Obama campaign. There's no denying a good thing when you see it.

OBAMA 08!!

Alissa in Kansas   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

It was a beautiful presentation. I was moved to tears by it.

Zman   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Only very smart people vote OBAMA, only very naives, dumbs and stupids people vote mccainpalin

therealist   October 30th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Dishonest dough from a broken promise being used to make more promises than can not be kept.

Success??

Baby Love   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I couldn't be prouder of Barack Obama.

He is truly an inspirational and intelligent leader.

Just what we need.

Don;t forget to VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!

Annette   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I think some of us forget that both Obama and McCain are interviewing for the highest job in the land, we are the interviewers, we need to hear clear concise messages from these candidates. It's not about liberal, conservative or democrat or republican. It's about who is ready to lead and unite this great nation. Obama ad was a brilliant move and clearly demonstrates his ability to understand what the American people are most concern with, not color, religion, or cultural differences.

Bill   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

C'mon people, let us know. It's an anonymous blog.

Did you donate using a pre-paid credit card?

Reason   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

starting 5 months ago I contributed $25 each month and I am so proud of Senator Obama for using the 30 minute Ad not trashing his opponent rather what he is going to do if we elect him.

so thank you again senator obama.

Independent for USA only   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

The leadership is based on VISION and IDEAS, instead of smear tricks. GOP should ask themselves why they supported President Reagan? Obama has the quality to become a leader of this great country.

Kristen Szatny   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

I watched this, my family watched it, & my friends watched it. It was a brilliant last minute attempt to reach out to undecided voters and to let the American people know where Barack Obama stands on the issues. Hopefully he will have changed the minds of some conservatives, or won the vote of a few independents.

Julie   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Yes, Obama will be our next President! Who could not vote for him after that 30 minutes. God Bless America! God Bless the World!

LaJuan   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

JOE,

In reference to your comment about Obama's speechwriter, Wendy Button voting for McCain, she has every right to do so, that's what makes America so great! Freedom of choice

Glad to know at least one more other person voting for McCain, nevertheless I want "THAT ONE""

OBAMA/BIDEN

Martha Hussein Baker for Barack   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

It was excellent. My husband and I both choked up when he talked about his mother dying – we had a similar circumstance with my MIL.

Get to the polls people!

BARACK THE VOTE!

GOBAMA!

YES WE CAN!

TerryDo   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

The infomercial was a boring long, look at me, egotistical ramblings of a want a be.

Obama will never ever be president, not even in 2012 when he claims he will run again if he, or should I say when he loses.

By the time 2012 rolls around everything there is to know about Obama will be exposed like an open sore on the underbelly of the corrupt DNC, the RBC, Pelosi, Reed et.al.

700 million on self promotions, oh how Obama could have helped all those poor black people from New Orleans effect by Katrina, now that would have been impressive.

John. Austin, TX   October 30th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

i was number 3,937,219 out of 26,000,000

curtis   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Joe didnt show!!!
Sarah is Walin that the new ethics charge is "partisan politics". Its ok for her to lob charges on a daily basis but when the finger points to her its just not fair. Boo Hoo. She charged the state of Alaska for per diem work at home days and travel charges for her daughters to attend events that they were not invited to. Poor poor mistreated Repugnantans. What goes around comes around.

The ad was awesome. Barack won't stoop to the Repugnantans but I will!

Smiley from Conyers, GA   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Larry of Boston – why is it elitist to spend money to get elected? How many "broke" campaigns have won the presidency or any election? You people need to get over yourselves with this elitist nonsense. Obama supporters have given not just their votes but their financial support as well.

I do not want an average "Joe six-pack American" running my country or even fixing my car. I'll take the elitist with the great education over the guy next door any day of the week and twice on Sunday!

AK   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Very well done ad, I had chills at the very end when he talked about involving the American people in its own democracy again.
Well done Barack, glad my monies were well spent. I just sent you another contribution to use as you like, God bless you and God bless the USA.

Vote OBAMA/BIDEN for the CHANGE WE NEED!

Pam   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

My two friends, my daughter, and I gave generous contributions to Obama's campaign. I wouldn't vote for McCain/Palin if they were the only one's running.

After election day, I'll be singing that old song… Back to Alaska.

R Brown   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

It's about the people. You are doing what you said. Wow! What an awesome Ad. You deserve to be President!

Canadian   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I watched it on youTube….loved it, cried and truly got inspired. How a man can turn a pain in his heart to make a mission of his life to change the world …. make it more fair. BTW , I am Canadian

Debbie in Missouri   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Obama is a positive problem solver who wants to help Americans.

McCain is a negative person who spreads lies. McCain needs to learn to talk about solutions and not lie about others.

McCain – You Reap What You Sow.

Dick in Callifornia   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

A President who is actually intelligent, welcomes varying points of view and makes good decisions. What a novel concept! Bush, McCain, Palin together don't come close to the intellectual level of our next President. The only ones bemoaning the loss by McCain/Palin are the comedians who will be sorely lacking for material once we elect Barack Obama.

Anonymous   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Great job!!!!! I can't wait till this is all over and Obama is the one and only one to run this wonderful country of ours.

Ms Faithful   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

It was brilliant!!! Senator Obama has ran a very professional campaign and It Shows!!! What I like about his rallies it shows what American look like. McCain rallies like he preaching to one choir and we want a President to for everyone not for some.

Shame Shame I Know your name GOP   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

You said it Rena!!!!! McCain is mad that Obama actually thought about his actions before he acted, and that is what is so brilliant about Sen. Obama. He is a politician who thinks things through, if he had taken public financing he would have played right into the hands of the GOP.

I also agree with the fact that the GOP, and many others have not considered that the Obamas were born with very little, and they worked hard for everything they have.

raj   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Well done Barack!! If you run the country like you ran your campaign, we will be fine.

Obama-Junkie, IL   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I saw the ad and helped paid for it. Very good ad! How can you tell? Because the political pundits mocked at some parts of it if not all of it while the millions of viewers enjoyed it.

This is a similiar reaction to the final presidential debate. The political pundits were all touting how much stronger McCain did in the debate but according to insta-polling and undecided focus groups that watched the debate Obama won the debate by over 15pts.

Madmoe   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Wendy Button is not a Obama's speech writer….. quit spreading lies

mary, older white lady from NJ for Pres. Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

God Bless His Mother And Grand Parents For Keeping Him On The Right Path!!!

That Fella John Who's It's Face Could Learn a Thing or Twenty From This Breath Of Fresh Air!!!

If He Stood With Us In The Rain And Snow In Pennsylvania For a Half an Hour, Could You Imagine What He Plans To Do For Our Futures!!!!!!

Can't believe it   October 30th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I can't believe the polls are still so tight. How can anyone in their right mind still want to elect McCain and Palin. WOW!

Sharon Kitchen   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

The Add and the Canidate were GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yen   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I am praying for the elections to be over. It is so boring to listen to Palin. She doesn't have any message. All she says is negative staff about their opponent.

Lori   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I am proud of Obama for using his money to make sure that he gets elected. I will be so afraid if McCain and Palin are in power.

On Rick Sanchez's twitter show today there was a McCain spokesperson who was trying to say that Obama hangs around anti-semitic people and HE COULD NOT NAME ONE PERSON!!! It was pathetic. Rick kept on pressing him and he had this deer in the headlights look. That is how pathetic McCain's campaign is. If you cannot come out with hardcore evidence then stop throwing nonsense out there hoping it will stick. No logical person believes that Obama is a terrorist that will overthrow the American government and arm the Middle East with nuclear bombs to annihilate Israel (it sounds just as ridicuolous as the Republicans insinuations). STOP THIS NONSENCE MCCAIN AND PALIN. Tell me and the American people where you stand on issues that affect me and my family. Not this foolishness. IT IS DISGUSTING, SENSELESS AND WILL NOT WORK THIS YEAR!!!

Fighting to elect Obama Since he must be politically correct!   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I betcha McRogue and co aren't feelin all McMaveicky right now.

Thomas   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

While McCain & Palin sling mud and spew their bombast, Obama articulates a clear and believable agenda to turn our country around.

CAL   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

It was AWESOME!!! Obama is such a special man and I, like so many others see this gift he has been given. He will make a great president.

Obama/Biden

dave harlow   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I watched Baseball, good second half to the game…..My daughter wanted to watch the fairy tail of "Obama and the lost country" but i told her the ending and she said lets watch baseball.

Michael watching from Canada   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

To Rena: I completely agree with you. Its nice to see that some Americans see the reality of the campaigns as we do outside the US.

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Sid, you can watch it on Huffington Post.

Kiah G.   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Dear Joe,

Who talks about speech writer voting for McCain…SO WHAT! There are many more important Repubs voting for Obama then some silly speech writer who no one knows!

Chryssa   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

That's right! Americans want real answers presented in a straight-forward, positive manner. No silly names, no accusations, just answers. And that's what Obama's giving us.

Obama/Biden '08/'12

Becky   October 30th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

For anyone saying that this ad was a "waste of money", I could say the same thing about the IRAQ WAR. I donated to Barack Obama and I think the money was well spent. Barack Obama would do great things for Americans as President.

McCain once said that he wanted to focus more on Iraq, and that Americans could deal with their problems in the meantime. Someone needs to get their priorities straight.

RealityKing   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

30% less than the debates is a success??

JL   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

I thought it showed a man with exactly the qualities most americans say they want in a leader. Too bad some people won't bother listening before robotically spewing whatever hate and fear message McCain is using on a given day. I think anyone with a half-way open mind would be impressed.

SD   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

I too liked the Sen. Obama Infomercial. The tone was executive and informative. Touched on various subjects with real life people as a back drop. And especially liked how not one time did he mention John McCain. Now when is the last time McCain say anything to anybody with out mentioning Sen. Obama? Like Never. I like people who can focus and state their case without talking about another person. This is the man we need representing us nationally and internationally.

It was refreshing not to hear one of the candidates screaming something violent. For ex: Fight, Fight for me, or the words terrorist, liar, ect… When I listen to McInsane or Palin, I always feel like I'm back in the Army and need to be checking for my M16 and Gas Mask!!

OBAMA 2008!!

lopez in Gregory, TX   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Anyone still undecided? Remember Palin will be your president if something happens to McCain. Still undecided?

Super D   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Ducking hard questions, that's the Obama way.

the add was disgusting, he was acting like Chairman Mao from China, that's where he wants to take America…..

Gina in Racine Wi   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

To all the Haters out there:

Stop hating!!!

This man is focused, has a clear understanding of the problems America has and will face…..the determination and intelligence to fix them…..and is able to reach across Party lines to UNITE us.

That is why he will be the next President of the United States of
America!

His Infomercial was great……and as a contributor to his Campaign….I am very happy about how my money is being spent.

What Happened To You Guys?   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

It is pathetic, the way some Veterans slander McCain, stay on topic, give your point of view and move on, why insult him?

I will think twice before dropping any $$ in your coffee cup while you sleep under the bridges and by the subways.

Elect Obama, and he will even take your cardboard box away!

Have some respect!

Pancho   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

If one pauses to think a moment, it is highly unlikely that Obama – a relatively unknown junior Senator – could come from nowhere in two years, defeat Sen. Clinton and five other well known Democrats, and now be poised to deliver a crushing defeat to the Conservatives. Sen. McCain has run for president before. He knows how it is done and he has experienced advisors around him.

For Obama to have dones this, someone in the Obama organization is very very clever. I don't know if Obama is the brains behind this impressive success or not, but I hope so.

It is clear that Sen. McCain, for all his strengths, is outmatched. He is reduced to a spluttering elderly gentleman. Obama has been cool and unexcited throughout the entire campaign – at least in public.

I hope this is an omen of things to come.

Scarfo   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

America can see the dramatic contrasts of messages between the two Presidential candidates! Obama's 30 minute ad was positive! It reflected on how many Americans are struggling now, and Obama lays out his ACTUAL PLAN to fix these problems. John McCain is strickly negitive/attack attack,smear,mock, and he don't even reveal HIS PLAN to help with America's problems. Anybody can notice this! That's why my choice is made, MY VOTE goes to Barack Obama!

achoka   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Good strategy. All along Mcsame has been underrating Obama ignoring every point of reason. Now he is trying to bring unnecessary issue hoping that such will capture people's attention.

Obama go go go and go. You are a person of the people.

susan   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

If anyone who saw this ad was not sure before, I can't imagine them needing more. It was thoughtful, moving, and sincere. It was what America, should be and could be, under an Obama administration. It's time for us to stand together and take our country back!

judy - san leandro, ca   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

CNN & ABC missed out on this infocommerical which was actually very good and that's why MSNBC is #1 in the nelson ratings.

Obama for President

RFEERO   October 30th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

OBAMA KOOLAID DRINKERS UNITE YOU WILL CHASE AWAY ALL
THE CAPITAL FROM THIS COUNTRY BY HIS SOCIALIST POLICIES
AND WE WILL BE BROKE. BUT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SIT AND
WATCH HIS VIDEO BECAUSE YOU WONT HAVE A JOB . AND SAY
HOW WONDERFUL HE IS. JUST REMEMBER A GOVERNMENT
BIG ENOUGH TO PROMISE YOU EVERYTHING IS BIG ENOUGH
TO TAKE EVERYTHING TOO……………..
.

Shane in RI   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

GOOOOOOOOBAMA 08/12. What a really good show!

Pua, HI   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

We need this brilliant man as our next President!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08… can't wait!

the TRUTH will set you FREE   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

A MAJOR waste of TV time. HE is a LIAR and a MORON, and so are YOU if you vote for him. The economy is like it is today because of the DEMOCRATIC party, so pull off the blinders that you people in the (ME) party have and try to EDUCATE yourselves FOR A CHANGE….

Chris the Unemployed from CT   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

It was not nearly as boring as I thought it was going to be. I had visions of Ross Perot and flip-charts, but it was interesting and touching. Particularly on the day I lost my job due to "budget cuts".

karen-phoenix   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

God Bless Obama/Biden!!!
AZ republican voting for Obama/Biden
I am sooooo ashamed of the republican party after 40 years voting for them and I am completely disgusted with what they have done as far as lies, lies and more lies. The republicans are now appealing to some very, very low life and I just can't believe this has happened to the Eisenhower/Goldwater republican party! McCain is soooo bad!!!

JACKED-UP-POLITICS, FLORIDA   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I donated to Obama/Biden campaign and the money was well spent. So to all the folks who are complaining about how he spent the money, I am sure that you were not one who donated so what is your problem.Close your lip. Shut it up already.

Cleveland voter   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

McCain is the liar. Obama said he would discuss it with McCain. OK, he didn't discuss it with him. Big pooh to him. However, McComplain had time to change his mind, like he's done on immigration, Bush's tax breaks, abortion, and let's not forget his promise to not have a negative campaign.

So we can stack lies and see who's pile is bigger.

Allan G.   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Sounded more like Billy Mays and his stuff he sells on TV. Sounds kind of good when you watch it, but ultimately it's worthless when you get it. We can't afford the lifetime of easy payments, let alone the horrendous shipping cost we'll find out about later.

John S   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I saw the ads last night also. As a Canadian I thought the ad was so inspiring and let viewers know the exact message he wanted them to know. Obama is an intelligent and caring individual who will do great things for your country. I am enviest of Americans. We, as Canadians also need a leader with a charcter and vision like he has.

Hana abebe   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

John McCain how long are you cant with this nonsenses campaigning . are you shore you are not showcasing.
you need to stop with the negative talks and go to the man issue . that is what the American pepole like to know not the nonsenses. p.s
oh one more this you make the biggest mistake bye peaking that women paln.

john for OBAMA   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Hey Kathy we arent talkin bout the early bird special crowd

Robert The Man   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Of course he had high ratings, everyone wants to see what a failure really looks like. Come the 4th everyone will know.

Obama/Biden 08   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

_____________Yes we can 08_____________

Election party at my house.

GP   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

At least in terms of rhetoric, there is a stark contrast between the candidates.

Obama asks us to follow him to a better future while McCain asks us to not follow the Obama.

Obama tells us government is not the solution, McCain tells us it is.

Obama is an aspiration, McCain is a realization.

White Male Veteran from Minnesota   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Het Bert and those like Bert….take a long walk off a short pier.

DemforMcCain   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Didn't convince me to vote for him….

Fernando   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I am proud to support Barack Obama. I contributed to his campaign because I want him to be the next President. I believe that my hard working money was well spent. I and working hard for a return on my investment….VOTE AND GET OTHERS TO VOTE.

Obama/Biden 2008

LaTeef GeorgiaforObama   October 30th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I watched the ad, Obama look presidential. Money well spent.

BED   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Barack is a joke and a disgrace to America..

TrueIndependent   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Whichever camp you choose, however much you complain about the money Obama raised (as raised by Bush 4 years ago, and which you wished McCain had raised), you cannot argue with the fact that the Obama campaign has created a lot of jobs for people. The T-Shirts, and all were and continue to be made in America, now that is patriotism.

Diane Panama City Fl   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

So, last night Obama pulled off the coup d'etete of political advertising, while today Joe the Plumber was a "No Show" at the McCain campaign event because of "miscommuniation". That should give us a good side-by-side comparison of how each candidate would handle their respective administrations.

More imortantly, I'm glad I helped to pay for Obama's ad. I'm very proud of my investment. It was money well spent. Thank you, Senator Obama.

shan   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

i've got to give it to Barack. he's a smart man. he has good new ideas and apparently surrounds himself with other intelligent individuals. that's what i want in the white house. intelligent, stategic people that think things through.

Obama/Biden '08

JDC   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

What a country of whiners and losers! Spoiled rotten Americans, worried to death about ther 401Ks. Ready to elect a fricking socialist. Shows how uneducated, lacking knowledge of American history.
Our ancestors lost their homes, fortunes, lives, and today's wimpy culture thinks Obama is the answer!

Just a Candid Observer   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Just a small observation to all of you Obama supporters that are complaining that McCain is calling names….maybe you should stop the name calling youself.

Just an observation.

As for Obama spending $7 Million on ads that could have been donated to a worthwile cause, I have to say put your money where your mouth is. Maybe he should take some of the hundreds of millions of dollars given to him from all over the world and use that money to help the less fortunate. Don't hold your breath. He'll make everyone else pay for that.

Sid   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I missed this 30 min video. How and where can I watch this again?
Any pointers?

Thanks.

DB   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

It's also available on the internet, so it still can easilt be viewed by more voters.

Shame Shame I Know your name GOP   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

You are kidding right Bert? The money spent on Palin's clothes could buy a home in forclosure. Stop pointing fingers, it makes you look petty.

IF, Portugal   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

What I find disgusting in McCain is how he keeps repeating lies, hoping, maybe, that people will trust his white hair and apparently benign face.

I heard him say Obama signed a paper promising to accept public financing of his campaign. "He lied to the American people". Obama DIDN'T sign any paper, he didn't even discuss the issue with McCain, though campaign aides met over the issue. These facts have been checked by CNN. All of this smacks of McCain being irritated for running short of money provided by taxpayers while his opponent has money provided by his supporters.

McCain's bad judgemnent… but at least he'll have to pay for it and not the american people and the rest of the world if the McCain/ palin ticket gets elected.

Jason B   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Smart, well put togeather, and great policy summation. Tack on a joint rally with Pres Clinton after in the I-4 corridor: Brilliant!!!

Jason

Team America   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

VETERANS FOR OBAMA- By "Veterans" you me YOU…not plural, You is singular. You don't speak for all veterans, obviously, because you don't speak for me.

What kind of a vet favors a guy who has never served in our nation's military, or who has zero military and national security experience combined??? That's like putting bugs bunny in charge of the actual Disney company. I hate stupid people…

vahe   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

baaaammmmmmmm Obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!! and I'M white too

Gloria   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

I feel as if my donation was well spent

It was a breath of fresh air from all of the negativity lately

I join the 200 former diplomats who endorse Obama. I join Colin Powell a respected individual. I join the countless people who donated what little they can to get Obama's message out over the endless ranting and raving of the conspiracy theorists.

MartinP   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

It's obvious by how the hate bloggers have stepped up their efforts that they're afraid, and that ad rang a bell of doom for them.

They're calling Obama "savior" and "messiah", a baby-killing muslim socialist black radical anti-Israel celebrity eliteist corporate shill. Oh my, the conservative base is becoming desperate and hysterical! If you believe all that crap, I have a bridge in Alaska to sell you!

Brandon   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

ALL YOU PEOPLE SEE IN OBAMA, IS WHAT YOU WANT TO BELIEVE.

HE HAS NO BUSINESS BEING THE PRESIDENT. WAKE UP!! TOO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS GUY AND HIS TIES TO RADICAL IDEALOGUES!!

YOU PEOPLE REMIND ME OF THE FOLLOWERS OF THAT PREACHER WHO MADE THEM DRINK THE KOOL AID AND THEY ALL DIED!!

xddy4u   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Talk about an about face, first the pundits say Obama was wasting money on such Ad. Now that it was a success, the Networks are now wishing Obama had done that sooner, and maybe more Ads could had been done, bottom line, Air Time Revenue. Over 26 million watched, when they said that such an Ad would take away from the World Series. The both complemented each other. Everything Obama touches turns to GOLD.

KAREN - TIRED OF McCain / Palin and JOE WHOMEVER THE HELL HE IS...   October 30th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Brilliant! Obama is the kinda of President I want to run this country. I'm a ordinary citizen who gave my money to Obama's campaign simply because I truly beleive he wants the best for this country and the American people. I realize John McCain was taking money from lobbyists to strike Obama during this last month and Obama need US the American people to step in donate to his campaign. (this is money well spent for me). McCain's jealousy amazes me over the fact that Obama's campaign was paid for by citizens while McCain's campaign was paid for by the Republican party and lobbyists. Even with all their cunning, wicket campaigning, McCain claims he didn't have enough money to have a 30 minute infomercial. If McCain had sold one of his 7 houses he owns, perhaps he would have taken the 8:30pm slot last night.

People, let's make this election count and not repeat the mistakes of 2000. We the American people failed Gore by NOT demanding a total recount in Florida. Remember Gore lost by 537 votes.

Obama/Biden '08

Tom, KS   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Financial Times and now The Economist have both endorsed Obama for the presidency. Why is it none of the Main Stream Media outlets have covered this while allowing McShame and Failin to keep up their attack about Barack being a socialist. Clearly the top economic magazines in this country understand that that is simply not true and that Obama has the right plan to lead us into a more prosperous future. Please CNN start doing your job and call out McCain when he is clearly lying.

tim in carroll ia   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Question:
How many people watched John McCain on Larry King? Apparently not many since CNN is posting the interview on the "ticker".

If you missed it (and most of you did), McCain trotted out the worn out "Obama lied" about taking public financing song and dance. Truth is, John, you don't need to sit up nights waiting for Obama to call about this. Truth is, John, Obama's people met with your people and they couldn't strike a deal.

Maybe your people forgot to tell you that Obama's people called. Just like they forgot to tell you "Joe the plunger" didn't show up for your little event yesterday. Just like they forgot to tell you not to pick Palin for a running mate. Oh, Wait – they DID tell you not to pick Palin, didn't they. Maybe, YOU forgot.

Over 3 million regular Joes have donated to Obama's campaign because this country needs to change from what you and Bush have created (or destroyed) over the last 8 years.

But there are two things you can learn from this election:
1. Even the high roller folks that you gave tax breaks to, won't part with their money to bail out an inept loser, even though you greased their palms.
2. The biggest lie told in this campaign season was when YOU said, "I'll run an honorable campaign."

Kelcie   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

I am glad it was a hit and thought it was a wonderful ad. Obama's team effectively depicted REAL people going through REAL struggles, very similar to what many of us Americans face.

Its definitely a contrast from McCain's fake plumbers, bakers, and dairymen, etc…….

Obama/Biden '08!

Hey Folks   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Listen please: We are voting for a President not the next American Idol. Choose wisely.

LIP   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

If it was a ratings success, then why did he lose percentages right after the show was over?
Perhaps people saw through the thin veneer.

Commonwealth of Virginia   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Not once in the ad did he mention John McCain. McCain can learn a thing or two from Sen. Obama.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Lost in Texas FOREVER   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

And CNN chose NOT to show it. How sad. I saw it on another network really wishing I could have watched it live on CNN. And one thing I noticed was during the whole program Sen Obama did NOT say anything negative about Sen McCain or Gov Palin. You think if it were th other way around they could have done such a thing without negativity? I doubt it..in fact they probably would have let "Joe the Plumber" introduce the whole thing.

Jason - NY   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

It was a great video, and I loved the way it tied into him speaking live at that rally.

CB2   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Joe and Etc….who cares about Wendy Button. She is mute at this point. Furthermore, she didn't even say anything damaging about Barack Obama. Nice try, but it won't work. Besides do you really think that she wouldn't have bad things to say about "the most negative campaign" John McCain's camp. Really??

His own campaign is saying that she's a diva and whack job.

Rhoda   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

I said it from the start that Barack Obama was one of the most intelligent men ever to run for President. Now you McCain/Palin lovers can hate him all you want, but you cannot say the man is not what we need. Oops, I think you all know that now. I have to say I was so pleased and inspired no Joe the Plummer and all that other crap the Rebublicans seem to muster up!!! Stop the hating and learn to say PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!! VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN!!! Its high time something good happens to this country.

Wendy   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

I contributed for the first time this year, to a political campaign,. I'm proud to have my money used for that spot. A much better investment than the people who have contributed to the GOP mudfest this year.

Rose   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Wait until he get ahold of the national budget. How many times a week will we need to see his ego on tv then. Yep, when will enough be enough how about when a candidate GIVES UP TO CHARITY THE SAME ABOUT AS WHAT THEY SPEND. This was a total waste of money and truly showing that the US is a country of excess and this man will continue the same.

Washington Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

I'm glad that my donations helped in the making of this Video.

I can't wait for Guy Fawkes Day and McShame has conceded.

President Elect Barack Obama!

Signed,
Real Americans for Obama.

D   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

All Obama/Biden supporters…..stay focused! No early celebrations…lets see this one all the way through! I don't want just a victory, I want a LAND SLIDE, at lease 70% – 30% so VOTE baby VOTE…get everyone you know to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE…!!!

Obama/Biden
O H I O

Tafari   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

"It's unclear exactly how much the Obama campaign spent on the commercial in total, but estimates put the cost at least $3.5 million." Who cares about the cost, look at the great results!

Go Obama!!!

Mayra Tostado   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Obama's infomercial amounted to what a greatly produced and well-written presidential ad should be all about. It excluded mentioning of adversaries and demonstrated true commitment to the lives of Americans. It gave me chills and at the end, made me cry. Barack Obama is the first President in my lifetime that I would feel proud about and continue to fight for. His ad was a masterpiece! VOTE OBAMA IN 5 DAYS!!

22-yr-old

CNN, u really missed out. Too bad you didn't air it!

Pete   October 30th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

from Realtalk "That was by far the greatest political ad I have ever seen in the future of the United States. I can't wait to tell my children about the speech Barack gave when he excepted the Democratic nomination.
We are watching the history of one of the greatest presidents of The United States of America as it is being made.

One Love, One Choice, One Vote. Obama/Biden 08″

First, great to see that you can see in the "future of the United States". Second, too bad Obama didn't "excepted" the Democratic nomination, we'd all be better off. Too bad he did "accept" the nomination. Third, I think you mean One Love, One Choice, Many votes. Obama/Biden 08. If you truely meant one vote, you'd be voting for McCain.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

A most strategic move for the Obama campaign……….and for the comment by JOE……….Wendy Button can vote for McCain……but her livelyhood belongs to Obama……..

Dan, IL   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Bye, bye, Barack. Enjoy your 30 minutes of fame. Tuesday is coming.

obie   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Susan,

In response to your comment; 7million dollars…spent on TV ads; how about 10 billion dollars every month on Iraq. Remember, Obama has spent this amount over 3months.

Obama/Biden 08

~Change We Need!   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

To David who watched, and is still voting for McCain:

Dude, you are a moron!

Undecided Voter in NC   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I watched a little bit of it, it was like his other commercials.

Audie C   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I thought that was not only brilliant, but one of the best programs I have ever seen this year. The way he reached out to the common people of this beautiful country moved and motivated me.

My vote has already been casted. I am honored to have voted for a man who truly relates to his fellow citizens.

Go Obama!

Emma from Texas   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Oh my God, I loved watching Obama during the 30 minute, wish it was more than 30 minutes. I am very disappointed with CNN for rejecting the offer to air it when asked few weeks ago. I bet CNN regrets now. Thanks to CBS, NBC, MSNBC, BET, the latin channel, even FOX aired it, which I was shocked since Fox is pro-McCain.
Anyways, I have already voted for Obama, but others please go out and vote! I would love to see Obama as our next president!

Lynn in NM   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Wouldn't know. Didn't watch. Don't care!

Dave, MN   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I hope every child, black, white, latino, asian, indian, female is watching this election and deciding to follow in Barack's footsteps.

Living in the USA   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

BARACK, BARACK, BARACK. It's a shame that McCain is running his campaign like a SNL skit.

Karen, Arkansas   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Without the message last night most of us knew who to vote for.

The Democratic Presidential nominee has the support and advice of Warren Buffet, former President Bill Clinton, and General Colin Powell.

The Republican Presidential nominee has the support and advice of Caribou Barbie, about to be former President Dubya, and Joe the Plumber.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING *HOPE IS COMING   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Obama didn't lie…….

HE CHANGED HIS MIND BECAUSE HIS ADVISORS TOLD HIM NOT TO TRUST THE GRIMMY REPUBLICAN MACHINE……..

THANK GOD HE LISTENED

OBAMA 08

cynthia   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Hey Susan,
7 million can't go as far to help our country's problem as 10 billion a month spent in Iraq can go.

Another Democrat.

Canadian   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I watched it on youTube….loved it, cried and truly got inspired. How a man can turn a pin in his heart to make a mission of his life to change the world …. make it more fair. BTW , I am Canadian

sophie in grand junction   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

well done and thank you, Obama Camp. I voted for you five days ago and am still proud of that. …. it was wonderful to not hear McCain/Palin, Joe the stupid plumber and all the other rhetorical babble for thiry minutes.

Tracey   October 30th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Give me a break!!! Why didn't this self richeous, self indulgant narcissist spend the money to help people who really need it? No need to hand it over to the very right television networks. He used his money to further his own agenda (not that of the American people) but for his own gratification. Anyone can read from a telepromopter Senator. You need to "get out" with people and really talk to them – off the cuff and not staged and scripted, I watched about 3 minutes of this self-agrendisement and had to turn it off because of the nausea I was feeling. (OK CNN-put that in your pipe and smoke it. You are the only ones that ever seem to read my posts because you won't let them out of moderation)

sandy   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I sent money to the Dems for this election and thought this was money very well spent. Completely 'OVER THE TOP" wonderful! I wish he would do it again on election eve and really give the repubs something to talk about!

Erik in Real PA   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

And not one negative mention of McCain or Palin. No mention of them at all, actually. Well done.

Ali   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Thank you Barack — you have spent our money well. All those who claim this was excessive misunderstand all of us who support and believe in this man. His message is one to be heard. His call to service and sacrifice is one to be heeded.

Obama '08

And I get to see him tonight in Columbia, MO!!!

Mickie   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

If John McCain would have just concentrated on what he has to offer rather than every single ad being a mud-slinger, maybe people wouldn't be so hungry for some positive input. I watched it and I have to tell you I was very impressed. Granted I am a supporter of Barack Obama but I was blown away with the details of his plans and the absolute lack of negativity. I hope people can put aside their bigotry and vote on the issues. Look at the Record Profits of Exxon and McCain wants to give them more tax breaks, supposedly to stimulate jobs, but those tax breaks haven't stimulated any jobs yet, just bigger CEO profits.

Rob   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I'm glad I helped pay for that ad! It was brilliant and didn't attack anyone!

Barb Dunn   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I'm almost ashamed to say that I was very moved. I've listened to everything both sides throw out there, and have been especially frightened by some of the things said about Obama.

However, I feel in my heart that he is a good man, and would be a great president, and will more than likely vote for him.

welches oregon   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

It was wonderful – Barack Hussein Obama has been all over this country talking to every walk in life.

He "GETS" it.

Vote for Change – Vote Obama.

John   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

go Obama all the way, we watched on NBC, and it was a good show. I'll bet thats why Joe the plummber missed McCain he was watching Obama… LOL…

Steve   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I saw this broadcast. It was very good. Oddly enough, it reminded me of Ronald Reagan's messages. You will remember, Ronald Reagan, who was president before Karl Rove and his bunch showed up, did a fine job of uniting the country and getting the economy moving after the debacle of Jimmy Carter's presidency. Some people complained that he had no substance, he had no experience, and he was "just a movie star", but he was charismatic, very intelligent, learned quickly, was considered a peer by other world leaders, and though he was a nice guy, he was tough as nails underneath. Sound familiar? I voted for him. Twice. I recognize leadership, as many of my fellow countrymen do. I will also be voting for Obama. Hopefully twice (in two elections).

If McCain is elected, his presidency will mirror Nixon's. He will have a vice president he's constantly battling with (Nixon constantly battled with Agnew). He will be an ineffective leader, who uses subversion and yes, illegal tactics to get what he wants accomplished completed. Eventually his VP will be indicted and run out of office, and he will follow. I recognize leadership and ethics. McCain has neither.

GI   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I saw the informercial and I found it to be very moving!!! OBAMA 08!!!!

why don't people think?   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Why are people talking about how the money could have helped americans?

It did, it helped the producers, the directors, the tv networks, all the people involved in the editing and filming of the commercials.

That was a huge chunk of work and a lot of AMERICANS were PAID for it.

mediapro   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Just an FYI, this is not accurate: Overall, according to Nielsen, for the six networks that aired the infomercial simultaneously, it scored a household rating of nearly 22 percent — meaning 22 percent of all households watching television at that hour tuned into the spot.

a 22 rating means 22 percent of the entire population was watching, not just 22 percent of the people tuned in to television.

Pam   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Obama is awesome!

American   October 30th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

So, McCain and his campaign advisors are too stupid to take advantage of
21st Century media to get his message out there, and too stupid to accept
public donations for campaigning (not clothing expenses). Yeah, those are the
people we want in the White House.

Kudos to the Obama camp for forward thinking, planning, and clear direction.
Exactly what this country needs to elevate it back to the status it should enjoy in the world.

This Jew is voting for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Yes we can!!! yes we can.. Go out and vote and read the machines before voting be very carefull.. Let's put Barack in the White House!! well deserved! great campaign great staff overall just great great historical year!

CANADIAN FOR OBAMA   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

I love the american people but hate their Government. A Barrack presidency will brake that cycle for me. He is inspirational and will lead your country and by extent mine to greatness.

Canada for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

McCain will probably respond with a 30 minute joe the plumber haloween special.

Obama/Biden 08′

Indiana Joe   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Today two undecided coworkers said they are now seriously thinking about voting Obama. They really liked last night's infomercial and say that OBAMA WILL BE A GREAT PRESIDENT..! The ad was inspirational! VOTE OBAMA / BIDEN '08..!!!

Shelly, FL   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

I loved the ad, it was great. I taped it and will watch it again. Barack did a fabulous job, as usual. He's hitting it out of the ballpark.

Obama/Biden 08

Noah   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Well obviously, it was on before every show that people watch on Wednesday nights. It does not mean it was the right audience viewing it and that it will make any difference at all.

Not all fooled in Chicago   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

So many uninformed people! This guy has the charisma, no doubt! Unlike Hitler though, he's all mouth.

mike   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Less than a third of people watching any of the debates. obama wants to give away money but his brother lives in a tin shack and his aunt lives in a dump in Boston. Biden gives no money to charity but both of them want to give our money away but will not let go of any of theirs.

Josephine Grison   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

I loved it!!!! He made me cry! Never in my adult life have I been touched by a Presidential Candidate. I know that Barack Obama is the man who can make the USA the powerhouse and the envy of the world we once were. My fellow US Citizen's all over the world please join together and go out and vote and feel good when you make the choice of choosing Barack Obama as your next President and will do us all proud. I am 1000% sure about that.
Regards,
Josephine Grison

travis   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

"October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Should be……….he has spent over 7 MILLION dollars on TV ads.

7 MILLION could go a long way to help our country's problems.

A Democrat"

LOL at Susan. $7M couldn't build a highway bridge.

Me   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

They complained about $150K on Palins clothes?
Look at the millions wasted on this 1/2 hour ad.
WASTE!
Obama the Fruad

Jennifer NY   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

I thought it was terrific.

I Just Said Thanks, but No Thanks to Another 4 years of g.o.p. corruption, arrogance and incompetence   October 30th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Thanks for spending the hundred bucks, I sent you, wisely.

OB08

Always Blue Maryland   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Very well done piece of film. I continue to be amazed at the professionalism of this campaign and am proud that my campaign donations have been used so wisely.

Darlis   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Totally inspiring. The man is so genuine that one would have to be wearing blinders not to see the difference. No mud, just the facts … no tearing down McCain, no Joe the Plumber – it was what politics should be about. I also watched Senator McCain on Larry King and was so struck by the fact that all he talked about again was what was wrong with Obama. I was a bit disappointed that Larry King didn't try to divert him to the issues, but rather let him spew his normal hate. I've never been prouder of a candidate for President nor more excited by the prospect of a decent man in the office. BTW, I'm a 66 year old white female, still working in the legal profession, and I'm offended for women everywhere that McCain did not pick one qualified. He actually did quite a disservice to women, and in particular to Sara Palin.

David   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I watched it, and I'm still voting for McCain….

Leviathan the Winner   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Once again, a black man to save the social and civil structure of America comes, and once again, the beneficiaries of his efforts hate him…

Hasn't America been here before with another guy by the name of King? And his name "sounds pretty American" if you ask me!

Pete   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Geez, Oboma's supporters watched an Obama infomercial. Thanks, I would never have guessed. Put some of those writers on the task of exposing Obama's questionable relationships, that's probably more relevant.

Oh never mind, I know none of your writers have the qualifications to do invesigative journalism, they only can do the tabloid type journalism.

Ed from Dallas   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Let me tell you why Obama will forever change politics in America. Because he has finally involved the voters in the process.
Even thought he does get a majority in the Senate, he will have enough voters on his side to force the senators to work with him. All he has to do is send an email to the voters requesting them to call their Senator and support his Healthcare or Energy or whatever bill.
Don’t forget that politicians go with the voters and not ideology. All they care about is being reelected. The GOP is learning this that hard way. Case in point. Bachmann in MN. Called for media to investigate Congress for ‘Anti-American’ lawmakers. Within 48 hrs, her opponent had received donations over $1 Mil in campaign donations. This is the power voters suddenly realized they have and will wield it against dump politicians.

Jennifer NC   October 30th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I loved it. Stop hating out there. He was only doing what he was suppose to me doing with the money that was donated. Unlike the RNC who gave Sara Palin a 150,000 makeover. I bet they wished they had used that money for more commercials. Just goes to show how not so smart they are not. OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Betty   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I can't wait to wear my new BLUE dress to work on Tuesday! I'd have worn it earlier but we don't have early voting in NY.

Irma   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I don't have a TV but I saw it in the internet, made me feel so proud to have voted for him.

GOD BLESS BARACK OBAMA!!!!

OBAMA IN 2008!   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

The ad was awesome and inspiring and I wanted more than 30 minutes!

independent 2008   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

"enough", It's like they take pride in being ignorant.
Barack Obama.
I'ts gonna be a landslide.

California Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I watched, but saw nothing new . . . except that I noted that the tax level for Americans who will receive cuts under his plan seems to have changed from the $250,000 to $200,000. Perhaps I'm a minority on the CNN blog, but I find after all the hoop la raised by the media about the $150,000 the RNC spent to make Palin media ready, seems pale by comparision to the $600 million Obama has spent on selling his presidency to the American people.

Bill   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

How many of you bought pre-paid credit cards and donated?

Baby Love   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Hey Susan –
The reason Barack Obama had that much money to pay for the infomercial is that people like me donated time and time again to his campaign. It ws paid for by hard working people!

We believe in him and WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK!!

If you have a problem with that then STFU.

Go Obama/Biden

nobama   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Can someone tell me where he listed any accomplishment in this 30 minute sleep fest?
He didn't mention any accomplishement becuase there are not any to list.
Vote for a team with accomplishments on their resumes, McCain/Palin 2008.
Obama needs to go back to the Senate and actually propose legislation. gain some experience, moderate his policiy ideas and try again.

JACKED-UP-POLITICS, FLORIDA   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

For folks who are still saying that they can't wait to cast their votes, please get to the polls for early voting. It should be happening in your area. Why wait until November 4th.

A vote is only a vote when it counts; don't risk getting caught in long lines and machine break downs because you waited to go on the last day!!!!

West Virginia for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Beautiful message! Brilliant. Thank you, Mr. President, for using my campaign donations in such a positive, powerful manner. Obama will run this country just as he ran his campaign. McCain can limp back to the senate and Palin can disappear back into the great White. I never want to hear from her again.

Vote early, take friends and family with you. YES WE CAN!

Obama/Biden 2008
For our children's future.

lopez in Gregory, TX   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Anyone still undecided? If you believe in hope, you will vote Obama. If you don't, you won't.

Nic   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Joe at 3:15–FORMER speechwriter. For Obama, Edwards, and others. Not one bit surprised that you'd leave out info that doesn't suit your point, though.

Aaron   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Good Job, Barack.

You have my vote!

Obama/Biden 2008

Unbelievable!   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

It was a very moving and enlightening 30 minutes. If people watched it with an open mind, then they came away a lot more willing to either vote for Obama or, at the very least, feel comfortable with him winning the election.

Yes, He Can   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I can't wait to vote for Barack either. It feels like Christmas in November. I love the fact that he's intelligent and honest, but most of all I love the fact that he wants what's right for all Americans–that includes people who don't like him very much.

He's an all American leader who will do what he says he's going to do.

Barack/Biden 08

JG   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Briallant stratrgic move. Now we need to make sure we VOTE on NOV 4th. for "THAT ONE"

Make sure your coworkers, friends family and neighbors vote! and all of you YOUNG FIRST time voters, don;t get complacent, GO VOTE and proove the republicans wrong.

ali   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I am not an American but really watching every bit of it. The whole world is intrested who are you gonna vote you guys. It seems your choice this time is very clear. I can't say whom I prefare to be your president. All the best.

Ali from UK

Bert   October 30th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

All that money this man has spent on this campaign. Think of all the the people this money could feed. Could help keep people in their homes. Kind of gives you an idea how he will spend our tax dollars, doesn't it? Wreckless, irresponsible… Heaven help us all.

Terry, Dallas Texas   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Susan,

And the half a trillion dollars Bush has spent fighting his made up war could have helped how many Americans?

Cathy Forster - Naples,Florida   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Explain to me please, why despite all this money spent in TV and commercial running every 20 minutes in all stations, Sen. Obama is ONLY few points ahead of Sen. McCain?

He should have double digits. Maybe the people are getting tired to see his face on TV. I know I am.

SD,Michigan   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I missed it when it aired on Tv, but saw it on youtube in 3 parts. Very well-done and compelling.I was saddened to see this morning some guys on Faux News mocking the stories of those people in the ad. They are real people with real problems, just like all of us!

linda n carolina   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

The ad said it all. Why I voted fro him, why I stood in line for 3 hours with 2 grandkids at a Charlotte rally to see him and why I know he will be a great President!

Stephanie   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Go Obama! I loved it!

indy voter   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY JOHN MCAIN CANNOT GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT HIS WIFE NEXT TO HIM…..

I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS ON A CAMPAIGN TRAIL BEFORE AND IT WORRIES ME….

ESPECIALLY SINCE A COUPLE TIMES WHEN ALONE ON STAGE HE HAS BEEN CONFUSED ABOUT HOW TO GET OFF THE STAGE….

WHY HIS WIFE WITH HIM AT ALL TIMES??? ANYONE HAVE INFO…?

THANKS

From Illinois   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Why does CNN not have anything nice to say about McCain? Look at the ticker headlines.

I guess David Gergen is in charge of the ticker headlines.

deb   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

The ad was great. Obama consistently takes the high road while the other "team" does nothing but divide and lie. McCain/Palin are beyond pathetic. There is NO COMPARISON, period!!!

PA Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Cathy,

How would you know how many people did or did not watch this program in Florida?

Seriously. We're tired of the negativity and lies.

Obama/Biden '08

Real Talk   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

That was by far the greatest political ad I have ever seen in the future of the United States. I can't wait to tell my children about the speech Barack gave when he excepted the Democratic nomination.
We are watching the history of one of the greatest presidents of The United States of America as it is being made.

One Love, One Choice, One Vote. Obama/Biden 08

colleen from canada   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

i have been trying to blog on rick sanchez to comment on mccain's latest attempt to paint obama negatively regarding the jewish community. this is more than the dirtiest type of politics, i thought mccain had reached bottom, but this is even lower than bottom. i hope all americans will call mccain out on this type of dirty politics, by resoundingly voting OBAMA/BIDEN. mccain has lost his soul.

An American   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I watched some of it – pretty boring actually. Obama paid all that money and no one could even talk with him – ask him questions – nothing. That is a sign of his intent to keep himself away from the public and the media if he gets into office. He is not trustworthy and having this "ad" where he is unapproachable proves it.

Voting in Obama will be voting in a leader who will be all controling and untouchable. We do not want that for America.

Rena   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I'm concerned after seeing a person who did all the things that we are taught through life and that’s to get your educated, strive to be your very best, serve your community, to live a descent life and to pursue your dreams; to later be mocked, demeaned, and shamelessly portrayed as a person of hate and terror just to keep you from obtaining the highest seat in America. Not once have I seen anyone in the media refute this tactics by speaking of this man great accomplishments and the success of both he and his wife. These people have fought through hard times and ask nothing of any one. They both have educated themselves, worked their way to the top, and is trying their best to raise two beautiful little girls like every American to be shot down by our on fellow citizens. What puzzles me the most is that if Mr. Obama was a white man with his accomplishments, who brought this much excitement, enthusiasm, and drive to get out and vote; would this race be different? I can probably bet my life on it that it would be absolutely different. He would probably be in the double digits in your so call polls.

Mr. Obama has not only ran one of the most historical campaigns that will never be forgotten, but he has ran the most successful campaign I have ever seen. He also ran it with dignity and pride. Now, you may say, that Mr. Obama ran more negative ads than any candidate in history; but I totally disagree. Why? Mr. Obama may have spent more money on ads, but not more negatives ad than his running mate. Mr. Obama specifying how his policy plans differ from those of Mr. McCain is not being negative; but facts on their policies. Yes, there may misleading facts on both candidates’ part; but I have not seen Mr. Obama attack Mr. McCain character not once. Whereas, Mr. McCain has constantly attacked Mr. Obama character and infused fear tactics doing the whole election process and is getting worst by the day as the election draws near.

Now, Ms. Brown wrote an article stating, "He ran his campaign off of a broken promise". Well, I beg the differ, Mr. Obama said, "that he would consider taking public funding and would discuss it further with Mr. McCain, if he is the nominee". Well, at the end of the day he decided not too except pubic funding and he had that right; and thank God he didn't accept the pubic funding. After, seeing how dirty McCain and the republican party has played in this election process, there is no way Mr. Obama could have fought back with the small amount of money of pubic financing. Just remember even if we are educated and try to live a descent and successful life we as African Americans always have to work twice as hard and prove ourselves over and over to even be considered as a positive figure in America’s society. If Mr. Obama had to endure all of this with his education and experience, what does that tell those who does not even come close to his achievements? That's right in our eyes you are still not good enough! I'm wondering is this the America we want to be known and remembered by other nations.

SaneTexan   October 30th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

RE:Cathy Forster – Naples,Florida
And perhaps you folks in Florida are backwards as usual. I mean you voted (arguably in 2000) for Bush twice. How did that turn out for ya?

Jennifer NC   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

I thought it was AWSOME. Very inspiring. I think people need to stop hating and criticizing bc of how much he spent. That is what the money was for. The money was donated for him to campaign with. Is'nt that what he is using it for. Not spending it on Cloths, hair and makeup like the RNC did for Sara Palin.

Wendy Button says about Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

"I can no longer justify what this party has done and can’t dismiss the treatment of women and working people as just part of the new kind of politics. It’s wrong and someone has to say that. And also say that the Democratic Party’s talking points—that Senator John McCain is just four more years of the same and that he’s President Bush—are now just hooker lines that fit a very effective and perhaps wave-winning political argument…doesn’t mean they’re true. After all, McCain is the only one who’s worked in a bipartisan way on big challenges."

Nicely Said! Nuff Said

Hana abebe   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

wow well done brother from canada
even me i was impressed bye you .
we believe in you well done.
you are the man.

Nancy   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

I thought the infomercial was inspiring – a breath of fresh air, after all the vitriol coming from McCain/Palin. No negativity or name-calling from Obama, just the facts about how he plans to put our country back on the right path. I haven't felt this hopeful about the future of our country for years. Hopefully common sense and intelligence will prevail, and none of the nonsense with "voting problems" will occur as it did in the last two elections. This is one election we can't afford to have the Republicans steal; our country's future depends upon it!

white and black for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Well done white and black man. Well done Barrie. Well done Americans.
God Bless you all and hope everything turn arround to benefit the world. Amen.
Mccbush will not do anything to change anything. no way no how no Mccbush.

Independent in Ohio   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Why does everyone care about how much was spent on thisTV spot ? If you are so worried about helping the economy or people that really need it, make a donation to a homeless shelter or your favorite charity. I donated money to the Obama campaign and I am happy with how they have spent it.

Voted Obama/Biden

Deer Hunter for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Very inspiring and well worth 30 minutes of my time.

Sammy   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

I guess he got his money's worth.

VETERANS FOR OBAMA   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

VETERANS ARE SO PROUD OF BARACK.

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR THE CHANGE WE NEED!

Sue in MI   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Wendy Button is entitled to vote for whomever she chooses, just as the rest of us are. Until Bush declares a national emergency and suspends elections via his executive order, we are free to say and think and elect the candidate who will serve us best.
Hopefully, some undecideds saw Barack as an American, a great father, a caring citizen, and a man determined to place peace in the foreground of all discussions, instead of the impossibility that Bush and McCain envision. Guns and bombs are easy-getting to learn both sides and coming to terms is the hard part. You think Palin is even capable of hearing a side not her own, an American she doesn't consider "pro-America?" She is of the "either with me or against me" model that starts wars, and fires dissenters. have you heard her say one nice thing about a Democrat? One? Barack has been nothing but kind to them, and they shot themselves in the foot with the negative ads. Particularly when they have their own litany of nefarious connections, abuse of power, misuse of public funds, and knowing and giving money (a half million) to the same people Barack socialized with. Palin also admits that her state is "the most socialist of the 50 states." For her to stand up there day after day and accuse Barack of anything when she has her own problems is beyond absurd.

Fred the moderate   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Everybody I know watched the show and loved it. Oh by the way, it changed some minds here in FLORIDA

no fear   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

considering what's been thrown at him, I'm ever so glad he has had the resources (aka money) to spend. wish I could have given more.

W. Gowern   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

As a Vietnam veteran and long time Republican I have now cast my absentee ballot for Obama/Biden…

Scripted   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

BEST ACTOR AWARD:

…and the award goes to Barry Obama…

The Stallion & The Champ vs. The Old Mule and Winky Half-baked Alaska   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

And allegedly John McCain had his "best" interview on Larry King Live.
All I can say is … If that was his best, then we have more to fear than I originally thought if he is elected. His short-sightedness and Palin's ignorance and their combined lack of intellectual curiosity and narrow perspective is frightening. At least this time, he didn't forget who he was talking to or where he was. WHEN will either McCain or Palin tell us what they are going to do other than criticize, belittle and lie repeatedly?

CNN Obama Poll --- yeah right gimme a break   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

The CMM Obama campaign is working overtime again and falsifying another Obama poll — I would estimate that 70% of Americans do not believe what CNN puts out on Obama —

Jackson   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

My friends, MacKain might as well start working on his concession speech. All you cons, better get on a Oboma-Biden Express, The MacKain wagon, is riding on 3 wheels – it'll be a long walk home.

I am just waiting for him to lose it and start yelling, "you hoodlums better get off my lawn" at the next rally.

Adam BIDDUT Habib Dallas, TX   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

His campaign showed tremendous discipline. They know how to win. If these folks run the country, I do see we have hope. Is some of these folks runs GM, FORD, CHRYSLER, I see bright future for our companies.

er78   October 30th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

A near perfect campaign. A brilliant move. Just reflect the level of organization this candidate and his people are bringing to Washington DC. For the greater good of America and the whole world.

Linda parsel   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I found the Obama 30 minute "commercial" to be very good. I was especially glad to hear no sly slandering of his opponent . McCain and Palin have been ugly negative so much. I think viewers are sick of the smear and innuendo

George   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Ask a McCain supporter why he or she is voting for him and see how many can answer without using the name Obama in the first 5-10 words. Repeat the question to an Obama supporter and see how many times you hear the name McCain. One is FOR someone–the other is AGAINST the opponent . Time will tell who wins

I Love This Man And My Country   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I love this man, yes I said it. Not because of his campaign, but because of his heart, his intelligence, and his willingness to give back to this great country.

My love for this country is doubled by the possibility of having a good man in the White House.

Obama/Biden 08

Old Johnny   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

No heh heh, it was an infomercial my freinds, heh Joe the plumber called him a socialist heh heh. I know how to win wars. I will never delay a baseball game with an infomercial my freinds heh heh. Sure Sarah and I disagree on everything. cause were Mavericks , it's fun heh heh, What about acorn huh, I wont re distribute wealth my freinds heh heh. I will buy back all the mortgages and freeze spending thats what I will do. Obama pals around with ayers. Hey. Has anyone sen my little dog? Mr. Puddles? Mr. Puddles?

sandy   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I thought it was absolutely wonderful…..brought tears to my eyes. There are so many Americans that hold out hope that Barack Obama will win this election and restore the American peoples faith in our leaders. It was also great fun to watch the reaction by the republicans! They never cease to amaze me. God bless Barack Obama and God Bless America!

Lauraleigh Devey   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Obama is our man. Tax increase is mandatory in order to pay down the astronomical money owed. It is no different than with our own bills. There is an income source, which needs to increase based on the liabilities.

Wake up America, and vote smart, not loyal.

Jim L.   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I watched your interview between Rick Sanchez and a gentleman who appeared to be a Nazi proselytizer attacking Obama's "relationship" to Jewish Americans. I'm not Jewish, Nazi, Palestinian, Black or particularly liberal, but I think this interview was an atrocity. Freedom of speech DOES NOT include freedom to slander and libel, nor to allow publication of slander and/or libel in public media. Shame on you, CNN. You've tarnished yourselves by allowing this inane, baseless diatribe by an obviously self-serving zealot. Give me a break! Use a modicum of judgment.

George   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

nobody should be up in arms about how much this cost…it was paid for entirely by obama campaign donations… in other words, people gave this money for the sole purpose of getting obama elected. it would be criminal if he did anything other than spend the money on stuff like this

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Hey Kitty,

100% chose not to watch McCain's speech

Artie   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

About time we had a smart president.

The Republicans need to figure out how they are going to function in the future. If it becomes the party of the uneducated and the super Christian, I may never vote Republican again.

- Upset Republican for Obama

Malcolm   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Great use of campaign funds. He laid out his plans. Substance is important.

bruce   October 30th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

My wife was so moved by this that she was crying, and that is something that does not happen often.
She said it was very moving.
I must admidt that it has been a very long time since I found anything political to leave me with a positive feeling.
No mention of McCain/Palin, no negatives, no smears..as Sgt. joe Friday used to say on Dragnet…"just the facts"

nancy   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

GO OBAMA—PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA SOON!!!

Laverne   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

To Susan: You talk about Obama could have done a lot to help people in US with that 7 million dollars. That is money he raised for the campaign and has to be spent on the campaign and furthermore, since you said that, would not you agree all those 10 billions of dollars spent on a war that we will never be able to use the word "victory" could have been used right here in America. That is what Obama has been saying for the past 20 months. Try listening!

Rob   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Guess "Must Lie TV" was a success. Well, you know what they say, people like to watch fantasies on TV. Got a good one too. The failed community organizer who tried to convince America that he could do something good for the country. Here's the title "Foolin' the Country with Barry O"

Hopefully, like other TV shows that are no good, this one will get pulled November 5th.

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Obama endorsed by:
dozens of famous conservative republicans, several key economic magazines including the Economist, hundreds of newspapers, key business leaders like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, key military personnel like Colin Powell and a 4-star Air Force General, not to mention the more than 100 Nobel Laureat scientists (all conveniently located on wikipedia BTW)

McCain endorsed by:
Bush, Cheney and "Joe" the "Plumber"

Are you still undecided?

George from Minneapolis   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

BRILLIANT

lovable liberal   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

There's only one person in the US who has the credibility to lead us. Even if McCain were somehow able to win the election from the impossible hole he's in now, he couldn't govern effectively.

Obama is our best hope and maybe our last hope.

Susan   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

I'm SO proud of our young voters! Positive seems to be working for them. Why hasn't it worked in the past? Fact Check is a life saver!

Grandmas for Obama!!!

Larry of Boston   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

In a time of economic disaster and with som many families on the brink of financial collapse, the millions spent by Obama is absolutley disgraceful and show his eletist side.

If Obama had not lied and accepted public financing, he would not be doing this — I do not trust this man one iota….

Greg in MN   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

I almost forgot to add…of course the ad was well done, it was directed by Davis Guggenheim, the same man who directed "An Inconvenient Truth"

Vegas Barbie for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

It was a ratings success just as Obama will have success come Nov. 4!!! YES WE CAN!!!

DD   October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

I thought it was very well done. It never once bashed Mr. McCain or said anything negative about Mr. McCain or Ms. Palin's campaign . It was informative, showed intelligence, and had a positive message. Good job Mr. Obama.

slick   October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Hooray for that man. POTUS

Alisha In Fl   October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Joe try to get your fact correct before you post please.. Wendy Button was John Edwards speechwriter not Obama.. Joe you are just another uneducated Republican.. Please learn to read..

Cathy Forster - Naples,Florida   October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Not here in Naples. Actually, not a lot of people watched here in Florida.

Perhaps your rates are bias, as usually.

Bob Indianapolis IN   October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

CHECKMATE, BABY!

It was an eloquent summary of his plan to rebuild the American economy and a beautiful contrast to the Geezer and Gidget show with their fake plumber and their low-information haters…

NoMcSame   October 30th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

As Pops would say "what can I say" or "you don't say". Obama is the man and I hope that we don't miss out on this by letting McSame get into office. Please people VOTE Obama.
Obama can synchronize the split-second shift from national programming to a live rally in Florida and hit the mark within a second. McCain can't get a loser unlicensed tax-dodger to a rally. There you have it, America.

Josephine Grison   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I loved seeing Barack Obama on the major networks last night and he made me cry. This is the 1st time in my adult life that I was moved by a Presidential Candidate and I know Barack Obama will take the USA and make us the country we once were. We will be the envy of the world with this man, we will once again lead the world and be respected. These last 8 years we have gone from being respected to the biggest joke of the decade. Our economy is horrible, the cost of life is out of control and many of us are suffering. We cannot afford to have Obama loose we cannot I say this from the bottom of my heart.
Look at what happened when the crisis at Wall St. happend John McCain was scared he did not know what to do. Is this how we want things handled in our Country. He claimed that very morning that the fundamentals of our country were strong to only say a few hours later that we were in a crisis. John McCain has jumped from one point to the next and the little he spoke about our economy he has changed his minds several times w/in hours. All McCain does is attack Obama this is all he has been doing. Nothing concrete from comes out of his mouth just attacks on Obama.
Please please please please for any of you that do not know who you want to vote for think about what is being talked about by the Presidential Candidates look at who has been consistent, look at who is calm and collected and look at whom has not changed his mind every few hours and say something that makes him popular but not what he may believe in. This is why I am voting for Barack Obama and not McCain.

Lots of Hugs   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

His mom would be so proud. We'll hug him for her.

Obama/Biden 08

Kelley At Here   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

This is the best we can get and it will only get better with Mr.Obama at the wheel.This guy is our hope.

Mary Ann   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Senator Obama's show last night made me feel very comfortable and secure. I am more sure than ever that Obama will be a good president. I am very proud to be voting for Mr. Obama. He will lead our country in a better direction.

Wendy B   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Outstanding,,, oh and Joe don't spread lies

Laverne   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Obama/Biden will make you proud to be American again!

kitty   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I guess the statistics also mean that despite all the notices about the speech/infomercial that 80% chose not to watch.

BARACKING THE VOTE IN NEW ORLEANS   October 30th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I watched the ad with my family which includes my mother 56, cousin 16, my son 1, and my self 26. I have to say we were moved. And after all was said and done my 16-yr old cousin said something so simple but so profound. She said "That was the best 30 mins of my life. I love Obama!"…Little cousin…I have to agree.

Obama may not be what America wants, but he is what we need.

God Bless you and your family. And all of who support and PRAY for you are looking forward to a brighter day…

Ryan, Denver   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Barack laid out his plans for America with an up beat but down to Earth formula. It was a positive messege for 30 minutes without once mentioning McCain.
Let's see if McCain can go 30 seconds without mentioning Obama.

Michael watching from Canada   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Don't forget that the rest of the world was watching as well.

Obama for President.

Please get out and vote for Obama. Don't take anything for granted.

Alesia   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I am looking forward to Barak Obama being our Commander-in-Chief!

JJ   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

His ratings may have been higher than what is being reported here. He was on BET, MSNBC and Univision. Where are their ratings?

HEIDI   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I HAVE SEEN BITS OF THE INFOMERICIAL. HE WILL MAKE A GREAT PRESIDENT. I AM A 44 YRS BLACK FEMALE, NEVER IN MY LIFE DID I THINK THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN. BARACK OBAMA MY FAMILY AND I ARE EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOU AS IS ALL OF AMERICA.

Rich from Philly   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Wow–and to think that he is doing without Joe the Plumber–thought he would have needed Joe to show up to get the ratings. Oops, that is McCain who has nothing to say and can't seem to function without Joe.–sorry

JAY N.H.   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I have to say that I cannot wait till this election is over. I definately am suffering from political overstimulation. I think this election has taken it's toll on the American I have never seen or heard the type of hatred that has been spewed out in the McCain campaign. The names and labels that they have thrown at Obama have been unbelievable. What does this tell the world about us? We as a nation will never move forward if we are divided. No matter who wins the country loses.

KD   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

The ad was fantastic, who cares that it cost so much, the GOP is jealous, you can bet that if they had the money they would have done it. As a contributor to the Obama campaign, I happy to say I approve of the expenditure of my donation.

Tell the TRUTH just once McWar /Phailling   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

The reason they are on Joe the Plummer that is their mental state .
McWar/Phailling are habitual liers /full of hate .

Songbird just fell out of the fruit cake another cracked nut .

John the realist   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

America, WAKE UP!!! Never before has there been so much money thrown at a candidate…doesn't that concern you?? Everyone is so quick to make superficial attacks on Sarah Palin, but what about the substantive things of Mr. Obama that should scare the living pants off of us all…or at least not be withheld by the mainstream media.

Since when did we turn into a nanny-state???

"Government is not the solution to our problems…GOVERNMENT IS THE PROBLEM"…Ronald Reagan said that.

We need a smaller government, not one that manages everything for us!

I love this country and support our government, but the Constitution has placed limits on the government for a reason….please re-read the Constitution before Nov 4th!!!

These ads are another testament of the forces at work to get this guy elected… unlimited resources … doesn't that concern anyone else???

I Love It   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I wanted to know more about the families. They were powerful stories. I really felt sorry for the woman who's son is going to Iraq.

Obama/Biden 08

AM in VA   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Very uplifting and forward looking. It was interesting to see the personal stories that have helped to shape the direction of the campaign. It was all narrated by Barack Obama; how nice to hear an intelligent, articulate gentleman making his points in a calm and objective manner.

No negativity, no bluster.

I am proud that my family and I have already voted for Barack Obama. Even if he doesn't win the election he will be a force in American politics for years to come.

Gene   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

The commercial was very well done, and I'm actually surprised that he kept it very positive. This would have been a good chance to slam McCain and Palin.. but instead he took the high road on everything.

As far as the comment about this being a ratings success.. well, kinda hard for it not to be when every station is playing it… I mean what are your choices last night to watch.. Obama's commercial, Nickalodeon, or a DVD :)

Wendy Button,   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Money well spent. Oh and "Joe" dont spread lies. Obama has raised the bar on all future elections to come.

Bill   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I didn't watch the infomercial. I watched the porn video with the Sarah Palin look alike instead. It was way more entertaining.

The rest of you just watched the preacher preach to the choir. That's a waste of the money you donated.

I would have been impressed if he starts giving campaign money to charity, if you think he's already won.

banderson   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I hope this compells people to come out and VOTE FOR CHANGE…

ObamaGirl   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

All I have to say…WOW! Obama is the freakin man! I have never been so excited for an election in my life. I thought I was pumped about kerry…but it was nothing like this I am acutally inspired!!!

Obama/Biden 08/12 GOOOOO Team!!

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

@ xcusme

Its called sarcasm…evidently I need to make it a little more obvious. If you are at all confused by my intentions, google my name.

Still for Hill, but voting McCain   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

That would be a lot of money for Obama's half-brother in Kenya living on a dollar a day.

Susan, Nebraska   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Boy that changed my mind! I am voting for Obama for sure now. I have been wanting to quit work and now that he is going to spread the wealth, I am not worried about paying my bills anymore. He is going to share your money with me and the Dems are going to share your 401K with me too! Why work?

No Hillary = No Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Well, since it was the first time a candidate actually had the money to do something like this, is it any wonder if was a ratings success and because it cut into prime time? Give me a break. It was blatant exploitation.

Mike   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I admit I have been an Obama supporter for sometime now. I had been in support of Hill when she was running. I warmed to Obama after it was clear he was getting the nomination. But now, after this message last night, I realize that Obama was the right choice for this party from the beginning. I was moved by the stories and the way he handled each of the issues. The thing that impressed me the most was how nothing was said against McCain, or the GOP. As Obama spoke, I realized It was all about him and actually – it was really all about us. He was humble and real and I truly feel he is a remarkable man. I agree with whoever said it above… I am having a new feeling… It is strange… could it be…Hope?

paul in iowa   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Not only was the MONEY WELL SPENT…..his speech to the American public was inspiring……..however, since this was an "info commercial", McCain should not have received air time from any network ESPECIALLY FROM CNN……….if McCain wanted "air time", he should have paid for it just like Obama did…..

Reality   October 30th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

How could anyone not vote for him after seeing that 30 minute show. It was AWESOME and shows how much he really really care about this great country !!!

OBAMA is AWESOME !!! and will become one of the BEST Presidents of all time !!! :)

FreeNLovIt   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Since I was watching him for two years and know everything, I was bored out of my mind. He should have closed it with a BIG WIDE SMILE and few words from Bill Clinton.

ZZZZzzzzzz…ZZZZZzzzzz….

McCain's 3 seconds ad was more effective..

Celebrate Good Times !   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !

I knew it would be a success. I loved the lighting, the people were very poignant, and Barack's narration was great.

Fabulous job, we will win the White House back!

Yes, We Can.

Becky CA   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I watched yesterday on NBC and loved the ad.

Deb   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I guess it is inpsiring to see at least one candidate tell us what he will do for us and how. Not once did Senator Obama, our future President, have to tell us about John McCain and he never, ever needs to mention Sara Palin. If he runs the country the way he has run this campaign we are in for great surprises and I am confident are future will become bright again.

PA Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I can't wait for this chapter of "Elections" to be over, and for us to look forward to an Obama Administration. Please, God, Please!!!!

Vote!

Patmos Isle   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

More razzmatazz from the consummate showman! All he needed was a cane and some tap shoes…'Bama, if you really had the goods, you wouldn't have to be making so many closing arguments. You're lucky there are so many desparate people out there thanks to your boys (George W. et al).

FLORIDA for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Obama/Biden '08 AND '12
TWO GREAT MINDS ARE BETTER THAN NONE
and
Barack Obama and Joe Biden
The Answer Is Black AND White

AL   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

This is what you do when you have a brain in your head and a team of serious people who want to better America.
When you don't have a clue to ask Sarah Palin to tag along, you invite Joe the plumber to your party and he is a no show and all you do is wine, wine, wine about everything and anything. McShame do you have cheese to go with that..

chad in avery, ca.   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

awesome!
obama made his case in a smart and controlled manner.
never mentioned his opponet once, yet on either side of the program
we saw mccain spewing venom and hate in his commercials and
then on the news.
i think it gave undecideds a good comparison of the two men and
how they conduct themselves.
obama is calm and thoughtful and mccain is angry and hatefull.

cindy   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Don't let anything or anyone stop you from voting for Obama!!!!

Not rain, not news about fraud (that news if a fraud), not long lines!!!

Obama for President!!!!!

THIS COUNTRY WILL SEE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER UNDER OBAMA!!!

Pat the Plumber   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

A full court press by Obama. Brilliant! He's got his opponent up against the backboard.

Susan   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Should be……….he has spent over 7 MILLION dollars on TV ads.

7 MILLION could go a long way to help our country's problems.

A Democrat

A Woman In California For Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Even though I was at work when it first aired, I caught it later in the evening and I enjoyed it. How sad people can NEVER REALLY retire anymore. It shed a lot of light on ordinary people who are working three jobs just to make ends meet. As a single parent , I can relate to their struggles and it makes me mad every time I hear McCain say "I will put the government on a budget just as YOU are on a budget." Yes, McCain WE are on a budget and most of us have been for years now which is why WE don't want someone like YOU who knows nothing about that subject.

Congratulations to the Obama/Biden team for money well spent and for giving us a little peep into those lives of others. I'm glad MY money was well spent. I hope it translates into votes. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE. I can't wait until Tuesday to cast mine.

Wendy Button   October 30th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Clinton, has apparently seen the light to hear her tell it. She has written political speeches for over ten years and has always believed in the Democratic Party. All that has suddenly changed but it likely won’t resonate with the mainstream media.

Her post, So Long Democrats, is lengthy and windy but her points are easy enough to dissect:

John Edwards fall from grace hit her hard.

Not only has the Democratic party belittled working people in this campaign, it has also been part of tearing down two female candidates. The treatment of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin is unforgivable according to Button. They stooped so low as to go after Clinton’s cleavage and Palin’s wardrobe.

She admits that she was dead wrong about the troop surge and thought it would be a disaster. She believes John McCain led when many were ready to quit.

The ‘hooker lines’ that she was paid to write were all posturing, a charade and a political game. The media scribbled down the one liners as if that was the essence of the message, when in fact it was the fluff.

The mocking of Joe the Plumber was one of the final straws. She didn’t leave the Democratic Party, but rather the Democratic Party left her.

Some bloggers are suggesting that you won’t hear much about this story among the talking heads of the mainstream media. They believe that had she been a Republican speechwriter who was suddenly swayed by Democrat Barack Obama, it would have played in every living room in America. They are suggesting media bias. You be the judge.

Marc PDX   October 30th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

There is no doubt that he is a Rock Star. There is only doubt about his ability to be President. But he is a great celebrity for sure.

Greg in MN   October 30th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Who said this was a bad idea huh!?!? Nicely done Mr. (I hope) Soon To Be President Elect Obama and his team!

nom deplume   October 30th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

So when do we report to the re-education camps?

Dennis   October 30th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Obama call for unity is so much better than the divisive campaign McCain is running. Sarah Palin used to seem like a decent woman… but now she is just as bad if not worse. Maybe she needs to read the good book a bit about lying…I'm sure the book of james talks about the tongue.

sandee in Portland   October 30th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

Hey Joe, I too read her article in the Huffington Post. She's been a speech writer for Edwards, Hillary and others for the past 2 years. So, who cares who she is voting for. It doesn't really matter. The great thing about America is all of us can vote for whomever we so choose.

I was one of the more than 8.5 million people that watched Obama's ad. All it did for me was to point out even more how much difference there is between the candidates. Obama = intelligent, thoughtful, caring about our people and country, good policies, calm, positive thinking. McCain = angry, hot head, bad judgement, no policy, lying, in it only for himself and not for our country.

I donated money to Obama and feel he has spent it well, and this includes last night's ad.

Smart move, good move, smart campaigning. How much have the McCain bloggers contributed to his campaign.

Retired moderate republican voted for Obama

Obama is a liar   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Infomercial- Guinsu knives, Ronco product, the ab machine- All useless.. Just like the presidential candidate who lied about Public Funding.

NOBAMA NOWAY NOT EVER

Another O and Joe supporter   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Do we need to say anything else? The man is brilliant and the people he has chosen to surround himself with are too! He is a leader a true once in a lifetime (generation) politician! I can't wait for Nov 5 to come and a new day for America!

tee   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Joe

so what

Nifty 60, female and white   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Obama was absolutely inspirational. Our donations have been well spent. Not once was McCain mentioned or anything negative said. First American mini featured film that was worth watching. I for one am proud to have voted early for Obama. In my heart of hearts I believe that anyone that does not vote for Obama is a racist, there is just no other explanation, and I hold this truth to be evident.

Obama '08

Optimstic from a swing state   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

My wife and I watched the show last night and despite what negative comments you hear, we felt it was very artfully developed, illustrated a lot of good arguments, and was not negative. It was really nice to finally see something political on TV that wasn't looking to slander, attack or demean another individual.

We were undecided but after thinking that we are tired of being "in fear" in our own country for 8 years…and seeing a trend of McCain trying to keep us in fear by his negativity and his cruel attacks…this cemented it for us. If a candidate can speak for 30 minutes, and not mention his republican rivals, the GOP or anything negative…I'm all for it.

Ms. Jenny   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Public Financing = "spreading the wealth."
Obama's Financing = 100% pure Capitalism.

So, really, all you people who hate "socialism" should be praising Obama's decision to embrace a more "American" means of raising funds – one that does not redistribute people's money.

If Obama is a better campaigner than McCain, then shouldn't he be rewarded for his skills? I mean, golly gee, we don't want to "punish success" by giving both candidates equal money even though one is clearly more superior, do we?

Thank God Obama took a stance so that we can finally eliminate the "socialist" Public Financing system! :)

Bala   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

I saw that informicial. It was positive, inspiring, sensational and awesome. It was an A+ material. Job well done and money well spent. Congratulations Mr.President.

Morgan   October 30th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

I almost cried watching that ad and listening to the struggles of my fellow Americans. The ad was well put together and a great way to articulate the policies he wants to put forward. If we could hear policies from McCain/Palin that would be great but all we hear is about Jow the Plumber, Socialism, Ayers, and all the Palin "diva" "wardrobe malfunction" drama.

D&D   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

It was a master piece…to remind you all that if you want him in the White House, you need to make sure you VOTE first!

So folks, remember to VOTE, early or on the election day, make sure that you VOTE!

Bill   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

inspiring and beautiful. come on America! let's do the good thing this time – the good thing for us and for our country!

OBAMA o8

Sean from NC   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

We have two options this year:

Option #1: A candidate with fresh new ideas

Option # 2: A candidate that whines because he's out of them.

Who will you pick?

sabuc for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

The ad was brilliant and it easily summarized everything that Obama is offering. I really enjoyed not hearing about the opponent. Thank you Obama for an excellent. Can't wait for the celebratory win speech on Tuesday night.

Proud American   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

I've voted today in Florida. America will once again be the country other countries will want to be emulate.
Obama/ Biden '08

Chi4Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

The best part about the ad, was that Barack did not even have to mention John McShame or his pet Moose at all.

We have already turned the page on the GOP chapter.

Can you all say PRESIDENT OBAMA :-)

Muckinello   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

It was a nice and positive message. Powerfull images and words. Nice to see intelligence again in our highest office!
Wellcome President Obama, the new American Leader for the 21st Century is here!

Dave   October 30th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

Obama is inspiring and uplifting.
McCain is depressing and sad.

Independent white female patriotic voter   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

I recommend that very politician handles their campaign just like obama has handled his. I respect this man so much for taking the high road as often and as much as possible considering the dirt that has been thrown on him by Mccain's campaign. I was so touched and satisfied with the ad Obama had on TV. I was impressed by how focused on the American people, our economy, our education and our healthcare. I was thrilled to hear Obama speak of what he envisions our great country doing and I am a proud voter for Obama.

katiec   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

It was a wonderful presentation. It showed Barack Obama's
run for president is for the people who he puts before hisself.
The man is genuine about wanting to save our country.
Concerned about our future. Worried about the numerous
crisises the republicans have created.
It is going to be a humungous job getting our country back
to where it once was, but Barack Obama can do it.

Grumpy Gramps and the Diva are wrong for the USA   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

EXXON MOBIL has RECORD profits and McCain wants to give them a tax break.

Hello…anybody home?

It's a WIN for Obama in '08   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

I couldn't wait to see what the Obama Campaign was going to put together for this info commercial – no one knew what to expect. After viewing the 1/2 hour video it is obvious Obama is going to win this election.

This man really knows how to make the country feel like he is listening and that he will continue to listen to those that elected him our President.

He will bring this country together like no other has ever done and it simply makes me proud to be an American!

This video is America and Obama pinpointed what matters most to Americans!

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

I am one of those millions of donors to Obama — albeit a small one. I gave him a little over $100 beginning with the primaries through October.
Like other supporters, I donated money to this very well-organized and well-run campaign to use as they saw best to get Obama elected.

I am very pleased with the way he has spent my measly $100 — and if I'd had more to give him, I'd be happy with him spending all of it the same way.

And to all you naysayers out there, I am a 66 year old white woman who has voted in every election since I was eligible at age 21. I am neither uninformed, ignorant, nor on any kind of social welfare program. I have worked and supported myself my entire life, so none of your precious money has supported me. I also pay taxes.

And for all of you people who complain about paying taxes, where do you think all the services you demand come from? Where do the roads and bridges and other infrastructure come from? Where does your local, county, state and federal law enforcement come from? Where do your schools come from? Yes, there is government waste and it needs to stop — but you can't seriously expect to get the services you want and demand without paying taxes.

DANIELLE FROM VA   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

So Touching…He's intelligent and inspiring…

Obama 08

Make Me A Super Model?   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Wow, my friends and I were talking, even people at the office commented on how much make-up Obama had on; bad skin or were they simply trying to lighten the skin tones.

CTSadler   October 30th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Hey Joe, it doesn't matter… Just like Joe the Plumber, he doesn't matter either. Obama is going to not only win the election, but he's going to win a mandate from the people.

Rob   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

it is all about money. MONEY MONEY MONEY. soooo sad and Obama is playing that very well!!!

Ken   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

My wife and I both watched last evening. It reaffirmed our committment to supporting the Obama/Biden ticket. It was very refreshing to see an intelligent, articulate, and positive message, telling us all that better times are before us.

Contrast that with the negativity presented constantly by the other side, and it is clear what choice all americans should make.

America should choose a positive message with real ideas and solutions to scare tactics that have become all too familiar a staple of one of the major parties tactics. I used to vote a straight republican ticket when I was younger, but now find myself voting for the person, and not the party. This year that is a "no brainer" decision. President Obama is what we've been waiting for, and I can't wait to support him next Tuesday (our state doesn't have early voting). The time for change is now, and the best for America is at our doorstep. We just all need to unite together and seize this opportunity.

Chi4Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

I think last nights commercial represented, the final nail in the coffin for John McShame, and his filthy campaign.

Even Republicans are beginning to jump ship.

IndependentWoman   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Joe,"Obama's speechwriter, Wendy Button, has confirmed she is voting for McCain!! Take that CNN…thanks for reporting on it."

Thanks for the info.. I'll just take Colin Powell and call it a day.

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

I have one other difference between Bush and McCain….people liked Bush, but now they don't …oh wait, I guess that's another similarity. Palin 0-12

Barack the Deceiver   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Barack Obama is William Ayers without the bombs.
But no less dangerous.

:-(

Lillie   October 30th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Ad was brilliant and on Tuesday, Nov 4th the rest of the world can join us as we celebrate our newly elected President Obama!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08
si se puede!!

xcusme   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

@ SONGBIRD MCCAIN. You got exactly what you wanted. So now you can take him home with you. We the American people are tired of that. ENOUGH with the negativity. We can stop the world and let you get off now.

mama4obama   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Barack Obama-POTUS!!!!!

Chyrel   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

It was well worth the money, exposure and hopefully big results for him and Biden at the polls. It was beautiful, a complete picture of the well-known words to America The Beautiful; right down to the amber waves of grain. There's no point in hating on Obama he's the absolute best and history will bear this record. I love it. Obama/Biden '08.

Tyshunn Felton   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

she wrote for Edwards and Hillary as well. what's your point?

Geeque - Chicago,IL   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America.
Please poeple go and vote for Obama/Biden '08.
Get your friends, colleagues, auncles, aunties, cousins, nephews and all relatives to vote for "That One"

YES WE CAN YES WE CAN YES WE CAN YES WE CAN YES WE CAN

Tony   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Great, I hope the new tv series works out for him, however I am voting for a president not the next series of West Wing.

McCain/Palin 08

Jozee   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Sen. Obama has changed the way that politics is done and I'm amazed by his brilliance. The ad was wonderful and for the Obama Haters who say this office looks like the Oval Office, nothing could be further from the truth. Another attempt to smear his name and to misrepresent his motives.

Thank you, Obama, for keeping to the subject and totally ignoring McCain, who has nothing to offer. McCain has no closing arguments because he never had any opening arguments.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN

KLEE   October 30th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

OK – great speech – but polls are dropping. The sideshow circus is gaining ground – and its getting Stephen King scary now. I guess scare tactics work better than I thought!!

Get out and vote – do it right – sign the bottom line – and pay attention to what you are doing.

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

Ms. Jenny   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Why I'm voting for Obama:

When the next president goes into negotiations with other world leaders, I want to be confident that our guy is the smartest person in the room. Obama gives me that confidence, McCain doesn't even come close.

Voter in Wisconsin   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Joe, Obama's speechwriter is Obama himself. She helped on one speech. He writes the majority of speeches himself.

Maggie from Virginia   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Strategic Brilliance! That's the Obama Camp!

ST   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Joe-She is his FORMER speechwriter, not current. Boy, are you McCain supporters grasping at straws.

Michelle, PA   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

A whole thirty minutes and Joe the Rogue Plumber, Sarah the Diva and John the Candidate weren't mentioned once.

I'm soo sick of hearing the name-calling, nastiness, fearmongering and lies, I'll take as much of that positivity as I can get!!!!

Darrel Lantz   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I'm glad to see that many folks saw this ad. The obama team did a wonderful job of distilling down Barrrack's message into a half hour format. It was well paced, and ending with the live rally was brilliant. Great television, great politics, a very positive final arguement for the Obama camp.

Nick   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I think it was a brilliant move, and not unheard of either. Ross Perot did it, Nixon did it.
There was no mention of the opposition, it in no way was negative towards the opposition. This could only help Obama, unlike a negative ad that can backfire and help the one it's attacking.

And, it's great face time. As hard as it is to believe, there are people that aren't paying attention, don't really know who they're voting for, and seeing him on almost every network channel for 30 minutes is sure to help.

Brian   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Good. I saw it and I think it was rather inspirational! The video also has 800,000 views on youtube so far. A lot of people are complaining that Obama is trying to buy this election with this sort of over the top advertizing. Well I'd rather have an election bought than stolen like Dubya did in 2004!

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   October 30th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Money well spent, and viewers got a great glimpse at positive, intelligent TV and a top-notch candidate's very relevant presentation.

mume   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

john mccain might as well stop campaigning, I'm so existed for Ma men obama

jm for sc   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

The ad was awesome!!!!

While the media keeps focusing on how much the ad cost, I would like to remind all that Obama is doing exacting what he need to do with the money we donated to him.

Obama/Biden 08

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Joe – Wendy was A speechwriter for Obama. Not THE speechwriter. I think I read she wrote a couple of speeches.

This infomercial was great. Although it covered no new ground, it gave us insight into what it would be like to be hearing from President Obama. I haven't looked forward to hearing from my president or watching him on television for so long. It's refreshing to actually think I'll want to watch again.

Frank G   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

We need overwhelming Democratic ticket victories at all levels to send a unified message to all America (and the Republicans in particular) that bombastic messages of hate, distortions and lies will no longer be accepted in political campaigns.
Maybe, then in future, we can have all contestants from all parties focusing upon substantive issues that affect our lives.
IF WE VOTE LOUD ENOUGH MAYBE WE WILL BE HEARD.THE BEST WAY TO SHUT DOWN THE GOP TACTICS IS TO MAKE SURE YOU AND EVERYONE YOU KNOW VOTES 100% DEMOCRATIC. GET OUT THE VOTE; TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED; IRRESPECTIVE OF THE POLLS.

ANDY DAAS   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Mr.President Obama.

carolo   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Good tape and "maybe" people can actually see him as just another American and not this big, black, scary man that McCain continues to want us to think he is.

xcusme   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Obama is a success. He has said more in those 30 minutes than McCain has said in 22 months.

President Barack Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA Obama Obama

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA Obama Obama

AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT…. BECAUSE IT DOES

Barack Your Vote08!!!

Heidi From OKC   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

I am not sure how good those ratings are. I was in a room with about 45 people watching it last night

My Bad   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

What was the title of the infomercial "The Biggest Loser," oh, I'm sorry, that's a show about weight loss on another network, my bad!

ez   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Early voting is the way to go.

Registered Republican "voted" all Democrats.

Obama/Biden 08

Bob   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

I sent the idea of a prime time special to the Obama campaign back in July. It was called "Barack Salutes America". Your welcome.

C A   October 30th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

It was an excellent 30 minutes.

ANDY DAAS   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Joe are you a joker.

Suck this McCain.   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

It was amazing! I cried like a baby. I'm so glad so many people watched it. McCain is so toast.

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, VOTE A STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC TICKET   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Just more proof that the American people are tired of McCrypt and his style of campaigning. Using socialism, communism, unpatriotic, and unAmerican rhtetoric to label folks that simply view government in a different way, but not our country.

McCrypt has become a petty, churlish, little man.

ST   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

WOW! That's better than I thought it would be. He has definitely raised the bar. McCain/Palin can't even compare.

Please vote for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

This man intellect is so grandiose, compared to old man mccain. Our gov't has been in the stone age and Obama just keeps using technology to feed information and energize the world. He's just so smart, please vote for the ivy league guy with all a's. No more dumb people in the white house (no offense George W.).

Voter   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Leaders LEAD and bring together differences among people for a common good/purpose, not attack, point fingers and divide everyone!

Tina   October 30th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

BRILLIANT…………………..

white and black for Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

MccainBush policies. Mccain has nothing of his own, what Mccainbush wish for is to have his name on the list of America Presidency.

Period.
My point is why does he surround himself with Bush's advisers and policy makers?

Sorry guys. that is true just take a look at Mccain campaign team, it is written all over..ex bush campaign managers, advisors list goes on.
What will be different between Bush and Mccain? Personality.

Kanadian Kidd   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Money. Well. Spent!

PJ   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

GOOD INVESTMENT. Well done!

Bit   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

It was a success in all different aspects…………not just TV ratings.

Job well done, Senator; I mean Mr. President.

Chi4Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Can you say President Obama :-)

By the way, Republicans don't forget to exercise your right to vote on November 5th (sarcasm).

Lynnette   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Obama's strategy has been very good and knows how to put McCain on his heels.
It's too bad that CNN didn't take part in viewing it to the public. I guess you guys thought it was going to bomb and didn't want anything to do with it. Not a good decision from your executives.

Lamarr   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Brillaint strategy…program itself was very revealing and real. Good job Obama.

Cory   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Brilliant! We need a smart president!!!!!!!

mume   October 30th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Obama all da way, I can't wait to go vote on Tuesday Obama/biden08

observer   October 30th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

I really liked the ad. It was inspiring.I hoped that the people who have not decided at this point who to vote for felt they know Sen. Obama and what he stands for a little better.

kcmookie   October 30th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Man, I cannot wait to cast my vote for Obama, this is the first time in my life I have actually been PROUD to vote for someone instead of choosing the lesser of two evils. I had no idea a politician could actually inspire me. Thank you Senator Obama.

Obama 08!

Hope LV,NV   October 30th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

coming from a Proud Obama supporter/donor money well spent.

Chi4Obama   October 30th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

I can't wait to read the posts on this blog, from all of the jealous McCain supporters, complaining that Obama has so much $$.

I actually saw John McCain "crying" about this last night on Larry King (i.e. how Obama raised all of this money).

Hey GOP, don't hate Barack because he is popular.

Nimi from NY   October 30th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

It's our money. So far it's paid off. CNN may have regrets on not carrying the informatial live.

Democrat 4 Life   October 30th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

McCain just can't catch a break…

Harold   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Barack was smart to do this. This was a good ad, compared to the low character type of mud slinging coming from the republicans.

Barack stands out even more now, and MacCain and Palin look like mere gossipers…No substance but lots of mud to sling around.

fed up republican   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Just putting the facts out there so he can show that he has a plan to run this country and isn't just smearing the other guy. I have already voted for Obama.

Obama/Biden 08

SONGBIRD MCCAIN   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

What a lot of wasted breath talking about unity, progress and hope. I like my candidates to be divisive! Talking about hatred, slinging mud and all. Who cares about how he will make America a better place? Who cares about constitutional freedoms? I want someone playing the fear card! I want someone spreading malicious lies! I want someone who thinks dinosaurs and people roamed this 6,000 year old planet together! I want hypocrisy! McCain 08!

So?   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Well, don't celebrities usually bring in a large group of viewers.

I also watch "Dancing With The Stars," another highly rated program, however, do I ever cast a vote based on a costume, nice lighting or a lot of pancake make-up, nah!

MIKE chicago   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

And more to the Ad McCain's name was not mentioned …not once in the 30 mins…
Absolutely brilliant!!

Ben in San Diego   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I watched it…. it was compelling… God bless Barack Obama.

Ralph   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

If all John McCain going to talk about is Joe the plumber, then certain I want to see more of Mr. Obama.

Go Obama 08

Deke   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

What a waste of money… He needs to redistribute some of that money… Oh wait, he just wants to redistribute other peoples money not his…. That's right, forgot….

Greed is not good   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Ladies and Gentleman…witness the next Great Communicator and President of the United States: the honorable gentleman Barack Obama!

Joe   October 30th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Obama's speechwriter, Wendy Button, has confirmed she is voting for McCain!! Take that CNN…thanks for reporting on it.

DMD   October 30th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Can somebody please tell me by a posting here, during the 2008 President Election, does New York and New York Ciy have any proposals or propositions on the ballot too?

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