[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/02/art.mccaincampad.cnn.jpg caption="McCain spent heavily on TV ads in Michigan."]ST. LOUIS, Missouri (CNN) – John McCain’s presidential campaign spent nearly $2 million on television in Michigan during the month of September before deciding to pull up stakes and focus resources elsewhere.
Political advertising data compiled for CNN by TNSMI-Campaign Media Analysis Group also shows that in the final two weeks of the month alone, McCain spent more than $661,000 on TV ads in the state. Two-thirds of those commercials ran in the Detroit and Grand Rapids television markets.
Even the Republican National Committee weighed in with a sizable one day ad buy of more than $62,000 on Sept. 30, the last day of the month.
A McCain aide, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the strategy was to try and force Obama to spend money in the state. And the aide added that there was “always a shred of hope to be able to capitalize on an electorate that was experienced and frustrated with the Democratic leaders” in the state. The McCain aide noted that Obama had invested serious time and money in Michigan and pointed to the Illinois Democrat’s decision to use the state as the stage to unveil the endorsements of former Vice President Al Gore and former Sen. John Edwards.
In the month of September, Obama spent more than $2.3 million on ads in Michigan, while the Democratic National Committee accounted for another $262,000 on campaign commercials.
It was an expensive gamble for McCain, but with 17 electoral votes on the line the campaign thought it was worth it. Now, the focus for McCain will be to keep past Republican states such as Colorado, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia in the GOP column, while trying to flip New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin as well as grabbing an electoral vote from Maine.
McCain is dumb
McCain is reckless
McCain is stubborn.
What else is new???
McCain ran out of original ideas long ago. He just parrots whatever he thinks will win now. Then just like Bush, he will do exactly what he wants to do once he is in office. And I am quite sure that just like Bush, he will neither explain or apologize for his actions! I think we had enough of Republican so-called conservativism... which seems to mean that you don't tax the wealthy and you borrow the money to run this nation.
Must be because they are waiting for that Trumpet to blow calling us all home! If you believe you are in the Last Days, I guess it doesn't matter how obscene your policies. But I suspect that Higher Power will have something to say about the issue!
Last Days have been prophecized since the Roman days! I wouldn't bank it!
All I can say is Thank GOD that the voters of my state have seen the light!
The '0' bloggers on here don't work that's why they want '0' to win – so they will never have to work – set back collect a check. What they don't realize is the big '0' is not going to hand them a check. All the money he racks in from us working stiffs will go in his pocket!
He knows how to lose an election. He might as well withdraw from Ohio, PA and Florida right now. No need to have a withdrawal plans for them.
waiting for the witty soundbytes Palin will make tonight.
When all else fails and you are not ready to lead, make cutesy one-liners.
I got it on good authority that McCain is not realy going after Pennsylvania, his real target is Florida. Pa is a diversion to the real prize which is Fl.
I think OB/Biden will have to re-doubled effort in both states to countart act any upset.
Obama/Biden 08/12.
As if the Palin pick wasn't enough? It takes him two million to realize its time to go? He has no judgement what so ever.
Obama/Biden 08/12
Why is it that the republicans love to take the money and run but always
accuse others of socialism?
Another example of McCain's POOR judgement.
If it were up to him he would drop another 2 Trillion dollars in Iraq before realizing that there's a better path.
Yeah, he figures all the crooks and idiots in Detroit have been bought off via their ACORN thugs anyway. Why waste any more money??! Face it - Michigan is a lost cause. Detroiters voted for Kwame and Jennifer Granholm twice. What dopes!
Get lost McNasty...take your negative ads and deceitful rhetoric to an old folks home. At least you'll have a captive audience for your POW stories.
News about shutting down Michigan so he can focus on closer contests, like Florida, will only fire up the Obama organizers beyond description. I'm working here in northeast Florida on his behalf and my huge cadre of volunteers is mobilizing right now for a full court press in these final weeks.
McCain-Palin will NOT win Florida – no way, no how....you know the drill.
mccain is not ready to lead obama is ready to lead palin not reday to lead biden is ready to lead
Annie-never again a dem, you must have been in a hole somewhere for the last 8 years.... or else you are among the wealthiest people in this country. Wait a minute....... is that you, Cindy McCain? Shame on you, Girl!
POCKET CHANGE FOR MCCAIN.
Kaye (7:45)
No one will buy into your FALSE HOPES, Florida will never go Obama.
McCain is pulling out of Michigan, running with his tail between his legs, and he has the nerve to mock Sen. Biden for possible gaffes that might happen in tonight's debate. Has he and his staff gone coo coo? Have they not heard the term: "Bowing out gracefully?" Then theres the saying that goes: "Keep your mouth shut and others can only say you're a fool. Open your mouth and it's confirmed: you're a fool."
Thanks for you efforts Kaye.
mccain is going to loose in november
McCain the sensible voters in Michigan love you!!! The sensible voters of Michigan realize that Barry Obama is a dangerous and frightening choice for America. The sensible voters of Michigan look forward to November when you will be our President. Now we just have to deal with the loonies in Michigan who voted for BO.
mccain is just a sad blip in history--a sellout who sunk to pathetic levels to become president, yet still lost! and was quickly FORGOTTEN!!!!
Scott has a great point. Obama may be saying all the right stuff, but take a good hard look!! He is not for America, I would like to see a close up shot of him saying the pledge of America. Not him ignoring the American troops and running to greet the Iraq's! Pleas people get real. He can Keep his CHANGE, as we all know there isn't any left anyway.
In every respect, this is a landslide in the making come Nov.4th. The polls only tell half the story as they do NOT take into account first time voters or many 18-30 yo voters, as all polling is done to landline phones and most younger voters use wireless communications devices..I'd add 5% to ANY Obama number.
Believe me, McCain is aware of this, and he's starting to pack it in, state by state.
Michigan's been faultering with the democrats for years why change failure. Vote democrat Michigan it's eaiser than working!