Watch, Listen and Learn: "It's Sunrise in America"
By Al Giordano
Florida - and its 27 Electoral Votes - really is at ground zero in these last six days, which is why we saw McCain, Obama and Biden here today, and will see Bill Clinton later tonight.
The final days push from the McCain-Palin camp includes a hurricane-of-nasty targeted at key Floridian voting groups, particularly a t Cuban-Americans and Jewish-Americans, among whom Obama is out-performing Gore and Kerry before him.
A lot of the McCain-Palin talk accusing Obama of "socialism" is aimed at Cuban-Americans here. Republican US Senator Mel Martinez upped the red-baiting volume last week, charging, "Where I come from, where I was raised, they tried wealth redistribution. We don't need that here, that's called Socialism, Communism, not Americanism."
Joe the Plumber, on the trail now for McCain, went after the Jewish vote, so important in this state: "a vote for Obama is a vote for the death of Israel."
You can safely expect even more such over-the-top statements in the coming days of their desperation.
Meanwhile, McCain himself is trying to serve up a new guilt-by-association meme, targeted at Jews, based on a video obtained by the Los Angeles Times on the condition that it not be redistributed (basically, he's asking that a newspaper betray an agreement with a source). The charge is likewise aimed at Jews: that Obama attended a party for a Palestinian-American citizen where some unpopular things might or might not have been said. (LA Times owner Sam Zell, son of Jewish immigrants that fled from Poland to escape the Nazi invasion, certainly has access to the tape but doesn't seem swayed by McCain's "concern.")
The Obama campaign pushes back against every charge, small or large, in email and fact-check counter-barrages, but don't expect any of that tit-for-tat stuff in tonight's half-hour Obama ad.
Watch carefully the positive and upbeat tone that will be struck by Obama tonight. (That the McCain campaign will "bracket" Obama's half-hour ad with a duo of nasty half-minute ones in an attempt to poison the waters may actually just serve to underscore the contrast between hope and fear that marks the closing arguments on each side.
The Obama campaign is targeting all the same demographic groups in Florida, primarily with positive themes and messages, and then some that the McCain campaign didn't even think of...
...like tens of thousands of highly-skilled workers for NASA and its many subcontractors in the region, companies like United Space Alliance (6,500 workers in Brevard County) and Space Gateway Support (3,500 workers), contracts at sixteen Florida universities and so much more, making NASA an economic giant in the state.
Which is why an upbeat column today by astronaut Sally Ride in the Orlando Sentinel offers the sort of argument that a nasty one simply cannot:
Our space program is at a crossroads, and it will take a new generation of leadership to inspire our children to reach for the stars. President. John Kennedy understood that by calling on our nation to shoot for the moon, he'd inspire thousands of young people (including me) to study harder at math and science in ways that would enrich our country and expand our horizons...
Obama clearly understands the importance of human spaceflight and exploration. That is why he supports increasing NASA's budget to close the gap in American spaceflight capability. However, he also sees the potential for NASA to expand its research capabilities to study things like global warming and aeronautics....
Think about all of that when you watch the half-hour presentation on TV (starting at 8 p.m. ET, about 30 minutes from now). Here's the trailer entire ad:
And then note the irony of where this upbeat strategy was last used in a US presidential campaign, and ponder the Elector al College result that it brought then:
Twenty-seven minutes into Obama's ad, the presentation will cut live... to Sunrise.
(We'll live-blog it here. Add your comments below.)
8:03 p.m. Update: First real person up, a woman from the Kansas City, Missouri suburbs in economic problems and with a husband that needs health care....
8:05 p.m.: First mention of "the middle class." Wonder how many times we'll hear those words tonight!
8:08 p.m.: Who knew? Blues guitarists in Ohio are a swing vote!
8:12 p.m.: Spending on war in Iraq as economic issue is part of the closing argument. He's been saving that one for the final sprint.
8:14 p.m.: Juliana Sanchez in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working two jobs to feed her big family, and taking classes "to develop her skills." I think this is the strongest testimony so far.
8:20 p.m.: Michelle on their daughters: "He calls them every night, for as much time as they want to talk. He always has time for them."
8:21 p.m.: If you're in the western time zones, you can watch this on MSNBC.
8:22 p.m.: Now, a third-generation Kentucky auto worker, Mark Dowell, reading to his kid, as the Ford plant cuts back his work hours.
8:27 p.m.: Now live from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida... 22,475 seats, all filled (and many more that didn't get in). "Knock on some doors... make some calls...."
8:37 p.m.: Olbermann and Matthews of MSNBC are of course raving about the presentation. Mark Halperin, on CNN, just got bleeped! He said something like "they did a fucking great job!" (!!) Did anybody else hear that? It happened so fast! I keep clicking to Fox News because pollster Frank Luntz did a focus group of undecided Florida voters watching the half-hour ad, but Bill O'Reilly isn't touching it. I presume that it will come up at the top of the hour on Hannity and Colmes. That will be interesting.
8:42 p.m.: Campbell Brown on CNN noticed: "No mention of John McCain or even George Bush tonight!" She's surprised! Hey, you heard it from The Field before the ad broadcast that this piece would swim in purely positive waters.
9:00 p.m.: Sean Hannity now with Rudy Giuliani on Fox News doing their best to spin away from the spot. Hannity complains: "He almost sounded Reaganesque." Ha ha.
9:58 p.m. (OT): The Philadelphia Phillies are champions of the world.
11:08 p.m.: The Obama-Clinton ("When Barry Meets Bubba") rally in Kissimmee didn't get started in time for the eleven o'clock news. Either somebody's flight is delayed or they're playing for live coverage on Nightline instead. The crowd size, despite the late hour, is reported to be uncountable.
11:14 p.m.: C-Span is streaming the Kissimmee event live, and Bubba just took the stage.
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I'm can't wait for that Sunrise
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Catherine Cainon November 5th!
Tonight is sooooo much more exciting than a debate. Al, thanks for the great preview!
Heh heh
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Erik SiegristLove that subtly Oval Office-esque room layout to kick things off...
I'm loving this
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Henry Gruber (not verified)I love how Barack is mixing up the actual footage of people with the direct-to-camera-talk
It's awesome...
Is it streaming anywhere
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Karen DesmondIs it streaming anywhere online? I don't have a TV.
KD
Is there anyplace on web I Can watch this live ?
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranamk
We aren't getting this live in CO....
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Norm W. (not verified)any online streaming?
So smart
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Erik SiegristI can't believe how effective it is having Obama actually narrate the "real folks" segments... such a simple, powerful way to utterly refute the idea that he's some out-of-touch elitist.
Norm
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Anonymous (Gemma) (not verified)Someone else on my LJ list has posted that it's on at 7pm CT if that's any help??
I found it - it's on
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Karen DesmondI found it - it's on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtREqAmLsoA
KD
Thanks, Karen...
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Norm W. (not verified)It was killing me not seeing it ... at least now it's live-ish!
The rally is live:
http://www.barackobama.com/live/
The final 3 minutes were great!
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Norm W. (not verified)Thanks to Gemma, Karen --- watching the first 27 min. now!
Thanks Karen.
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranamk
Well, i had to listen to it
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Steve Hunt (not verified)Well, i had to listen to it live on radio while I frantically tried to find live streaming through the internet. (Rant: wtf! corporate tv can't provide live streaming through the internet for the public!).
Found live streaming at 17 minutes into the commercial. Very classy and touching, worth every dime.
Really, it takes a cynical bastard to not be moved by the stories. Hopfully, this commercial can move some of the previously undecided going into the homestretch.
Now I am off to see the real thing in Kississimme, FL.
What an incredibly well run campaign so far. This election will be one for the history books. If Obama helps us dig out of this hole and make drastically needed changes, and sets a new healthy tone for this nation....if he can help people to care again and participate in healing this nation--if he can achieve these ends then he will surely become a beloved figure in the nation and in the world for decades to come.
This guy's for real, and he/we can do it. He can help US do it!
WOW!!!
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Suzy ShureTheir media team is the BEST!!!! Brilliant - touched every note - pitch perfect!
That was
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by We Won't Get fooled again (not verified)Must see TV.
Perfect.
I think I'll watch it again when they air it here.
All Supporters of Obama, Say
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Margaret (not verified)All Supporters of Obama,
Say sorry to the Repubs! Barack just twisted the knife in their wounds. No! Don't say sorry because, right about now, Repubs hate Barack more than ever. Barack Obama is America!
The youtube got hung halfway through. Can anyone post the
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranamk
Awesome!!!
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Christi DemuthTouching storys, personal and to the the point. Brilliant! I do not understand how everyone is not voting for him. I will take hope over fear everyday. I hope the rest of the nation agrees.
Leave nothing on the road, do not stop now, GOTV!
Who is he running against? No mention of his opponent.
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Catherine CainAwesome. As you said Al, not one negative word about his opponent. Well, not one word period. Not one negative word about their campaign smears or how his plans are different yada yada yada. It was 100% positive about the stark economic reality we face in the U.S. (which isn't so positive) and what he will do about it in understandable detail. I think this is the first time in my lifetime I've seen a politician ONLY speak of what he will do without reference to what his opponent will or will not do.
I liked the words coming up on the screen throughout. The real people testimonials and endorsements were great. I always get teary when he speaks of his Mother. My only complaint was that I would have liked if it had included Bill Clinton or Colin Powell or maybe another Republican who had endorsed him. Something more to reinforce his wide net appeal. Everything else was beautiful and well produced.
I bet that played well everywhere in America...
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Norm W. (not verified)but I can tell you it will hit a home run in the West. Self reliance, but with a hand up. Family support for REAL people, the fact that jobs matter to REAL people, education, the disaster of the Iraq war for all of us, he hit all the buttons for me!
I'm watching Rachel Maddow.
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Margaret (not verified)Last few minutes + Biden
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Lisa BallardI thought Barack's admission towards the end of the taped segment that he won't be a perfect president, but he will listen and he will consider all aspects of issues and he will ask us to be part of our solutions, was great.
I also smiled when they featured Sen Obama questioning Condi Rice some time ago and Biden saying that at the time he thought and commented to someone "boy, he's good."
Thanks Al for the pundit updates. I am happy this worked out
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranamk
Awesome and deeply moving
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by CarolDuhart (not verified)That half hour felt like such an antidote to the tidal wave of sheer negativity and pettiness from the McCain campaign.
Brilliant
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Okke OrnsteinHaven't seen a piece of political advertising this good in ages. Over all, what a joy it has been to watch this campaign. Not just the candidate, but all aspects of it, the discipline, the organization, the ads, the ground forces. Good will come of it.
Proud to support this campaign...
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Anonymous (not verified)Just finished watching it -
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Karen DesmondKD
A "YES!" moment
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Jess (not verified)I was phonebanking (volunteer recruitment in one of my towns) before and after the ad. It was a mostly frustrating experience of "oh I'm way too busy but I'll vote for him" and "can't help but won't it be great when he's elected!" As nine neared I gave up for the night and decided to go check on my son and snuggle with him for a few minutes before he fell asleep. Before I went up, however, the phone rang.
It was one a woman who I'd called earlier in the night. I'd left a message on her voicemail. She doesn't have a lot of spare time but she said that after watching the ad she realized she couldn't not do something and even if she could only give an hour or two it was better than sitting on the sidelines. Yes! She's phonebanking the next two nights :-).
Yes we can!
Indiana Selzer Poll:
Submitted on October 29th, 2008 by Melissa (not verified)Obama 46 McCain 45
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081029/NEWS0502/81029061
Kissimmee rally
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Laura M. PoyneerAl, the Kissimmee rally may not have made the 11 pm news on the East Coast but those of us watching on the West Coast got to catch it live as we finished watching the ad. I am in California on a business trip and watched with two co-workers on a local NBC affiliate. As soon as the ad was over, they had a local news anchor doing campaign news, of which part was a story about the Kissimmee rally, then we found the rally itself on C-SPAN while flipping channels and watched it.
It may have been intended for those of us on the West Coast and not necessarily for the East Coast folks! It may be bluer than blue out here on the left coast, but I am glad the campaign thought of us too.
A masterstroke
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Allan BrauerMy husband and I were very moved by Obama's program tonight.
I can't emphasize enough how the Reaganesque optimism plays with centrist voters. My dear husband Norberto, a long-time Californian, was a Log Cabin Republican until Pat Buchanan finally persuaded him that he was not welome in their party, and he has never wavered in his admiration for Reagan.
I know, I know. I was born immune to Reagan. Never understood it, never wanted to.
I use Norberto as my test case with political messages to see what resonates with him. When Obama makes Norberto well up with tears, I know he's hit the sweet spot.
OK but where's the final 2:50
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Michael ChapmanOK but where's the final 2:50 live from Sunrise, Florida? :( Can't seem to find it anywhere. By the way the ad (27 minutes of it) is already No 1 on the daily viral video chart.
BondiBeachViews
3rd Best B'day Present for me!
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Pamela Hilliard...This O-formercial was awesome! The visual of the "Oval Office" was both subtle and beautifully obvious.
No nastiness (of course not!), no loftiness, just reality.
What I noticed:
O mentioned that he only saw his father for a total of one month in his entire life and was shaped by his absence (to repel those "his father is a Muslim" ideas);
There was something else that I really noticed, but now that I'm another year older, I just forgot what it was! Geez!
Well, when I remember, I'll let you know...
My 1st best b'day present was my 6-year-old nephew in L.A. coming home from the hospital on Wednesday being much better after chemo...
My 2nd best b'day present will be on November 4th...
@Jason...my daughter is jumping on the Megabus in Detroit on Tuesday after voting to go to Chi-town and be in Grant Park!
waterprise2 AKA Pam
Liberal with a Capital L!
O is the best thing for the world..."Michelle's Girls..."
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Pamela Hilliard...The French version of Elle magazine has been running a series of stories on "Michelle's Girls"...African-American entrepreneurs in Chicago who know and have been influenced by Michelle.
My sister Amy in Chicago is one! My sister is in this month's issue of Elle (it's in French)...
(Al, can I put my sister's website here? The Comfort Cake Company...you'll see a picture of O on the site @ an event my sister had last year...)
But this is really exciting...Elle is coming to Chi-town next Tuesday to film my sister and the rest of "Michelle's Girls" on Election night to be shown in France!!
waterprise2 AKA Pam
Liberal with a Capital L!
Time/CNN Battlground Polls
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Melissa (not verified)Pennsylvania: Obama 55 McCain 43
North Carolina: Obama 52 McCain 46
Nevada: Obama 52 McCain 45
Ohio: Obama 51 McCain 47
Arizona: McCain 53 Obama 46
http://thepage.time.com/
wow, awesome site!
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Amie HowellBubba
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Lisa BallardStayed up to watch Clinton and Barack in Fla last night.
4 things: Philosophy, Policy, Ability to Understand, Ability to Execute -- did I get that right?
I thought he came through. Was interested to see how it would go...
Wassup! O-style
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Pamela Hilliard...waterprise2 AKA Pam
Liberal with a Capital L!
What really hits home with
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Steve Hunt (not verified)What really hits home with me, and why I am such a staunch supporter of Obama (although I am more to the left on my professed political ideology) is that the man is very close to what I feel about my country, and about our potential as a people.
I am so very, very tired of problems continuing to loom and never being changed. This is a pathology--passive consumerism is a disease that is doing incredible damage to our nation and the world.
Yes, I am nervous--but I am hopeful. I think that Obama has ran a stellar, incredible campaign, and that we will win this election.
But as Al knows--what will be REALLY important is if we change the way we do things after the election. Passive consumerism, fearful silence and apathy are simply not options. Not this time. These stances and inclinations haven't worked, they have harmed.
This is clearer to me now than it ever has been.
We are on the cusp of something being born--and, as with all birth, this both painful and joyful at the same time. This is indeed contradictory, and language fails in describing this in any of the normal narrative frames. Poetry would be a better mode of communication in refering to what is happening now.
The people are slowly waking up--and some are cranky and grouchy because they would prefer to sleep-in.
Crony, corporate capitalism is a failed economic model--and it bring out our worst instincts as humans. A sustainable and healthy model of developing our society cannot be reduced to slogans--like 'socialism'--and stupid propaganda terms. Part of the birthing process will entail developing apt metaphors and sucessful examples of economic and social activities that really help us heal in the face of this diseased condition we find ourselves.
For me and the families that depend on our small business, our farm and our ecological restoration work is what we will focus on going forward.
By the way, I liked the fact that Obama mentioned the company that helps make buildings and businesses more energy efficient through retrofitting. This is where we need to focus our attention over the long-term.
Barack and Bill
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Melissa (not verified)The event was fantastic. Both Bill and Barack knocked it out of the park. You can't beat that duo when it comes to star power. Big thumbs up!!
Another great ad today
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranamk
AP Smear Alert
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by mak (not verified)They're at it again. This morning's AP review of the Obamercial reads like a McCain press release, dissecting the points of the message into "spin" (the infomercial) versus "fact" (McCain/AP talking points).
Not under Fournier's byline, unless Calvin Woodward is his latest nom de plum. Same shit, different name.
Looky here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081030/ap_on_el_ge/fact_check_obama_ad
McCain stood up by Joe, the Plumber in OH.
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCkGEHQVHK4
I do not know whether to laugh or cry at this pathetic caricature of a campaign. How could 48% of amurikans can see this guy as Prez ? Absurd and ridiculous.
amk
via Politico - Plain palin about to be thrown under the bus.
Submitted on October 31st, 2008 by Agoram Muthukumaranhttp://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/15073.html
Of course, Roger Simon sez it's all McCain's fault.
amk
We Watched it Twice
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Jeanne in AZ (not verified)Last night we watched the O-fermercial twice. The second time through I kept getting this huge lump in my throat and I didn't want my partner to know, so I kept turning my head. Finally at one point I looked at her and she was all welled up with tears too. Neither of us ever do this, so if it hit US that way... well, we can't have been alone.
Rasmussen Polls
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Melissa (not verified)North Carolina: Obama 50 McCain 48, Indiana McCain 49 Obama 46, Montana: McCain 50 Obama 46
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/
What Halperin said
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Kevin Hayden (not verified)Mark Halperin, on CNN, just got bleeped! He said something like "they did a fucking great job!" (!!) Did anybody else hear that?
The actual word he used was "effing". Brown lightheartedly tried to give him an out by saying he meant 'freaking' by that, but he denied it, and everyone was laughing and loving what his word really meant.
daily show on community organizing
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by kurt (not verified)Hey all -
Did anyone else see the Daily Show bit on community organizers? I'll add a link tomorrow. GREAT stuff. Nice to see someone finally doing this.
"if you vote for a community organizer, you'll not only be disappoint this (bleep)er (image of this idiot conservative who said that organizing leads to careers in crack cocain), but al lot of (bleep)ers like him.
HUGE Mistake by McCain
Submitted on October 30th, 2008 by Paul StollerHe is slashing his GOTV budget to air more TV ads. Being how effective his ads have been thus far I think he may have just handed us the election more than he already has.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/31/03654/518/249/647590
Thanks, Paul!
Submitted on October 31st, 2008 by Tara Van NimanEverything in that diary was news to me. I especially liked the contrast with the Obama camp paying for volunteers from TX to take organized bus trips to battleground states. Sounds like a blast to me.
kurt, The Daily Show rocked tonite. John Stewart skewered Bill Kristol.