Obama Ad a Hit!

[chrisw127]

number of viewers does not equate to an overwhelming success....for starters it had fewer viewers than any of the debates, and at LEAST 1/3 of the people who watched were only doing it so they could report/blog/comment on it, or they are supporting another candidate and just watched to further reinforce their decisions.

I guarantee you that 30 million or whatever viewers they had will not result in 30 million votes for Obama. Not even by a long shot.

30 million households. Who knows how many voters per household. Many of them probably have two or perhaps even three.

 

[chrisw127]

He may not have gotten his money's worth.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10302008/news/politics/tvs_top_ad_stars_pan_bam_135962.htm
By SALLY GOLDENBERG

Last updated: 11:11 am

Two leading infomercial stars agree: Barack Obama's half-hour self-promotion last night was a flop.

"I don't see enough smiling. Doom and gloom totally," said Anthony Sullivan, one of the biggest names in infomercial history.

"I feel depressed right now," added Sullivan, an Englishman famous for his infomercials touting the Swivel Sweeper and Smart Chopper. The only thing saving Obama, Sullivan said, was when the candidate appeared live at the end speaking at a rally in Florida.

"I think it needed it. I was about to throw myself through a window because it was depressing," Sullivan said.

He and AJ Khubani, who has produced infomercials for 25 years, said Obama also fell short of offering solutions to the dire problems he laid out.

"I didn't see a payoff. Classic infomercial is you show the before and you show the after. I didn't see the music or the crashing waves of the Pacific," Sullivan said.

He joked the producer "needs a spanking" for lacking optimism.

Khubani said: "Every infomercial lays out common problems, whether it's a flabby belly or acne, and then it gives a solution. In this case the solution is Obama."

But Obama didn't pitch the product - himself - convincingly enough, he argued.

"We always spend much more time on the solution than the problem and he did the opposite," Khubani added.

I'm sorry, but the New York Post doesn't impress me. Unless I want to read about politicians and prostitutes, I'll pass.

 

[John Smith1]

I'm sorry, but the New York Post doesn't impress me. Unless I want to read about politicians and prostitutes, I'll pass.

Hey Dawn, weren't you the one who posted how many people watched Palin at the RNC? Back when lots of people LIKED her?

Palin weighs down ticket, poll finds

By Michael Cooper Published: October 30, 2008

A growing number of voters have concluded that Senator John McCain's running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, is unqualified to be president, weighing down the Republican ticket in the closing stages of the campaign, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

The poll shows that 59 percent of voters believe Palin is unqualified to be vice president - up nine points from a week earlier. Fully a third of voters said that the vice-presidential selection would be a major factor in their vote for president - much more than have said so in past elections - and those voters broke overwhelmingly in favor of Senator Barack Obama of Illinois.

In another indication of how McCain's choice of Palin has hurt his image, voters said that they had much more confidence in Obama to pick qualified people to serve in his administration than they did in McCain.

The new poll found that opinions of Obama and McCain have hardened considerably in the waning days of the 2008 campaign, with nine out of 10 voters saying they have settled on a candidate and a growing number of them calling it "extremely important" that their candidate win and expressing alarm about what the other candidate would do if elected.

The poll highlighted Obama's success in solidifying much of the support he amassed in the final month of campaigning. He maintains a lead, with 51 percent of likely voters supporting Obama and 40 percent supporting McCain, the poll found. Just under one in 10 voters said that they could still change their minds.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/30/america/poll.php

 

[kirbsam]

didnt all good americans watch the world series last night?

 

[ChrisFL]

didnt all good americans watch the world series last night?

That was after the Obama ad, and Palin sure did, so she could tell that crowd in Erie (in Northwestern PA) how she's in the state where the Phillies won the World Series...except that Erie would be made up more of Pittsburgh Pirates fans and most of them booed her!!

 

[stacyp9]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

Obama ad a ratings success
Posted: 03:10 PM ET

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney


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.

Wow. How did that Obama fellow get so darn smart?

I talked to two different people today that were swayed by it. One was a teetering Republican and one was a undecided Independent that really really wanted to vote for a woman. Both are going Obama now!

 

[gmboy95]

hahahahahahah.....you all know 33,000,000 people watched that, and it was a HUGE success, and some of you cons just hate that!!!!

Meanwhile John Mccain couldn't find his binky Samuel the non-plumber today!!!....How sad

 

[gmboy95]

I talked to two different people today that were swayed by it. One was a teetering Republican and one was a undecided Independent that really really wanted to vote for a woman. Both are going Obama now!

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Uncle Remus]

Well, we know Joe the Plumber didn't show at one of McCain's rallies, but this is pretty sad:

The McCain campaign actually had to bus in school kids from the surrounding area in order to fill the event. As reported by MSNBC:

A local school district official confirmed after the event that of the 6,000 people estimated by the fire marshal to be in attendance this morning, more than 4,000 were bused in from schools in the area. The entire 2,500-student Defiance School District was in attendance, the official said, in addition to at least three other schools from neighboring districts, one of which sent 14 buses.
This happened -- as if a reminder were needed -- less than a week out from the election, when the heat of the campaign should be drawing record crowds.

Link

 

[gmboy95]

Well, we know Joe the Plumber didn't show at one of McCain's rallies, but this is pretty sad:

What school system would think this is OK??

 

[stacyp9]

Well, we know Joe the Plumber didn't show at one of McCain's rallies, but this is pretty sad:

You know what I don't get? Why do they keep doing stuff like this? They have been outed so many times for it. Do they really think that people are not going to take pictures of the black curtains used to make the stands look more full? Do they really think that when they report a crowd of 20K someone isn't going to check and discover that the stadium only holds 11K? It is so pathetic and sad.

I was a McCain fan once upon a time. If he had stuck to honestly this would have been such a different election. Instead he opted for hiring the same band of gross people that smeared him the last time he ran to run his campaign and it has been the same barrage of lies, fear mongering and ridiculous accusations as it was last time. It's really sad.

 

[gmboy95]

You know what I don't get? Why do they keep doing stuff like this? They have been outed so many times for it. Do they really think that people are not going to take pictures of the black curtains used to make the stands look more full? Do they really think that when they report a crowd of 20K someone isn't going to check and discover that the stadium only holds 11K? It is so pathetic and sad.

I was a McCain fan once upon a time. If he had stuck to honestly this would have been such a different election. Instead he opted for hiring the same band of gross people that smeared him the last time he ran to run his campaign and it has been the same barrage of lies, fear mongering and ridiculous accusations as it was last time. It's really sad.

Well said!!!!

 

[MrsPete]

For THAT amount of money I'd hope that it would be successful!



Rich::

Know what he could've done that would've really swayed me? He could've put that money -- an amount I can't really even fathom -- towards paying off the recent bailout. Honestly, the amounts that've been wasted on this election are obscene. What could that money do for the public schools? For our wounded soldiers? For our debt?

Then for a follow-up, he could've announced that if elected he would forego a fancy swearing-in ceremony and simply stand on the Capitol steps with the necessary people and take his oath in a simple, private manner. And put that money towards paying off the billion-trillions our children's children's children will still owe to China.

Then he could appeal to Americans to make similar cut-backs and sacrafices in their own lives -- on a voluntary level, in whatever ways are possible and practical for individuals -- so that we can rid ourselves of the staggering debt we have accumulated for ourselves. Or, should I say, the debt that every president since FDR has accumulated for us? Individuals would follow suit if a leader showed the way.

IF he did something like this, the press would grab it and run, and it would be fantastic for his image -- a politician who's actually going to do something in our faltering economy. But he won't do anything like that because -- no matter what his cheerleaders say -- he isn't different from other politicians.

 

[lindalinda]

Know what he could've done that would've really swayed me? He could've put that money -- an amount I can't really even fathom -- towards paying off the recent bailout. Honestly, the amounts that've been wasted on this election are obscene. What could that money do for the public schools? For our wounded soldiers? For our debt?

Then for a follow-up, he could've announced that if elected he would forego a fancy swearing-in ceremony and simply stand on the Capitol steps with the necessary people and take his oath in a simple, private manner. And put that money towards paying off the billion-trillions our children's children's children will still owe to China.

Then he could appeal to Americans to make similar cut-backs and sacrafices in their own lives -- on a voluntary level, in whatever ways are possible and practical for individuals -- so that we can rid ourselves of the staggering debt we have accumulated for ourselves. Or, should I say, the debt that every president since FDR has accumulated for us? Individuals would follow suit if a leader showed the way.

IF he did something like this, the press would grab it and run, and it would be fantastic for his image -- a politician who's actually going to do something in our faltering economy. But he won't do anything like that because -- no matter what his cheerleaders say -- he isn't different from other politicians.

It is illegal to use campaign financing for anything but, well, campaign stuff.

 

[Goofyluver]

Know what he could've done that would've really swayed me? He could've put that money -- an amount I can't really even fathom -- towards paying off the recent bailout. Honestly, the amounts that've been wasted on this election are obscene. What could that money do for the public schools? For our wounded soldiers? For our debt?

Then for a follow-up, he could've announced that if elected he would forego a fancy swearing-in ceremony and simply stand on the Capitol steps with the necessary people and take his oath in a simple, private manner. And put that money towards paying off the billion-trillions our children's children's children will still owe to China.

Then he could appeal to Americans to make similar cut-backs and sacrafices in their own lives -- on a voluntary level, in whatever ways are possible and practical for individuals -- so that we can rid ourselves of the staggering debt we have accumulated for ourselves. Or, should I say, the debt that every president since FDR has accumulated for us? Individuals would follow suit if a leader showed the way.

IF he did something like this, the press would grab it and run, and it would be fantastic for his image -- a politician who's actually going to do something in our faltering economy. But he won't do anything like that because -- no matter what his cheerleaders say -- he isn't different from other politicians.

He can't do that. That money (including the money donated by me) was donated to the campaign. It would be unethical and illegal to do otherwise with the money. I donated the money to Barack Obama in order to ensure he get elected. I'm glad he's using my money for good.

 

[Uncle Remus]

You know what I don't get? Why do they keep doing stuff like this? They have been outed so many times for it. Do they really think that people are not going to take pictures of the black curtains used to make the stands look more full? Do they really think that when they report a crowd of 20K someone isn't going to check and discover that the stadium only holds 11K? It is so pathetic and sad.

I was a McCain fan once upon a time. If he had stuck to honestly this would have been such a different election. Instead he opted for hiring the same band of gross people that smeared him the last time he ran to run his campaign and it has been the same barrage of lies, fear mongering and ridiculous accusations as it was last time. It's really sad.

I think McCain got caught up in mimickin' bush because he thought that was the way to win the Republican votes, he didn't anticipate the Palin effect which really made conservatives think twice about McCain's judgment and will cost him the election. I hope political scientists will sort this out before the next presidential election, it may be that we have an emerging party for Christian conservatives apart from the Republican party, that should make some people happy.

 

[stacyp9]

Know what he could've done that would've really swayed me? He could've put that money -- an amount I can't really even fathom -- towards paying off the recent bailout. Honestly, the amounts that've been wasted on this election are obscene. What could that money do for the public schools? For our wounded soldiers? For our debt?

Then for a follow-up, he could've announced that if elected he would forego a fancy swearing-in ceremony and simply stand on the Capitol steps with the necessary people and take his oath in a simple, private manner. And put that money towards paying off the billion-trillions our children's children's children will still owe to China.

Then he could appeal to Americans to make similar cut-backs and sacrafices in their own lives -- on a voluntary level, in whatever ways are possible and practical for individuals -- so that we can rid ourselves of the staggering debt we have accumulated for ourselves. Or, should I say, the debt that every president since FDR has accumulated for us? Individuals would follow suit if a leader showed the way.

IF he did something like this, the press would grab it and run, and it would be fantastic for his image -- a politician who's actually going to do something in our faltering economy. But he won't do anything like that because -- no matter what his cheerleaders say -- he isn't different from other politicians.

That would have ticked off a whole lot of his supporters. We gave our money to help him win, not to buy votes.

 

[gmboy95]

Just finished watching Obama in Missouri on CNN...I could watch that stump speach over and over...It is inspiring!!

I guess Mccain has other things to do tonight!!

 

[MrsPete]

That would have ticked off a whole lot of his supporters. We gave our money to help him win, not to buy votes.

I don't see a whole lot of difference between spending on advertising and buying votes.

My point is that I would respect a candidate who was DOING SOMETHING about the economy, not just spending-spending-spending. I think most Americans would.

 

[TCPluto]

Wow .....................


I'm glad it was a success. Most people that I have spoken to thoroughly enjoyed it. They thought that it was very inspiring.

It solidified my vote for Barack Obama.

I don't think raw numbers are a measure of success for this.

Everyone I talked to pointed out that it was more of the same to them.... hope and change, cange and hope.... Tehy're wholey unimpressed with what he did with the time.

It made them more comfortable in their McCain vote...

So are the raw number of viewers being reported really a measure of success??