So let's discuss the Obama Ad [Archive] - Beastie Boys Message Board

King PSYZ

10-29-2008, 08:43 PM

I thought it'd be nice to discuss the ad, the changes in how "the game" is played, and it's effect on the electorate without the snark and sarcasm of the other thread.

Personally, aside from the message this ad demonstrated a clear understanding by the Obama campaign of the electorate. We've become a 30 minute culture in the last 30 years or so, it's become a media centric society, and not in the news media sense, but in the use of media to reach people. Video, Music, PodCasts, YouTube, etc.

What better way to reach those you most need to explain who you are to than during prime time, and on one network, before the World Series?

Many polls have shown this year to have a large contingent of voters "uninformed". Not to say they're stupid or uneducated, but people like those of us who frequent these boards, or other political blogs, those who research platforms and sources, those who early vote or volunteer, we're the minority this year. Many take what they see at face value. So what better way to answer talking points like "Who is Barack Obama?" by telling everyone the answer?

It also shows the lack of the McCain campaign and John McCain himself to understand that the electorate has evolved and the way a campaign should reach the electorate in 2008 and beyond. McCain is the one who positioned the question as to who Barack Obama is, yet shows a real bitterness when faced with the hard truth that he's not only going to tell everyone, but that people might actually like what they hear.

Do you know anyone who saw this and had it change their opinion? Or is everyone already pretty much dialed in for their vote and this was for naught?

travesty

10-29-2008, 09:53 PM

I was shocked to hear that, even though he hasn't even won yet, he has ratcheted down his tax cut ceiling from $250k to $200k already. WOW! I am telling you right here and now people.....look the fuck out for this guy, he is pandering for your vote and has zero intention of cutting taxes once in office.

I had an RSVP to his rally this AM but I got up late and figured fuck it. He is not likely to get my vote and frankly, I didn't want to wait around in the cold for a couple hours just to hear the same stump speech he has been puking out for the last 10 days. Regardless of all of this, I don't see how he doesn't win this election. His campaign is a freaking juggernaut.

kaiser soze

10-29-2008, 09:55 PM

What are you bitching about?

That was the best Charlie Brown Halloween Special I have ever seen!

Documad

10-29-2008, 10:16 PM

I was shocked to hear that, even though he hasn't even won yet, he has ratcheted down his tax cut ceiling from $250k to $200k already.
See, when I heard him explain it at the debate, he didn't promise a tax CUT for people who made less than $250,000. He said that he would only increase taxes on people who made more than $250,000. That's what I heard and it was pretty clear to me. I can't remember where the tax CUT was supposed to start but I thought it was in the neighborhood of $125,000-150,000.

Documad

10-29-2008, 10:22 PM

I can't imagine that the ad will change anyone's mind, but maybe it will make people feel a little better about voting for him. Perhaps some of the democrats who were going to vote for him because he is the democrat in the race will now feel a little more pride about their votes.

Maybe there will be some people who were afraid of him and who will still not vote for him but who won't feel afraid of him when he wins. Maybe he really wants to set aside some of the partisan differences and have most of us working on fixing the country in January 2009.

The ad isn't my style. The music reminds me of the motivational classes I attended when I was promoted at work. :p But the tone--the sincerity of him wanting to fix the country's problems and not going off on stupid tangents--it's the polar opposite of what McCain has been doing. I'm quite proud to be voting for Obama, really I am. I never liked Reagan, but this has a Reagan, morning-in-america tone. That's what I think.

BBboy20

10-29-2008, 10:30 PM

I can't imagine that the ad will change anyone's mindFor the same people who voted Bush the second time but aren't accepting slaves to his administration, perhaps.

Yeah, I think this has shifted into his favor even more (how much,we'll have to see later polls) but, unless the vast majority of Americans are racists, I don't think McCain has a chance anyways.

GlobemalloSpike

10-29-2008, 10:51 PM

It's unclear to me if Obama has "ratcheted down his tax cut ceiling."

$250k has been his figure for couples, or as he says, "No family making less than $250,000 will see any tax increase".
$200k was always his figure for singles.

But, I'm pretty sure this time around I heard, "families" and "$200k"

the tax plan posted on his website (http://origin.barackobama.com/taxes/) hasn't changed.

travesty

10-29-2008, 11:13 PM

See, when I heard him explain it at the debate, he didn't promise a tax CUT for people who made less than $250,000. He said that he would only increase taxes on people who made more than $250,000. That's what I heard and it was pretty clear to me. I can't remember where the tax CUT was supposed to start but I thought it was in the neighborhood of $125,000-150,000.

Gotcha...makes sense but I'll hafta look into this a little more.

Bob

10-29-2008, 11:17 PM

checkyourprez

10-29-2008, 11:24 PM

dish network is my television provider. he has a 24 hour 7 day a week infomercial running on his own channel on that shit. ive checked it out for a couple minutes a couple different times. i just wondered how he was doing it, thats some ross perot shit.

saz

10-29-2008, 11:30 PM

dish network completely rules as it provides free speech tv (http://www.freespeech.org/fscm2/genx.php?name=home) (y)

RobMoney$

10-29-2008, 11:30 PM

I'll bet this 30 min. vulgar display has convinced more people to vote for Obama than 100 ACORN workers passing out free smokes.

saz

10-29-2008, 11:36 PM

funny that a "lifelong democrat" all of the sudden likes to take swipes at the homeless and those who assist them.

RobMoney$

10-29-2008, 11:51 PM

LOL, Yeah,..."ASSISTING"

OK.

Dorothy Wood

10-30-2008, 12:06 AM

I was eating ceviche and drinking margaritas so I missed it.

anybody gotta link?

Laver1969

10-30-2008, 12:17 AM

I was eating ceviche and drinking margaritas so I missed it.

anybody gotta link?

Here's the link! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtREqAmLsoA)

DroppinScience

10-30-2008, 12:18 AM

I think this ad was brilliant and timely for the era we live in. In plain terms, he laid out what is at stake for the electorate, that these are tough economic times and it's going to take a man like Obama to fix it and he's got the plan to put America back on its feet.

It also underscores how Obama has done everything right in this campaign. It was 100% positive and did not sink to the despicable, gutter levels that McCain is swimming in at the moment. It's very telling that Obama is wanting to discuss how to solve the many problems the next President will face and all McCain can do is fear-monger with this ridiculous story about "associations" with the Palestinian professor. He can only do that because he has no clue how to take on the many problems the world faces.

Spot on, Obama. (y)

Documad

10-30-2008, 12:40 AM

Re taxes: There are three possibilities for every family, not two. Your taxes could go up, down or stay the same. I think the plan is for some families who make more than say $150,000 but less than $250,000 to stay the same. I never heard that the plan was for all families below $250,000 to get a tax CUT. The plan was for only families making about $250,000 to get an increase.

By the way, I don't agree with Obama. I'd only give a tax cut to low income families and keep the taxes on the middle class the same as now, and then increase taxes on the wealthy (not a ton, but a significant amount). Then I'd spend less and reduce the national debt.

If he becomes president, we will have to see what Congress actually passes and presents to him, won't we.

RobMoney$

10-30-2008, 06:51 AM

checkyourprez

10-30-2008, 09:34 AM

Predictable, to say the least.

You predicted Obama was going to run 30 minute ads?

RobMoney$

10-30-2008, 09:39 AM

I was refering to Lambert completely gushing over everything Obama does.

rirv

10-30-2008, 09:41 AM

About as predictable as you disagreeing with everything Obama does with a big roll of the eyes and a sarcastic groan.

King PSYZ

10-30-2008, 09:45 AM

I was also wondering what people thought of the idea of the ad aside from the message.

RobMoney$

10-30-2008, 09:50 AM

I've been prety open and honest about the fact that I expect Obama to win.
I mean coming off the horiffic display of Bush, Obama should walk away with it quite easily.
And I'm not in love with McCain either, but I'm definitely more comfortable with his credentials than Obama's at this point.

If Obama wins (and he should) I seriously hope I'm wrong and he is up to the task this job will require of him.

I think I'm more open to an Obama presidency, than Lambert is to a McCain presidency.

rirv

10-30-2008, 09:54 AM

Quite an honest, well judged response. +1 to you.

checkyourprez

10-30-2008, 10:14 AM

I never thought McCain was the worst candidate ever or anything, hes the best republican candidate of my lifetime (24yrs). But when he picked Palin as the VP that seriously turned me off. I mean I really cannot stand her, and I hope to god she gets hit by a bus before she can run for any national office again.

ms.peachy

10-30-2008, 10:15 AM

I think Rob is actually voting for the O man, but just likes to keep everyone here hopping. ;) Face it, without him, there would have been much less going on in here the past couple months.

kaiser soze

10-30-2008, 11:18 AM

Obama's voice is much easier on the ears

mccain and palin irritate me like nails being scraped across a chalkboard

This commercial is a nice addendum to his closing argument. I'm sure he had money he had to use so why not something that is more accessible by the public.

King PSYZ

10-30-2008, 02:02 PM

Documad

10-30-2008, 04:05 PM

Well that was alot a big argument against Kerry in 04, he had money left over yet didn't spend it when he should of to get the word out.

So Obama has been given record ammounts of money to get the word out from his constituants, so might as well do the most effective advertising you can.

The gripe with Gore was that he didn't have the money or the stomach to fight Bush after the election. I think Kerry was saving money for the legal fight if Florida or Ohio was too close to call. I assume that Obama is also saving money in case he has to fight in court after the election in some of the states. Hopefully Obama will take enough former republican states this year that we won't have to fuck around with Florida or Ohio at all. You just know there will be some kind of shenanigans this year, whether it's intentional or a product of the voting machines.

I also think it's valid for Obama to try to pump up his numbers in the solidly blue states like California who haven't seen as many commercials as the so called swing states. The bigger mandate Obama has in the popular vote, the easier it will be for him to govern in January, and the more likely he will get his cabinet approved without a big fuss. Unless he's an idiot like Clinton and makes a bunch of dumb choices right out of the gate.

travesty

10-30-2008, 04:27 PM

If this egomaniac has so much money to throw around at things like a half hour informercial on multiple stations then why the hell did this appear in my in-box at 11pm last night?

Travis --

The next 6 days are going to be the toughest we've seen, and I need your support to reach as many voters as possible.

Donate $5 or more today to strengthen this movement for the final push.

This campaign is in your hands.

Thank you for everything you're doing,

Barack

No BS!! Then there was a little "Donate" Button at the bottom. I'm in the middle class Barry, aren't you supposed to be giving ME money?

RobMoney$

10-30-2008, 08:32 PM

I think Rob is actually voting for the O man, but just likes to keep everyone here hopping. ;) Face it, without him, there would have been much less going on in here the past couple months.

For the first time in my life I will not be voting for the Democratic candidate, and I'm not happy about it.
I have to admit that seeing Bill Clinton wax poetic about Obama was the most inspired I've been the entire campaign.
He really didn't utilize Bill as much as he could have, but I'm not sure it's going to make a difference anyway.

To tell you the truth Peach, I'll be happy when Nov. 4th is over.
It's starting to get to be too much, even for me.

Documad

10-30-2008, 08:41 PM

DroppinScience

10-30-2008, 08:48 PM

I think that Bill and Hillary were pretty reluctant to get involved. I think that Bill wasn't utilized because Bill wasn't completely on board. I'm glad to see that Hillary and now Bill have decided to use their skills in support of the ticket. At first, it seemed like Bill wasn't completely on board.

I wonder whether it just took Bill and Hillary some time to lick their wounds. Or whether they've seen that Obama looks likely to win and thus it's now in their interest to get completely on board.

Personally, I don't think it matters how much the Clintons help out. This is Barack's election and he's got to campaign for it. Assists from the Clintons are always nice, but not the be-all and end-all.

And the Clintons know they have to make nice with Obama if they want to still have high standings within the party.

Documad

10-30-2008, 09:13 PM

I don't think the Clintons matter either. I sure hope that we don't need Florida or Ohio this year. But it would be nice to have those states and the Clintons could help there, so I'm glad they're on board. Plus it will be easier for Obama to run the country if they're all pulling in the same direction.

I just find the personal aspects interesting. There had to be a moment where Hillary didn't want to help because she hoped that she could run in 2112. Even if it was a fleeting moment.

RobMoney$

10-30-2008, 10:28 PM

And the Clintons know they have to make nice with Obama if they want to still have high standings within the party.

If that were true, why is Obama still seeking Bill out to be a part of his campaign and infomercial at this point?

Bill carries a ton of cred with the working-class base of the Democratic party. Obama needs Bill more than Bill needs Obama.

Also, Bill's days of being a public servant are over. He's not trying to prepare for any future campaign where he'll need Obama's help.

DroppinScience

10-30-2008, 11:35 PM

If that were true, why is Obama still seeking Bill out to be a part of his campaign and infomercial at this point?

Bill carries a ton of cred with the working-class base of the Democratic party. Obama needs Bill more than Bill needs Obama.

Also, Bill's days of being a public servant are over. He's not trying to prepare for any future campaign where he'll need Obama's help.

Not entirely true. Bill has a legacy to protect, and if Hillary is ever interested in the White House at a later date, they have to bury the hatchet and prove they're interested in helping their party and country out and not be in it SOLELY for themselves.

And Obama is now a brand-name of his own, so to me, I don't think Obama is desperate for help from the Clintons. What they're doing is welcome and great for party unity (and I think party unity is there where we're already seeing a big rupture within the Republican party), but Obama is proving himself to be his own man. As I said before, it's an assist but Obama is carrying the heavy weight and doing a mighty impressive job.

RobMoney$

10-31-2008, 12:15 AM

and if Hillary is ever interested in the White House at a later date,...

Hahahaaaaa.

D_Raay

10-31-2008, 02:11 AM

Obama went 30 minutes without even mentioning McCain's name. Could the same be said if it were McCain?

DroppinScience

10-31-2008, 04:29 AM

Hahahaaaaa.

You don't think she'd try again?

yeahwho

10-31-2008, 05:18 AM

Obama went 30 minutes without even mentioning McCain's name. Could the same be said if it were McCain?

I haven't seen the half hour ad, I am inundated with all of the heated political propaganda that currently flows on the television and radio. But I do read like a mofo and am completely impressed with Obama's ability to marginalize his opponents without attack. To use a basketball analogy, Barack Obama has moves not unlike Gary Payton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton) "the Glove" he steals the ball and momentum from his opponent with intense defense.

I like also even at this very crucial time that he is willing to put a full court press on right down to the very last vote. He has headed an extraordinary campaign with dignity and class. I'm really looking forward to seeing the results Tuesday evening.

Laver1969

10-31-2008, 06:29 AM

Obama went 30 minutes without even mentioning McCain's name. Could the same be said if it were McCain?

That's a very good point! What the campaigns are putting emphasis on. Obama's plan for the future.

McCain is still playing the "Obama's Risky/Inexperienced" card.

RobMoney$

10-31-2008, 08:03 AM

To use a basketball analogy, Barack Obama has moves not unlike Gary Payton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Payton) "the Glove" he steals the ball and momentum from his opponent with intense defense.

Please, don't ever do that again.
As someone from Seattle I'd think you'd have a little more respect for the Glove.
Barack Obama can't even drive right. His game is weak.

Bob

10-31-2008, 08:22 AM

now you're disparaging his HOOP playing skills? where is the line anymore???

RobMoney$

10-31-2008, 08:25 AM

You don't think she'd try again?

No, I don't. It's laughable to think she would.
That ship has sailed for her.

Let's say Obama wins, one of two things will happen.
He will either be very successful, in which case I think that would line up Biden to be the most likely candidate in 2016.
Or,
Obama is a failure, in which case I think that would be inviting a GOP victory in 4 or 8 years from now.

Either way I don't really see how Hillary has a viable shot at a Presidential campaign at this point, and it's America's loss really because she would have been great.

RobMoney$

10-31-2008, 08:28 AM

now you're disparaging his HOOP playing skills? where is the line anymore???

Where is the line indeed.
First the World Series, now MNF (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3672799)?

Leave me the fuck alone already.

mikizee

10-31-2008, 08:56 AM

Obama - just another black man begging for change.

/racist

Laver1969

10-31-2008, 09:39 AM

No, I don't. It's laughable to think she would.
That ship has sailed for her.

Let's say Obama wins, one of two things will happen.
He will either be very successful, in which case I think that would line up Biden to be the most likely candidate in 2016.
Or,
Obama is a failure, in which case I think that would be inviting a GOP victory in 4 or 8 years from now.

Either way I don't really see how Hillary has a viable shot at a Presidential campaign at this point, and it's America's loss really because she would have been great.

Do you see Obama putting Hillary in some sort of special Cabinet position or i've even heard the idea of a Supreme Court nomination...any thoughts on that kinda stuff, Rob?

AceFace

10-31-2008, 09:51 AM

To tell you the truth Peach, I'll be happy when Nov. 4th is over.
It's starting to get to be too much, even for me.

i hear ya. i have so much anxiety today and i feel that it may be this never ending election that's got my tummy in knots.

saz

10-31-2008, 09:58 AM

He will either be very successful, in which case I think that would line up Biden to be the most likely candidate in 2016.

i think biden will be way too old by then.

i've been hearing that hillary could become the senate majority leader, or appointed to the supreme court as already mentioned.

DJ Pioneer

10-31-2008, 11:16 AM

It was a great idea as a last minute effort to win over any undecided voters. The ad itself was edited perfectly - perfect transitions, music, shots, etc. I was beyond impressed.

Dorothy Wood

10-31-2008, 11:18 AM

well, I finally watched it. it was a little cheesy, but I thought it flowed well and highlighted a lot of the problems regular american people are facing. I almost cried a little at the couple with the lady with arthritis and the husband who still had to work even though he was retired. I thought it was sneakily coincidental that he was 72 years old.

I don't know, of course it was a little weird...but it was far far from "orwellian" and obama didn't come off as an "egomaniac" either. I think it's important that we have a president who can express himself in a clear and concise manner with an obvious dedication to serving the american public.

anyway, obama is a classy dude. I'll be so happy if he wins so I can finally be proud of my president. it's been a long time.

RobMoney$

10-31-2008, 01:45 PM

Do you see Obama putting Hillary in some sort of special Cabinet position or i've even heard the idea of a Supreme Court nomination...any thoughts on that kinda stuff, Rob?

I don't expect Hillary to be offered, nor to accept a cabinet position.
I think she can do more right where she's at in the Senate.

and to tell you the truth I'd never considered a SCJ nomination.
That's an interesting thought. Although I think she'd be great I'm not sure she'd be confirmied considering how partisan a Clinton nomination could be.
To be honest, a SCJ nomination should not be a political favor to offer to fellow party friends as consolation prizes for their support. The court of last resort in our democracy should be objective, independent and most of all, experienced.
Working for a Little Rock Law Firm with no experience on any legal bench is not enough credentials for a position of such legal stature.

yeahwho

10-31-2008, 06:03 PM

Please, don't ever do that again.
As someone from Seattle I'd think you'd have a little more respect for the Glove.
Barack Obama can't even drive right. His game is weak.

John McCain is playing like the Seattle Mariners last season, he can't even lose the right way. All the Mariners had to do is lose the last few games to pick up a #1 draft pick, instead they win a game and fuck that up. WTF? At least the Mariners mascot the Moose is still rooting for the team unlike Sarah Palin the moose who is stepping up her own agenda, rather than supporting the team.

Bob

10-31-2008, 06:54 PM

I don't expect Hillary to be offered, nor to accept a cabinet position.
I think she can do more right where she's at in the Senate.

and to tell you the truth I'd never considered a SCJ nomination.
That's an interesting thought. Although I think she'd be great I'm not sure she'd be confirmied considering how partisan a Clinton nomination could be.
To be honest, a SCJ nomination should not be a political favor to offer to fellow party friends as consolation prizes for their support. The court of last resort in our democracy should be objective, independent and most of all, experienced.
Working for a Little Rock Law Firm with no experience on any legal bench is not enough credentials for a position of such legal stature.

it wouldn't be the first time a non-judge has been appointed. but yeah, i agree with you (for once!), i don't really want the SCOTUS to be so blatantly political. the least they can do is pretend they're picking someone for their skills instead of their ideologies.

saz

11-01-2008, 02:45 PM

yeah, let's not make the scotus so blatantly political. they've been doing a damn good job as it is, stopping florida recounts and appointing presidents.

Documad

11-01-2008, 03:11 PM

Hillary would have a chance to think about running for president again if Obama loses next week. Otherwise, she's done with that. Hillary would be ill suited for a cabinet position. I don't think she would want to work for someone else at this point. She could stay in the senate for as long as she wants. Her seat will be safe. It might be fun to be in the senate if she's in the majority. She could chair an important committee. Feingold says that he wants to stay in the senate now and take advantage of being in the majority. I believe him.

I think Hillary would be a very poor choice for the court, and I think she would hate it. Bush got to pick the chief and that job probably won't be open again for decades. Being a justice means staying out of politics and reading and writing all the time. Hillary had never shown an interest in that sort of thing. And if she was a judge, Bill Clinton would have to really behave. I'm not sure he could. The financial dealings we've heard rumors of recently would be fully examined. Hillary would be crazy to consider accepting any appointment at this point and Obama would be crazy to offer her one.

Bill Clinton made loads of poor decisions in his early appointments. I really, really, really hope that Obama is smarter.