Another Pulitzer Prize performance from the American Media.
Quick Take: Obama looks polished, presidential in 30-minute ad
12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, October 30, 2008
Getting Down with The Dallas Morning News
Getting Down with The Dallas Morning News
In his most polished performance yet, Barack Obama looked presidential, like a man who loves his family and country.
That's why his slick 30-minute commercial that aired on network television Wednesday (at a cost of about $4 million) is certain to have changed some minds in his favor, while reinforcing the support of those already in his camp.
Of course, there will be some voters who were turned off by the Hollywood-quality production.
And can you blame Philadelphia Phillies fans for being angry that pre-game festivities for the World Series were pre-empted?
Bottom line, though: Mr. Obama flawlessly used his 30 minutes. If he wins over only a handful of voters, it was millions of dollars well spent.
What's more, the commercial summed up the key themes of Mr. Obama's campaign: his plans to stimulate the economy, retool the auto industry, reform health care, end the war in Iraq and renew direct diplomacy with our enemies.
The passages about his mother reading to him at 4 a.m. were touching.
But even more effective were the personal stories about common Americans – most from swing states – trying to make do in a country seemingly off track.
Despite the gap in the polls, the presidential race isn't over. As John McCain has pointed out, there are valid reasons not to vote for Mr. Obama, and the partisan divide in this country will provide some Election Day drama.
On Wednesday, however, Mr. Obama provided a video portrait on why he believes he's the best choice for America.
Those who saw it may find it more engaging than any stump speech, mailer or regular television ad.
