Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Clinton On the Air in Pennsylvania

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 300

Following Barck Obama's Pennsylvania ad debut yesterday, Hillary Clinton has put up her first ad in the Keystone State. Interestingly, the 30-second spot, titled "Level," is an ad the Clinton campaign previously ran in Ohio. One could infer from this either that the Clinton campaign plans to re-run its successful Ohio campaign in Pennsylvania, or is too financially strapped to produce a new ad in Pennsylvania. Or quite probably both.

Here's the script for the ad:

"Announcer: She’s fighting for America’s middle class.

Clinton: It’s time to level the playing field against the special interests.

Announcer: She’ll end $55 billion dollars in giveaways to corporate special interests and invest it in middle class tax cuts and creating new jobs. She’ll get tough on unfair trade deals and end tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas.

Clinton: Standing up for people who weren’t getting a fair shake, that’s been the purpose of my life. And it will be the purpose of my presidency. I'm Hillary Clinton, and I approve this message."


And here's the video:

Dueling Campaign Swag

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 300

We're still weeks away from the next primary, but the Clinton and Obama campaigns aren't taking any time off, to judge by what's been hitting my inbox this week.

As you might well guess, fund raising has been high on the docket for both candidates since the last round of contests on March 4, with both camps ratcheting up the frequency and urgency of their appeals for contributions to fund the (endlessly) on-going nomination race. Today, however, ushers in a new level of inducement from both Clinton and Obama.

First came an email from the Obama campaign offering four contributors a dinner with the candidate in exchange for a contribution. Call it "Party of Five" meets Powerball:

"Some of Barack's favorite moments of the campaign have been opportunities to meet and talk with the most important donors to this campaign: ordinary Americans just like you.

You've heard about all of these political fundraising dinners, hosted by Washington lobbyists and filled with representatives of special interests.

Contributions like these are at the root of what's wrong with politics. And John McCain and Hillary Clinton have built campaigns fueled by them.

But our campaign is different.

In February alone, more than 94% of our donors gave in amounts of $200 or less. Meanwhile, campaign finance reports show that donations of $200 or less make up just 13% of Senator McCain's total campaign funds, and only 26% of Senator Clinton's.

Our funding comes from a movement of more than one million people giving whatever they can afford.

And in the next week, four supporters will be selected for a new kind of fundraising dinner.

Make a donation in any amount between now and 11:59 pm EDT on Monday, March 31st, and you could join Barack and three other supporters for an intimate dinner for five.

We're reserving two of those seats for previous donors like you. Make your donation now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/dinner

This movement is changing the way campaigns are funded.

More than one million individual donors have demonstrated that this election is about more than a candidate -- it's about each of us having a personal stake in the future of American politics.

Meanwhile, Senator McCain has raised more than 70% of his total campaign funds from high-dollar donors giving $1,000 or more. Senator Clinton has raised 60% of her funds from $1,000-and-up donors. And both Senator McCain and Senator Clinton have accepted millions of dollars from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs.

Refusing to accept donations from lobbyists and special interests has allowed this campaign to answer only to ordinary Americans like you. And this dinner will be an opportunity for you to sit down with Barack and your fellow supporters and talk about the issues that matter in your life and in your community.

Get the kind of treatment that John McCain and Hillary Clinton reserve for special interests -- make a donation in the next week, and you could share your story and your ideas with Barack in person:

https://donate.barackobama.com/dinner

With every single donation, we're building a movement to change American politics. Help the movement grow, and own a piece of this campaign today.

Thanks for your support,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America"


For those with no appetite for the Obama campaign's offer of a seat at the table with their candidate during a group dinner date, the Clinton campaign sent out an email a little while later soliciting cash in exchange for a round-trip to New York and a one-night stand with their candidate:

"Contribute today and you could see Hillary and Elton. In the interest of harmony -- and melody -- I promise you there won't be any duets.

I'm really looking forward to the solo concert my friend Elton John is throwing in New York to help our campaign -- and I would very much like the chance to meet you there.

We're sending two supporters, along with their guests, to New York with VIP tickets for this very special, one-night-only concert on April 9, and it could be you. We will have a chance to talk just you and I -- and you will get to meet Elton John at the party we're throwing afterwards. It's going to be a great night.

Your support is so important to my campaign right now. As we ramp up our campaign in Pennsylvania, I need your help to make sure we have the resources we need to win. If you enter, you and I might see each other in New York on April 9. Make a contribution today.

Enter now for a chance to join me at Elton's solo concert in New York on April 9.

Elton's concert comes at such an exciting moment in our campaign. I'm seeing incredible enthusiasm as I travel across Pennsylvania and other states with upcoming contests.

We've got momentum at our backs, but a big task ahead of us. The Obama campaign is in the middle of a $3 million ad blitz in Pennsylvania, and we've got to do everything we can to overcome their fundraising advantage. Then we face competitive contests in Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon, and Puerto Rico -- and we are already getting started in those states.

There's no better time to support our campaign, and no better way to do it than to make a contribution. And if you enter today, you may join me and Elton for a one-of-a-kind concert.

Enter now for a chance to join me at Elton's solo concert in New York on April 9.

Thank you so much for all your support. I hope you know how much you mean to me and my campaign.

Sincerely,

Hillary"


B-B-B-Benny and the (New York) Jets, perhaps? You know I read it a mag-a-zay-een...

Both offers are pretty amusing, and there's plenty of contrast between the two grand prizes to remark upon. But we will refrain from over-analyzing; this page is, after all, a political blog, not Vanity Fair.

But, if you're Vanity Fair, that doesn't mean we're not interested...

Friday, March 21, 2008

Obama on the Air in Pennsylvania with 3 Ads

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 304

Barack Obama has put up his first TV ads in the run-up to the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.

The first ad is titled "Opportunity."



The second ad is titled "Toughest."



The third ad is titled "Carry."

Richardson Endorses Obama

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 305

This is big. New Mexico Governor and former Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson sent an email announcement early this morning endorsing Barack Obama's presidential bid.

To those who noted Richardson's defense of Hillary Cllnton in last year's debates and speculated that he may have been angling to become her running mate, as well as Richardson's history as a member of former president Bill Clinton's cabinet,Ricardson's endorsement of Obama will come as something of a surprise. However, given the Governor's statement earlier this month that whomever was ahead in the overall delegate count after the March 4 primaries in Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont should be the party's nominee, today's endorsement was somewhat to be expected.

Coming at this juncture in the campaign, Richardson's endorsement can help Obama in two important ways. First, super delegates will undoubtedly take notice, and many may take their cue from Richardson and declare their support for Obama, further clarifying the likely outcome of the Democratic race. Second, and perhaps more importantly, Richardon's endorsement may help Obama among Hispanic voters, long counted upon by Hillary Clinton as an electoral firewall against Obama's candidacy.

Here's the email from Richardson.

"During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.

We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990's were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America's international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation's special responsibilities in the world.

So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.

Sincerely,

Bill Richardson"

Thursday, March 20, 2008

McCain and the 3:00 A.M. Phone Call

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 305

John McCain, traveling in the Middle East to showcase the depth of his foreign policy knowledge and experience, made headlines yesterday. And not in a good way.

Since McCain is a United States Senator, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he is billing the trip, literally and figuratively, as official business, which means taxpayers are footing the bill. The fact that John McCain is the putative Republican nominee for president is, of course, incidental to the trip. As is, apparently, the campaign fundraiser scheduled to take place in London later this week.

But, odd as it seems, that wasn’t the headline. No, the headline sprang from remarks McCain made in Amman, Jordan. Talking up the dangers of Iranian meddling in Iraq, McCain said, “Al-Qaida is going back into Iran and is receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran.” When a reporter asked McCain to flesh out that statement, the senator obliged by saying it is “common knowledge and has been reported in the media that al-Qaeda is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran, that's well known. And it's unfortunate.”

Not so much unfortunate as patently and wildly inaccurate. Without getting too deep into the historical and theological weeds, suffice it to say that the Shiites running Iran are not exactly cozy with the Sunni affiliation of al-Qaida’s leadership. This is something that a lot of people understand, or at least recognize, including McCain’s senate colleague and Iraq war soul-mate Joe Lieberman, who is traveling with McCain’s delegation this week and was on the podium as McCain spoke. Realizing McCain’s error, Lieberman intervened by delicately whispering in McCain’s ear that the bad guys in question were not, in fact, affiliated with al-Qaida, but were more accurately referred to as “Shiite extremists.” McCain pivoted immediately, “I'm sorry, the Iranians are training extremists, not al-Qaeda,” adding again, “I’m sorry.”

I’ll give McCain the benefit of the doubt and assume that his second “I’m sorry” was not an expression of regret that Iran really isn’t training al-Qaida, after all, or perhaps that al-Qaida is not an extremist organization, as opposed to those whom Iran is training, but rather was an additional apology for his gaffe.

No one disputes that Iran supports and trains violent extremist groups (Hezbollah, anyone?), and does so with specific reference to Iraq. The problem with McCain's statement in Amman is that he lumps all Islamic groups under the al-Qaeda moniker, either out of personal ignorance or a desire to frighten voters with the name of the one terrorist organization they are likely to know of. That fact that McCain retracted and apologized after being corrected by Lieberman does rather force one to assume ignorance (and distinctly not confusion) is the culprit.

The point is that John McCain, who has derided both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as dangerously unqualified starry-eyed know-nothing dreamers when it comes to foreign policy, and promoting himself as the only candidate equipped to be America’s Commander in Chief, lacks even a basic grasp of facts that are central and fundamental to life in the Middle East, an area of vital American interest where our armed forces are bogged down in a war we have thus far been able neither to win nor otherwise end. John McCain is running for president in large part because he claims superior understanding of foreign policy and security issues. The Amman gaffe is the latest, but by no means the only, indicator that McCain's grasp of detail, which I think most people can agree is important for a president, is no better in these matters than that of the current incumbent. The clear implication is that with no better grasp of factual detail than George W. Bush, Americans can expect no better results for the country than they've seen these past 7-plus years.

This embarrassing episode for McCain not only undermines his central claim to superior presidential fitness, but also makes it harder for voters to imagine McCain as the man answering the White House phone when it rings at 3:00 in the morning. But let me urge those who may be feeling that way not to be too hasty. Don’t despair. You can still imagine John McCain answering the 3:00 phone call.

In fact, it may go something like this:

It’s 3:00 A.M. and your children are safe and asleep. But there’s a phone in the White House and it’s ringing. Something’s happening in the world.

Phone: *riiiiing. Riiiiiiiing. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing! RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!*
McCain: Hmph.Grmph?
Phone: *RRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!*
McCain: Ugh. Hello?
Voice on Phone: Mr. President, this is your national Security Advisor.
McCain. Oh. Good Lord, do you know what time it is?
Voice on Phone: Indeed I do, sir. It’s 3:00 A.M.
McCain: What the hell are you doing calling me at this hour?
Voice on Phone: Well, sir, we have a situation in the Middle East.
McCain: Oh, no. Baltimore?
Voice on Phone: Er, no sir. The Persian Gulf. Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia.
McCain: I know, I know. And all those little countries, too. Well, what’s happening?
Voice on Phone: If you would join us in the Situation Room, sir, the Joint Chiefs are assembled and waiting to brief you.
McCain: Now? It’s 3:00 A.M., for God’s sake.
Voice on Phone: Yes, sir.
McCain: OK. But make sure Vice-President Lieberman’s there. And call the folks on K Street and tell them I may be late for the weekly meeting.
Voice on Phone: Yes, sir.
McCain: OK. The Situation Room: that’s upstairs, right? Near the attic?
Voice on Phone: No sir, it’s closer to the basement.
McCain: I’m sorry, the basement, not the attic. I’m sorry.


You get the picture. For anyone seriously contemplating voting to elevate John McCain to the office of president, Wednesday’s gaffe in Amman, even if it didn’t happen at 3:00 A.M., should serve as your wake up call.

Monday, March 17, 2008

DFA Open Letter: "Fight McCain, Not Each Other"

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 308

Sign me up. This note from Democracy for America hit my in box today:

The Democratic race for President has lost its focus. We have John McCain to beat in November, instead we fight each other.

Geraldine Ferraro. Reverend Wright. Rezko ties. Secret tax returns. If you're like me; you're sick of it.

We have a war to end, an economy in trouble, and $4 gas.

With hundreds of progressives to elect at all levels of office, it's time to leave the character attacks to Ann Coulter and Bill O'Reilly.

America needs to know why our candidates are better than John McCain and we need to hear it from Senators Clinton and Obama.

Fight McCain, not each other. Join me in signing an open letter to the candidates now:

www.DemocracyforAmerica.com/OpenLetter

We have an historic nomination battle, driving record Democratic turnout and commanding the nation's attention.

America needs to know our nominee will fight global warming with new jobs, technologies, and investment. Our nominee will expand health coverage to 10 million kids immediately, allow lifesaving research on stem cells, and work toward health care for all by the end of a first term. We will ban torture, restore habeas corpus, and build renewed respect for America around the world.

A Democratic President will end the war in Iraq and bring our brave men and women home.

A long primary battle is healthy as long as we make the case for how we'll win, not how the other candidate will lose. We need to fight McCain, not each other. Join me in demanding Senators Clinton and Obama keep their eyes on the ball.

www.DemocracyforAmerica.com/OpenLetter

Let voters choose our nominee based on the best we have to offer, not the worst we can imagine.

Senators Clinton and Obama say they are ready to lead. Now is their chance to prove it.

Thank you for everything you do to move America forward.

-Jim

Jim Dean
Chair

Friday, March 14, 2008

Clinton, Obama Likely to Debate Twice Before PA Primary

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 311

According to the Associated Press, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are likely to face off in at least two debates between now and Pennsylvania's primary voting on April 22.

One debate, to be hosted by ABC news, would take place in Pennsylvania, with the date still to be finalized. The other, to be sponsored by CBS news, is scheduled to take place April 19 in North Carolina, which holds its own primary with 115 delegates at stake on May 6.

The Obama campaign has agreed to the North Carolina debate, but as yet there has been no firm commitment to appear from the Clinton campaign.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Keith Olbermann: Mindreader

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 312

Last night on MSNBC's "Countdown," host Keith Olbermann gave voice to what I've been thinking and feeling all week, but have been too sickened to write.



Ten minutes of unvarnished truth. Hear, hear.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

A Nine Followed by Seven Zeros

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 319

The Obama campaign released information today indicating that it raised $55 million dollars during the month of February, all but $1 million of it earmarked to be spent in the primaries.

Combined with the $35 million the the Clinton campaigned raised, that makes February's Democratic fund raising haul a staggering $90 million dollars.

That's an average of more than $3 million per day, every day, for the entire month of February. Words fail me.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Thoughts on Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas & Vermont

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 320

Hillary Clinton emerged victorious in some major contests last night, and that is big news if for no other reason than it is the first time anyone has been able to put the words "Clinton" and "victorious" in the same sentence in quite a while.

About the only conclusion that can be immediately drawn from last night's results is that the Democratic race has a ways to go before being settled (anyone in the room who didn't see that coming, go stand in the corner). The Clinton campaign can now draw its first breath since February 5 and turn its attention to what comes next. One gets the impression that when the Clinton campaign thinks "next," they mean Pennsylvania on April 22, but that ignores Wyoming's caucuses this coming Saturday and Mississippi's primary next Tuesday. Those two contests, while combining to offer just 45 delegates, are important in that they provide the winner with the chance to, in the Clinton version, build some momentum from last night's results and roll up some more "hey! wha' happun?" stories from the thunderstruck mainstream media, or, in the Obama version, diminish the atmospherics that now prevail after last night's voting and reinforce the daunting challenge Clinton faces in closing Obama's delegate lead, which remains little changed despite last night's outcome. The Clinton campaign has heretofore shown a tendency to look past small contests; we'll see whether that trend continues.

For the Republicans, or at least those Republicans who back John McCain, all is joy this morning: McCain numerically clinched the delegates required for nomination last night, and is scheduled to receive President Bush's endorsement in the White House Rose Garden this morning (for which gesture I, as a Democrat, am eternally grateful. John McCain standing side-by-side with George W. Bush, receiving the president's blessing to carry on with policies that have skyrocketed him to public approval ratings persistently below 30 percent? Now there's a Kodak moment!). Unfortunately for McCain, important segments of the GOP base still view him as little better than either of the remaining Democratic candidates, so the Straight Talk Express is facing a bumpy ride, not to mention an uphill one, going into November.

And for Barack Obama, the next few weeks present both challenge and opportunity. If Obama can recoup from last night with large-margin wins in Wyoming and Mississippi and roll out meaningful numbers of super delegate commitments, he can present the case that the delegate lead he enjoys leaves Clinton with no realistic path to the nomination, and renew his drive with the Democratic establishment to press for Clinton's withdrawal in the interests of party unity. In the event that Clinton remains in the race through Pennsylvania and beyond, the campaign is sure to continue its negative trend, and the challenge for Obama then becomes showing that he can take a punch and hit back effectively. Doing that without disillusioning those who look to him as the progenitor of a better political culture will be no easy feat, but if he can pull it off, it would enhance his image by adding an element of toughness to his change agent persona. That would serve him well going into a general election campaign against John McCain.

Virtual Spin Room: Texas & Ohio

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 320

After the big votes in Texas & Ohio, here's what the candidates want you to think:

Hillary Clinton

It's a pretty incredible feeling, isn't it? After our victories tonight we have the momentum, thanks to your will, determination, and hard work.

Some people were ready to count us out. But you and I proved them wrong, just as we have every time they tried to declare this race over prematurely. And we're going to keep showing them exactly what we can do.

We're going to do it for everyone across America who's been counted out -- but refused to be knocked out. For everyone who's stumbled -- but stood right back up. And for everyone who works hard -- but never gives up.

I hope you enjoy our victories tonight as much as I am. We won this one together, and that makes it that much better. Thank you so very much for all you have done for our campaign.

Let's build on this remarkable momentum. Each and every one of you can make a statement tonight by going to www.hillaryclinton.com

Thank you so much for everything you did to make this night possible.

All the best,
Hillary




Barack Obama

We may not know the final outcome of today's voting until morning, but the results so far make one thing clear.

When the dust settles from today's contests, we will maintain our substantial lead in delegates. And thanks to millions of people standing for change, we will keep adding delegates and capture the Democratic nomination.

We knew from the day we began this journey that the road would be long. And we knew what we were up against.

We knew that the closer we got to the change we seek, the more we'd see of the politics we're trying to end -- the attacks and distortions that try to distract us from the issues that matter to people's lives, the stunts and the tactics that ask us to fear instead of hope.

But this time -- this year -- it will not work. The challenges are too great. The stakes are too high.

Americans need real change.

In the coming weeks, we will begin a great debate about the future of this country with a man who has served it bravely and loves it dearly. And we will offer two very different visions of the America we see in the twenty-first century.

John McCain has already dismissed our call for change as eloquent but empty.

But he should know that it's a call that did not begin with my words. It's the resounding call from every corner of this country, from first-time voters and lifelong cynics, from Democrats and Republicans alike.

And together you and I are going to grow this movement to deliver that change in November.

Thank you,

Barack

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

D-Day?

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 321

Appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation" this past Sunday, New Mexico Governor and former 2008 Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson said this when asked about the inportance of today's voting in Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont:

"D-Day is Tuesday. Whoever has the most delegates after Tuesday should be the nominee"


I don't know if I would agree that it's quite so cut-and-dried as that, and I certainly think that Richardson overstates matters when he characterizes Republicans as united behind John McCain. But, yes, today could be a significant point in the 2008 campaign, to the extent that it either reinforces or reverses current perceptions on the direction of the Democratic presidential race.

The Washington Post serves up a nice tray of questions that today's voting might help clarify. Here's an excerpt:

"The latest Associated Press delegate counts available on washingtonpost.com show Obama with 1,352 and Clinton with 1,239, a margin of 113. CNN says Obama is leading by 143. The Obama and Clinton campaigns are in relative agreement. Obama's team claims a 162-delegate lead, while Clinton's says he is ahead by 160.5.

There are 370 pledged delegates at stake today. After Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont have been counted, only 611 pledged delegates will be left in the remaining contests. No matter how you run the numbers, the conclusion is always the same: There is virtually no realistic way for Clinton to emerge from the primary-caucus season with more pledged delegates than Obama.

The Clinton counter to this is that pledged delegates alone will not get Obama to the majority that either candidate needs to win the nomination, leaving the outcome in the hands of the superdelegates -- those elected officials and party leaders who have turned off their phones rather than having to say no to one of the candidates."


I think today's voting comes down to a question of when and how either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama achieves critical mass in their quest for the nomination. Obama, of course, has eleven consecutive victories under his belt going into today, and it has been that performance over time that has reshaped the Democratic race. The result of a single day's voting is unlikely to clinch things, in the sense that either campaign will be able to say it's all over tonight.

I've jotted down some thoughts on this over at Pajamas Media. I'll be back tomorrow with my take on the results and what they might mean.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

New Obama Ad in Texas: "Ringing"

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 324

Barack Obama has a new ad up in Texas. The 30-second spot, titled "Ringing," is a direct rebuttal to the Clinton campaign's "Children" ad released yesterday.

Here's the video:



On the substance of the ad, the same comments apply here that I made yesterday regarding Clinton's ad - no new tale to tell.

But in terms of campaign agility and response time, this ad is pretty impressive: same imagery, same narrative style, and pushing the Clinton ad's point directly back upon itself, and all done in less than a day. If the last 24 hours is any indication, Barack Obama is going to be pretty tough to swiftboat, from either side of the aisle.

 
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