Obama Hits One Out of the Park
Major League Baseball has just announced that the final three innings of Game 5 of the World Series will be resume at 8:37pm on Wednesday night. The game was suspended on account of the weather, with the score knotted at 2-2. The Tampa Bay Rays must win this game to stave off elimination and send the series back down to Tampa.
As I noted this morning, there's probably no man in America happier about all this than David Axelrod. And it's not (just) because the passionate Cubs fan has it in for the Phillies. Rather, it's because Obama's roadblocked half-hour program is set to air on CBS, NBC, and FOX on Wednesday night (ABC dithered until it missed its chance). That's why the usual start-time of the game on Fox has been pushed from 8:20 to 8:37pm. The Series delivers high ratings in some hard-to-reach demographics, but is a particularly big draw in the teams' home markets. For Game 1, also on a Wednesday night, 31.57% of all households in Tampa/St. Pete tuned in, as well as 35.7% of households in the Philadelphia media market. (It also played extraordinarily well in Orlanda, Ft. Myers, and West Palm Beach.) That's an awful lot of swing-state viewers who'll turn on their televisions to catch the start of the game, and find Obama delivering his closing message. Enough to make even a long-suffering Cubs fan find a little love for the neophyte Rays.
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Go Phillies. Go Obama!
October 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
The question that comes to mind is, will there be any bleed over from the first broadcast (Obama) to the second (baseball)?
Specifically, will the speech be broadcast at the park (I forgot where the Phillies play)? Will the crowd be interested in seeing it? Would any of them get fired up watching it? Will the crowd - a Philadelphia crowd - reflexively boo the politician? Will they respond in any other way? Whether they do or not, will Joe Buck and Tim McCarver mention Obama's speech in the introduction? How?
I think this mostly points to a nice boost for Obama. The questions remain: How nice? What will it look like?
October 28, 2008 5:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beats me. I'd be surprised if they showed at the ballpark, though.
October 28, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Or...
Maybe millions of baseball fans will find Obama where they expected the World Series to be, and say..."Get off my screen, you #@%#ing #%@%#ing #@$#@-eating politician!
October 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's why so many advertisers avoid running spots during events like the World Series?
October 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's why they don't run spots in the middle of an inning, when people expect to see baseball.
Let me make this a little simpler: Suppose you're at a baseball game with your mommy or other adult care-giver. There's an announcement that the game will be delayed 30 minutes for a very long Pepsi commercial.
Wouldn't it sort of make you want to drink Coke?
October 29, 2008 7:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
You'd have a point except the premise is, you know, a total lie. The game is not being delayed (first pitch has been around 8:30PM every game), the time is coming out of the stupid pre-game show.
By the way, no disrespect to the long-overdue Phillies or the surprising Rays -- but this has been the least watched and least interesting Series in a long time. No one really cares except the die-hard fans ... hey! Kind of like the McCain campaign itsself!
October 29, 2008 1:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whooo...I can hear heads exploding all over FoxNews. MLB is in the tank for Obama!
October 28, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
OMG. Florida *and* Pennsylvania. Two birds with one stone.
If I were a superstitious man, I'd conclude that someone upstairs really likes Obama -- or really has it in for McCain.
October 28, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I HAD A CONFLICT. DIDN'T WANT TO MISS THE GAME.
October 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't you have some kind of TiVo, for Chrissake? What's the point of being omnipresent if you can't multitask?
October 28, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOST THE REMOTE
October 28, 2008 3:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol!! You guys... Man, I hope God is really that cool.
October 28, 2008 4:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I 'spect she's WAY to cool for TiVo!
October 28, 2008 5:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Opps. She spells better too.
October 28, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is it just me or does this huge TV buy seem like it could backfire? When Obama is ahead by double digits in PA and sitting comfortably in many other states, why go out of the way to do something unusual and buy a half hour of TV. I'm sure many people that feel they have been saturated with political ads already, so why have a whole half hour running when people are looking to forget about politics and watch baseball.
Go Phillies.
October 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
I see it as Obama "sealing the deal", as it were.
And having it air just before one of the most important games of the World Series. Priceless.
October 28, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agree. And also, he wasn't so far ahead in Pa. when he made the decision to buy the time.
October 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beyond "sealing the deal," I suspect that he's trying to define the mandate.
He's spent a lot of time lately talking rather concretely about his plans for the first four years. He's even been willing to prioritize: for instance, he's been very candid about saying that goal #1 is to address the immediate financial crisis and goal #2 is to craft an energy policy that supports long-term growth.
I suspect part of the point is to build support for a policy agenda. If you take time to review that agenda, very specifically, right before the election, you have a better chance of getting the pundits to interpret the election as a mandate for your policies -- and not just, say, a verdict on Sarah Palin's wardrobe.
October 28, 2008 2:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Opponents are already talking about it as if he's Hugo Chavez demanding air time on all the networks. (Airtime that he purchased on the market, but nevermind that.)
October 28, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with sabretd.
By all the polls and even among Republicans who are not delusional, Obama is on course to win and win big.
The first rule of salesmanship after the customer agrees to buy is to shut up and take their money, not go into a long speech about what a fine choice they have made.
October 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I agree with sabretd.
By all the polls and even among Republicans who are not delusional, Obama is on course to win and win big."
Amelia Earhart's plane was on course for somewhere, but nobody knows where it is now... The Titanic was on a course too, and I'm pretty sure the map didn't say "Iceberg" at the top. The New England Patriots were on course to have an undefeated season last year. Just two months ago, Kyle Busch was on course to win the 2008 Sprint Cup. Polls aren't elections. The goal is not too almost win. The goal is to win.
"The first rule of salesmanship after the customer agrees to buy is to shut up and take their money, not go into a long speech about what a fine choice they have made."
I'm sure you're a heckuva salesman. You're probably sitting in your corner office right now, with the blinds drawn, drinking your afternoon scotch. I'll bet your EA just closed the door on his or her way out. It's a shame this election isn't in your line of work, otherwise you could probably be peddling your "expertise" to the highest bidder. But this election isn't a sale, or at the very least, isn't a single-party transaction. There are plenty of folks who haven't made a choice yet. There are plenty of folks who haven't signed on the dotted line and won't until November 4th. There are plenty more folks who haven't ever made a purchase like this before and might just decide that the line in the showroom is too long or the weather is too bad, and since that nice salesman has plenty of business, maybe they'll just do their thing and hope the transaction turns out okay...
You don't have to worry about customers like that because you've already got your wingtips up on your desk and you're smoking a cigar and listening to Sinatra with the lights down low. But you're not Barack Obama and neither is is sabretd. So unless your first name is Bill or George or George H.W. or Jimmy, with all due respect, I think I'll take my cues from That One and keep after it until after the vote suppressors have given up and headed off to the bar for the night...
October 28, 2008 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
ps. It has been a real treat to see the Fly back around these parts. Heartily rec'd! I would go so far as to "follow" you and some other regulars around here, but I like that my profile says something to the effect of "Ondioline follows no one." I'm mavericky that way, I guess!
October 28, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think that only applies with small-ticket items. I'm pretty sure that you reinforce the buy and weave in after-the-sale features for large purchases, e.g., home entertainment, cars, homes... most big-ticket items come with instructions on how to use and care for your new thing.
And then there's delivery.
I mean, I think I get what you're saying, i.e., some might be put off by it after they caved in and accepted the inevitable.
I personally enjoy hearing him speak. Heard him on the radio back in 2005 and became curious about the man who said, "Things aren't working."
And he was just talking about politics! It's got to be clear to everyone that hardly anything is working lately with regard to the economy, to corporate treatment of employees, to ...
You guys know the rest.
October 28, 2008 4:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Except that if he had passed up an opportunity like this, he would be accused of "limping across the finish line" or "assuming he has it locked up and getting complacent." People wanted Obama to play offense and take it to them in this election, and that's what he's doing.
Plus, this active move falls in the heart of, and to some extent disrupts, the period traditionally reserved for the opposition's barrage of last-minute attacks that he/she doesn't have to answer for. There's still too much time on the clock to start taking a knee.
Finally, it reminds people (as the debates did so successfully) that Obama isn't an extreme or suspicious-seeming guy, which could go a long way toward defusing Republicans' last-minute attacks.
October 28, 2008 10:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because it's not just about winning or "sealing the deal" but getting the country behind him because as president he needs every ones support (not just democrats) so that we can make real change.
October 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ding Ding Ding....I believe this is the correct answer! :)
Really the only way to diffuse the hatred Palin/McCain is spewing is to get people who usually do not see you or your message (baseball fans) to actually see your message. Plus he can get a lot more done if he inspires the whole country and not just democrats.
October 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
All this whingeing and hand-wringing is exactly why Democrats deserve to lose, lose and lose again. Geez, give the estrogen shots a rest.
October 28, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's why it is important, because it isn't an ad.
It is the man who could very well be the next president talking about what he wants to do, why he wants to do it and how he'll get it done. For a half an hour. That is a conversation of the kind that no national politician has ever had the gravitas to pull off.
That is not a political ad and I suspect people will respond to it just fine.
October 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Die hard Yankee fan, but Let's Go Phillies!
October 28, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought Axelrod was a Sox fan? At least his boss has his priorities in order...
October 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Or it will slightly alienate the impatient hard-core baseball fanatic demographic who have to wait 17 minutes.
October 28, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wasn't it the Republicans who were praying for a storm to hit Denver the night of Obama's acceptance speech? Who's team is God on anyway?
October 28, 2008 2:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bud Selig seems like the kind of guy to whom my dad would say "It's less work if I do it myself".
After what Bud Selig did to baseball in 1994 and since, how badly do we want his efforts on behalf of Barack Obama?
October 28, 2008 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, Fly is back!
Poor McCain can't catch a break, can he!
October 28, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry Cubbie fans, Obama is a White Sox fan.
He likes to associate with winners, I guess. ;-)
October 28, 2008 2:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess that proves that O isn't perfect!!
October 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's Obama's only South Side association that really bothers me, actually :)
October 28, 2008 10:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I dodn't do baseball at all -- find it almost as boring as the "sport" of golf.
So in view of the fact that Obama is a baseball fan, and I disapprove of that (doubtless code-speak nod to co-conspirator George Will), I think I'll sit this one out and watch paint dry.
October 29, 2008 6:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm suspending my campaign due to roof leaks.
October 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beautiful.
October 28, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
I seem to remember Adlai Stevenson making a half hour add buy that went a little long so they cut the sound when he got past 30 minutes so people could see his lips moving but couldn't hear what he was saying. Some say it was that add buy that turned the corner for Ike.........
October 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Anyone know what Obama plans to do for a half hour?
October 28, 2008 3:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
The campaign is playing it very close to the vest. Nobody knows what O has planned. A good choice, IMO. Everybody wants to know - everybody will have to wait and see.
October 28, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is going to make a brief statement of thanks for all our hard work, thank his loving wife and patient children, remind us all to vote on Tuesday (or before!) and then turn the remander of the half hour over to a special performance by the remaining members of the Funk Brothers and Stevie Wonder.
No, I don't really know.
But wouldn't that be great?
Then sit back and watch Philly take the series.
Priceless.
October 28, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
He will deploy the Hypnotoads.
October 28, 2008 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I heard something about a documentary on the merits of Swedish socialism (to be narrated by the Swedish Chef).
October 28, 2008 11:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know about the rest of the half hour, but I sure hope he opens with "Everybody chill the fuck out. I got this!"
http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/political-pictures-barack-obama-chill-out-got-this.jpg
October 29, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Phillies in October, Obama in November!
(And Penn State in January!)
October 28, 2008 3:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I should mention that this has been the mantra in our home for many months now; we are in disbelief that it is actually, possibly coming true.
October 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I knew I liked Axelrod for more than 1 reason. Cubs rule!!!
October 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hate to be a spoil sport but last night I was wanting to have the extra game. I want people to tune into the World Series after Obama's half hour instead of going to Fox News to hear the pundits!
October 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
The game has already been pushed back to Thursday night because of continuing bad weather.
October 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Where did you see that? Everything I'm looking at still says Wednesday.
October 28, 2008 4:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, disregard that.
October 28, 2008 4:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
OT: What is the cents amount that TPM devotees usually add to political donations? (i.e. $50.24, or whatever?)
I've seen a story or two w.r.t. this site and others (like FireDogLake, etc) but can't find anything concrete.
October 28, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
For what it's worth, it used to be that $.22 was code for TPM.
October 28, 2008 8:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you. The assured ignorants among other people are helping the scared clutch their undies about "foreign donations" because CNN or some MSM pointed out individual small donations don't end in whole dollars.
October 29, 2008 7:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
I am not sure it's all that wise. Yes, lots of exposure, but if people are thinking, that guy is DELAYING MY GAME well, you know how people can get about their sports.
October 28, 2008 6:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just a thought, but maybe the die hard McCain supporters who have not been interested in listening to any Obama speeches etc., who suddenly feel the taste of defeat, may just tune in to see what this guy is all about, now that they think he will probably be the next POTUS.
This may be a very big opportunity for Obama to address these viewers.
Who knows, he may even get some of them to change their mind and vote for him on Tuesday.
Welcome back Fly!
October 28, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Perhaps the 30 minutes has been recrafted to make the remaining Republican voters stay away from voting...
It would be an interesting tactic to talk policy and then show poll numbers supporting each one. This could really discourage Republican base and Republican leaning voters from even showing up to vote.
It would also be nice just to hear Joe and Tito get slammed.
On another note from another thread; Florida is definitely still up in the air due to the need to turn out big numbers in Jacksonville and along the I-4 corridor; and reduce Republican turnout in the panhandle.
Crist's move to extend early voting hours was a huge gift to Democrats trying to GOTV the working class. As of 3am last night, my county SOE announced that over 35% of registered voters had already cast ballots. This is a heavily Republicann county and the Democrats and Independents are way ahead of the republican numbers. I also know VERY MANY moderate Republicans are voting Obama. This county actually voted for Katherine Harris against Bill Nelson for Senate in 2006. I think we will see a blue Presidential vote here because the traditional republican base is discouraged.
The Obama 30 minutes could be the secret to depress the big non-kool aide drinking Republican turnout. If that happens we will win Florida.
The 30 minutes had better be home run material. (pun intended)
October 28, 2008 7:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Karma.
October 28, 2008 7:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
regarding the content of the Obama show: i'd expect a biography/doco on his career. all of it conservatively painting him as a reasonable centrist, a uniter.. bla-blah.
should be inspirational stuff.. hopefully the Rays watch it! :P
October 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Philly sports fans booed Palin at a Flyers game, so I'd like to think they'd cheer if they showed Obama on the Jumbotron at (Good) Citizen's Bank Park before the start of the game. Besides, even though the game is on a whole 20 minutes later, it's only 3 innings--unless there's overtime. Thank you Fox, now we won't have to look at Bill-O afterwards.
GO PHILLIES!!!!! 28 years and still waiting!
October 28, 2008 10:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good news, people: Dr. Ana Dubey's letter describing her experience with McMajorShit while on vacation in Fiji is back up and viewable on Neil Young's website. Check it out!
http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/index.html
October 29, 2008 12:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
I thought the most likely risk associated with this 30-minute spot would be if it came off as a vanity piece. According to the teasers now up at HuffPo and NYT, it sounds like the meat of it will be focused on American families. If so, this will make it much harder for critics to find an opening to attack it.
October 29, 2008 1:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
.
So . . .
Yo!
Go O !
~OGD~
*Cafe pain in the tush since June 2005*
October 29, 2008 8:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
OK - I live in Memphis and I've already voted early for Obama, so don't take this wrong.
Except for diehard Dems, who in God's green acre is going to watch a 30 minute commercial by Obama. I'm not even sure that I will.
And, for those folks who haven't yet made up their minds regarding voting, the last thing on Earth that these no-nothings will do, is to watch a 30 minute ad from any political party.
My personal feeling is that this money would be more effective if spent on local state races.
Rest assured that GOP operatives and crazies will be watching in detail in order to twist any statement by Obama to their advantage.
I just believe that Obama is making a mistake on this one.
October 29, 2008 11:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
I wish I could feel confident, but the Repugs have stolen 2 elections. in 2000 blatantly in Fla, in 2004, quietly in Ohio, I don't trust the polls.
I will bite what little finger nails I have until McCadaver gives his "gracious" concession speach.
October 29, 2008 1:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
The World Series pregame show is very important to us. If the Red Sox or Yankees were in the World Series, would we see Obama's informercial? Yes, we probably would. Yes, the election is very important, but we are blasted every waking moment with his ads. Wish I had one millionth of the money that was spent on his advertising. If he would "spread his advertising wealth" we would all be a bit richer today. I am disappointed to say the least! I guess I can at least look forward to getting a welfare check when he is elected.
October 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Reply | Permalink