Obama goes on offense on air

Posted: Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:33 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC/NJ’s Aswini Anburajan
The Obama campaign is up with two new ads in Pennsylvania, starting today, one of which accuses Clinton of introducing a health-care plan that forces individuals to purchase insurance "even if they can't afford it."

In "Afford," the Obama campaign attacks the mandates in Clinton's.

"Hillary Clinton's attacking, but what’s she not telling you about her health care plan? It forces everyone to buy insurance even if you can't afford it," an announcer says.

The ad shows a highlighted section of an AP article that reads: "…willing to have workers wages garnished if they refuse to buy health care insurance."

Cutting to pictures of Obama, the announcer claims, "Barack Obama believes that it's not that people are not willing to buy healthcare, it's that they can't afford it."

A graphic shows bullet points, listing details of Obama's plan, while the voice over says that Obama's plan "reduces costs more than Hillary's."

In "Reason," the campaign highlights their endorsements from newspaper editorials across the state. "There's a reason every major newspaper has endorsed Barack Obama," the ad begins, with a list of the candidate's endorsements across the state.

The ad also highlights negative characterizations of Clinton. "The Post-Gazette calls Hillary Clinton's attacks " the cynical responses of old politics," the announcer says.

Both ads will air statewide between today and the Pennsylvania primary on the 22nd.

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Comments

It should be noted that Hillary said recently that she was "comfortable" in the hot kitchen of Washington politcs--after, Obama said that she was "in her element." Obama, with his negatives in play still, is much quicker and Hillary. Beating her to the punch is foreshadowing of how he will be all challengers to the punch.

Jarrett, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:51 PM)

It should be noted that Hillary said recently that she was "comfortable" in the hot kitchen of Washington politcs--after, Obama said that she was "in her element." Obama, with his negatives in play still, is much quicker than Hillary. Beating her to the punch is foreshadowing of how he will beat all challengers to the punch.

Jarrett, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:52 PM)

Good job Obama. I like these ads.

jmc,Wa (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:01 PM)

Uh oh. There you go Barack. Brush her off, then finish her off!!!

John Brown, Harpers Ferry, VA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:03 PM)

Both are strong effective ads. Hillary certainly went on Record during ABC This Week with George Stephanopolous and after trying to not answer the question twice, on the third go, gave in an admitted to Garnished Wages... That's a fast ball they'd been holding back. It's obvious now they're going in for the kill. Anything less than 12% in PA and the Supers will really start to come out in mass.

Steven R, Houston, Texas (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:08 PM)

I think the Obama campaign has taken notice that before Super Tuesday and Junior Tuesday he appeared to be gaining ground on Hillary but his momentum was stalled the last few days before the primary by an effective media campaign from Hillary. I guess he wants to finish the job this time.

I don't really like the health care ad - probably because I agree with Hillary on this one.

Jason (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:12 PM)

Both ads are fantastic! Thanks for the preview.

S.G., Georgia (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:12 PM)

African American leaders across the state support Hillary and her Urban Agenda and Obama throws out couple negative ads. Well isnt he just the big boy now. See he can do politics with th ebest of them but now he is doing it in the open. He must be desperate.Letting people see his double standards might not fly.I hope she lets the ads speak for thwm selves. Let the people see he isnt what he says .He will do or say anything and is as negitive as th erest but worse.He usually hides his negative campaigns. Why would he do this now?? hmmmmmmmmm.loseing isnt always nice.People have been hearing Hillarys ans she doesnt just give soulations she tells how and why.He will get that part soon.She doesnt need to respond. Maybe those people changed cause of Hillarys negative campaign went to fast. You explain these ads how??

Mox (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:21 PM)

Way to go Obama! Keep brushing the dirt off your shoulders!!!!

OBAMA 08

sunshine, Peoria IL (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:22 PM)

Good. He needs to play a little hard ball.
It's true also. A family of 4 that makes $50.000 a year is just scraping buy. If they were truck drivers or handy men or any job where your boss does not buy most your health care plan.. Under Hillary they would be forced to pay $4,000 or more a year for health care. That's already with her tax breaks and cost cap. How in the world could they do that when gas and food are already breaking the bank?
It's about time Obama let the truth be known about Hillary's health care.

lila scott, austin, tx. (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:29 PM)

Intelligently and nicely made ads for someone fighting on two fronts...Anyone read Cliff Schecter`s book"The Real McCain"?It reveals this:He notoriously called his wife a cu** in public.Fathered a coloured child after an affair.He called his colleagues crazy and a**holes,NEVER BEEN BAPTIZED and has no plan to be.On one occasion, he told senator Cornyn:"Fuck U", while he shouted "I`m calling you a fucking jerk" to Grassley.Although these were not the only outbursts,the media did not condemn him that much.HOPE TO SEE HIM DEBATING ON ABC!
Enjoy the double talk express!

LeMage (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:33 PM)

lets see Africian Americans across Pa working for Hillary,100 state Mayors and the union folk oh ya and the collages with there volenteers,Dailey pennsylvnian for Hillary and more .The amount of people working for Hillary is so great and we all appreciate everyone.I didnt see ,is it in Obamas ad about him signing Cheney's bill showing his envirernmental record?With all Hillary does she still takes time out to wish Jewish families a joyous passover. I think women do more at once cause we have to:)She also gave statement on Popes visit and does so much .Obama couldnt take time for black state of union and so many other things he had to campaign Hillary was there. I like Hillary can do that and more at once. We need that in Whie House.

PatW-NY (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:42 PM)

"Clinton drew a crowd of 400 supporters in PA a day after Barak Obama drew a crowd of over 30,000 at his rally"

Funny that Clinton is telling us not to throw our vote away on someone who is drawing crowds 10-50 times larger than herself.

The Clintons must really think we are stupid.

E Nelson, OH (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:46 PM)

Obama '08

LMK in WA St. (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:46 PM)

I am glad Obama is going on offense and attacking the "old politics". I think this should be a signal to the Superdelegates that Obama is not John Kerry. He's not passive toward his opponents attacks. He is a lot better at turning negatives into positives.

Terry (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:48 PM)

GObama! Hillary keeps acting like her health care is free, but her plan is really to force everone to buy insurance! She got tons of money from Insurance Lobbybists & PACs, but those lobbyists will be asking her for a refund when they realize (like the rest of the country) that the Clintons are NEVER getting back in the White House!

Ames in Anaheim, CA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:48 PM)

OBAMA IS JUST A CLASSIC 'ACTIVIST' who transforms his ideology into actions and reality.

I believe that America has passed a series of changes but never like the forthcoming one if Obama wins the presidency!

He is very intelligent, well balanced ideologically, full of passion to the under privileged social classes which ensures the American society of future equality, stability, unification and racial balances. He will therefore restore the long ruined America's image to the world including balanced policies to those societies which were seen as anti-Washington such as Cuba and others. This will bridge the gaps for more stable world orders and poverty eradication to the 'isolated' countries.

THE ENEMY OF CHANGE IN AMERICA IS CLINTON, she had so long been 'out of touch', remember Wall Mart deals. She is now just jealous, divisive, negative and never constructive to the Democratic Party and the America at large. McCain will trail Obama on November--comes rain, comes sun...he cant undo Obama's social contribution & cohesiveness. Of course he is too old to twist to any immediate demand of the American society. He cling in the old politics. The Failed policies & arrogant politics which creates more negativity and disparity within and abroad!

DSM,Tz (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:48 PM)

Health care at a price has been the main thing in the
USA for years. A true universal health care such as
Canada's would be affordable for everyone.

No wonder Hillary's health care package from the 90's
did not pass. Then again, maybe Hillary doesn't care
if other people who do not make millions of dollars
can't afford health insurance.

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:49 PM)

The newspapers in Pennsylvania know Pennsylvanians best, and they know the issues that Pennsylvanians care about. The fact that these newspapers have endorsed Barack Obama sends a clear message: it's time for real change in American politics, and the only candidate who can bring about this fundamental change is Barack Obama.

Long Tall Texan (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:50 PM)

What?? Obama negative say it aint so!!! Will wonders never cease??Hillary wouldnt have time or space for her endorsements. She doesnt neon sign them maybe she should hum??Obama is so reaching.to bad to late and this will prob knock him down a bit. People dont want negative right?Obamians are late they are huddled- now how do we protect him from this. Alas your job isnt easy you can join Hillary and leave your hatred behind.

Negative Obama tsk tsk (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:52 PM)

This is called going on "offense" without being "offensive." It would behoove HRC to take notes.

Buzz, Washington, DC (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:52 PM)

How does Obama's health care plan cost less then Clinton's? Will it have more funding or less services? He objecst to Clinton's mandate plan. But how will he enforce his mandate that all children will be required to have health care? He has no plan to enforce his mandate. He obviously objects to fines. So how else can he enforce his mandate? His plan allows for people to opt out.

Kyle in NY (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:55 PM)

Obama still doesn't address the fact that his healthcare plan also has mandates that require all children to be covered. And with all mandates there has to be a way to enforce them. Obama doesn't understand the basic principles of insurance which require that everyone contribute to the insurance pool in order to balance out those that are healthy with those who are sick. If you make it optional to enroll, most won't enroll until they are sick and need to use the insurance causing adverse selection and insurance rates that are not affordable. Hillary's plan is sound and with this balance the cost to have the insurance will be much more affordable for all. Do your research before passing judgement and examine Obama plan carefully. He tends to only highlight points in his plan that he feels the public will be receptive to.

dl (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:57 PM)

How does one explain the overwhelming number of Pennsylvania newspaper endorsements for Obama? One would think that with the close proximity to New York, and the constant support of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party establishment, and the long association of Hillary to the State, that she would be able to grab at least one large city newspaper endorsement!
Mabe it is because the editors of newspapers actually read his speech on race instead of the dissected three second sound-bites. Maybe they listened to the entire Rev. wright speeches with the offensive phrases in their proper context instead of the distilled Sean Hannity endless loop. Maybe they read the entire transcript of Obama's San Fransisco discussion, instead of Hillary's parsing of the phrases to suit her own ends.

Obama said that the political establishment would not change quietly. There would be a battle at every stage. He could have easily degenerated into a personal attack on Hillary's gaffes, but he didn't. He tried to remain above the silliness, because the cost is too high to sink to Clinton's levels. We must have a bipartisan effort to end the Iraq war in a sensible manner, and end the recession without ballooning the federal deficit. The drama of the 1990's Clinton years will not take us there.

David Kolva, MD Oswego/Syracuse, NY (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:59 PM)

Grate. Love to hear and watch this

grate (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:59 PM)

Hillary has shown how everyone will be able to afford this ins.What a bad politician he is. She has said how she will pay for her changes and with what money. She must have turned that page to quick for him to see.What a joke he has become and this is iceing on the cake. Hillary, by starting to get everyone covered is protecting the others and keeping the cost down. When more buy it is lower cost. Boston globe says Obama was praised by the insurers for his changeing health bill to there advantage.Was that in his endorsements I didnt see it.That Globe article was 9/23/07. I do try to back up claims and check sources. fact check.org and it will tell you Hillarys is better but check it out for yourselves.Obama is th efavored son of Insurance and pharmacudicle companys . Check it.Boston Globe did have a lot on it.

Jane-pa (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:00 PM)

HOW MISLEADING!!! Obama does not have a true universal healthcare plan! Ask John and Elizabeth Edwards!! They haven't endorsed anyone yet b/c they're trying to avoid the fact that they don't want to endorse Obama!!

Cowboy Jack (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:01 PM)

That's the way...hit them on several issuse at once. Bring it back to the issues that matter.

Older Pale Male for Obama

Murdoch Hughes, Seattle, WA. (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:03 PM)

I am a private citizen. In 1989 I wrote to the first president bush and suggested health care vouchers an idea I got from Milton Freidman's education vouchers. The White House called me and asked where I got the idea and ran with it.
In the meantime, I was involved in a lawsuit that was defended by Lloyds of London and Mutual Insurance Limited of Bermuda. I found out that they did not file the required forms required in Colorado when selling insurance and using their courts. And I identified 10 insurance companies advertising on the ABA web site that they are authorized to sell insurance in Colorado and backed by the state's regulatory powers, which the State of Colorado has no record of.
I have now completely changed my position. I no longer trust insurance company regulation. Also, the insurance companies that I bought medical insurance from in the last 20 years keep merging and buying out each other. Now I think that the $6 -$12 K per year I spent per year on medical insurance was just a total waste of money and I doubt whether the monthly premiums I am now paying will have any value. Every few years we switch insurance companies because the previous one discontinued coverage or jacked rates. Every time we have to re qualify and any pre existing conditions are excluded. Americans judge insurance companies by the reputable companies of the past not by today's insurance companies. Today's insurance companies are required to compete with the 1200 insurance companies operating out of Bermuda where management has no liability for the accuracy of financial reports.
I now believe that we should put our $ into a government system. Even if it doesn't pay for open heart surgery, we should be able to count on it being there and getting some value from it. Otherwise we're talking about sending trillions of American $ to crooks in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Even if it doesn't keep us alive until we are 150, we need a plan that will fix broken bones, vaccinate, etc. A recent health fair in Ohio provided basic coverage that would have been government provided in most countries to people who were not getting the most basic of services.

kay sieverding, verona WI (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:04 PM)

OBAMA IS A LIAR! He knows that Clinton's heathcare plan does NOT FORCE people to buy insurance that they Cannot Afford. For people that cannot afford the premium, she plans to Subsidise the Cost of the Premium to EQUAL A SMALL PERCENT OF THE PERSON'S INCOME making it affordable for them. Also,there are options for people with a very low income to be covered by health inurance. Clinton's point is that to be Effective EVERYONE MUST HAVE HEALTHCARE INSURANCE. Obama's Plan WILL NOT COVER EVERYONE; therefore, NOT making it Much Different Than IT IS NOW.

Kelly O,Neil Clevelan , Ohio (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:06 PM)

Today, Tim Russert's program with David Gregory & Chris Todd, was a good analysis, of last Wednesday's
debate between Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama.

I've watched all the debates. Each debate, Hillary comes out the winner.

It was time, the news media, scrutinized Obama, instead of Hillary.

I feel Obama, is hiding much about himself, from the public.

Read, the book ( A Bound Man ) by Shelby Steele.

I don't trust Obama, as always telling the Truth.

Check Obama's wife, Michelle. She sounds, like a bitter person.

Read about Michelle, exercising her demands, with much " Power ", on Barack, in the Globe magazine.

Who would be running this country, if Barack becomes President, he or his wife??

Evelyn Jewell R.N. Columbus, Indiana (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:07 PM)

It seems to me that Sen. Clinton's campaign is out twisting arms, applying pressure, and exploiting influence to wring every last vote out of PA in an effort to stave off the elimination that comes with a victory of less than ten points. The campaign's actions in the last days seem desperate to me. I think they are seeing internal numbers indicating that the undecideds are going to break for Sen. Obama.

Sen. Obama on the other hand seems to be concluding with a clear and concise statement of the nature of the NEW politics being demanded by the youth, the future, of the greatest democracy in the history of the world.

Death to division and ideological fanaticism long live intellectual honesty and pragmatisim.

As a 43 year old father of two wonderful little boys, I ask myself this simple question; "Which candidate for the White House consistently demonstrates the personality characteristics that I would like my children to emulate?" No contest - Obama 2008.

Power to the People, Anytown USA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:08 PM)

Obama would probably widen his lead over Clinton if he attacks her as forcefully as she has attacked him, but risks losing voters in his overall campaign against McCain. He seems to have chosen a path of restraint - emphasizing his message of change more than her negatives - but the recent debate probably alerted him to a need to do both. I expect that if Clinton does not win Pennsylvania by double digit margins, Obama will return to his more positive themes, and leave it to the parade of superdelegates moving into his corner to pressure Clinton to withdraw gracefully at some point, for the welfare of the Democratic ticket as a whole. Already it appears almost impossible for her to win the nomination, and she may be reluctant to be seen mainly as a spoiler. Fred Moolten

Fred Moolten, Canonsburg, PA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:10 PM)

The second ad, the one about the endorsing newspapers, is a mixed negative/positive ad. It's more effective than Clinton's "bitter" negative ad because it uses established newspapers and their editorial boards instead of anonymous citizens to send the message. Four or five citizens (out of millions) don't speak as authoritatively as all the largest newspapers in the state. Advantage to Obama.

exregis, Newport News, VA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:14 PM)

Oh, there you go again, Barack... Pointing out FACTS of Hillary's plans and statements. That's being awfully negative, isn't it?

NOT!

OBAMA '08

David B, Ashland, OR (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:21 PM)

yep real change there. Wow I am a tither with this new policy of calling out opponent and calling them liars.Whew Look I got some papers. They can say mean and wrong things about Clinton like me.I am one lucky man!!!These Pa. people will fall over themselves for me.What they dont like me anyway?? Well it cannt be me so must be them.Write up another paper on how bad Hillary is boys.Hahahahaha

Bad bad Obmama (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:23 PM)

More oblivious hype from the Obamabots. This election is a sham. If Florida and Michigan were counted Hillary would be winning.

Disenfranchising voters no matter the reason is evil. The democratic leadership has turned out to be hypocrits. If Hillary has this election STOLEN from her there will be a massive shift of votes to the McCain camp.

Obama will lead us to disaster and us Hillary supporters will not be a part of it.

reason (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:25 PM)

Negative ads with mis-statements and half truths. But the BO supporters sing "Way to GO" and "It's OK to go negative if you're name Obama". Just as they did when he broke his promise on Campaign Finance. Please explain to me how this is a "new" way of doing things. Seems to be like the Who song..."Meet the new Boss, Same as the old Boss".

Alan, NJ (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:26 PM)

The problem with both Clinton's and McCain's health plans is that they seem to presume more than half the reason people don't have health insurance is because they're not good with managing expenses, they're lazy or don't know how to prioritize. The truth is that with the dollar going less far, it's not just "poor" people who can't afford insurance. It's increasingly us, the middle class. And if someone buys cheap insurance, it's with a high deductible, which doesn't work because if you don't have the money you still can't get in to see a doctor b/c you can't pay the $2500-$5000 a year of out of pocket expenses.

I'm really frustrated that only one candidate, Obama, seems to understand the reality of the economic plight that many of us are facing.

Katryn (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:27 PM)

"Who would be running this country, if Barack becomes President, he or his wife??" --Evelyn Jewell R.N. Columbus, Indiana

Neither, the rich, big business and the military industrial complex as always. We are an oligarchy. But he might make a difference in moving us toward a democracy.

nuanced (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:29 PM)

Terry will the positives be soon?

Jan-Pa (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:29 PM)

Hey, Pat!!

Hillary was at Tavis Smiley's event because she needs more minority votes! Geez, didn't you know that? Otherwise, she could've cared less--BARACK was not obligated to be appear, did nothing wrong by NOT appearing, and i've raked Mr. Smiley over the coals for it, Tavis's ego was bent...

INDIANA will be the "nail in the coffin" for Hillary or whomever she chooses to be this week, OBAMA will do better in PA than everyone thinks, just watch!

IT'S ALL OVER!!!! OBAMA'08!!!

janet, indianapolis, indiana (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:29 PM)

Australian for Obama

shane melbourne australia (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:34 PM)

It looks like the same approach Obama did in Ohio. Got sick of his face after awhile. Sorry, I think he hurting himself. People started to groan-- too many tv spots have a negative effect.

sandy (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:41 PM)

Obama's wife sat on Board that supplied Wal-mart Also Boston Globe wrote about the willingness of Obama to hear insurers and there lobbyists in Ill. He isnt no new comer to politics so lets be real.

Obama NOT! (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:42 PM)

Yes isn't it interesting, Barack Obama draws a huge crowd and the Clintons, only draw one-tenth. Did you know at her rallies and Bill's they are making the rooms to look smaller? Never pull the camera back to show the crowd...oh yes, what crowd? Time to go Hillary! Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America!

Susan, Cary NC (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:54 PM)

I hope Obama wins. That debate was clearly set up to make Hillary shine. ( Why all the shots on her daughter)Barack took the high road and even though this was not his best performance I see that he handled himself well despite having a deck stacked against him. He was probably frustrated on the inside that issues where not brought to the forefront to debate in the beginning of the thing. Wouldn't you be off your game if you came to your job and all the boss did was ask you about your neighbors and your pastor, while asking and hiding your co workers obvious deceitful ways. Barack was thrown various curve balls while Hillary was being pitched the underhanded ball. He hit the ball everytime even though he did not expect the tricks.Why has Hillary not asked about all that mess in her campaign? no one is whining, we are just stating the obvious. hillary should be asked a billion questions since she claims she is the best so arrogantly. Barack is nowhere near as boastful as her. Strength is not always in the dog that barks the loudest.Just because her husband cheated on her and she stayed with him does not mean she is "so" strong. She is cunning. Nothing more.

Tony Richmond ,Va (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:55 PM)

I love the ad discussing the newspaper endorsements. Here in PA I am doing all I can to help him win. It is time to stop the old divisive politics where we are disagreeable and mean spirited towards each other. As someone who was out canvassing in PA today, I unfortunately noticed a few a Clinton supporters were just as mean spirited; there were many who weren't and I thank them.

Denice, PA (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:01 PM)

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE NEW KIND OF POLITICS??? WHY IS HE RUNNING NEGATIVE ATTACK ADS???

Rachel (Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008 4:03 PM)

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