Obama goes up in AZ, GA and ND

Posted: Friday, October 31, 2008 11:10 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: States, Ads

From NBC's Mark Murray and Lauren Appelbaum and NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
In a conference call with reporters this morning, Obama manager David Plouffe announced that the campaign was going with ads in McCain's home state of Arizona, as well as in the red states of Georgia and North Dakota.

The ad that will air in Arizona is the campaign's positive closing ad, while the one that will run in Georgia and North Dakota tie McCain to President Bush on economic policy.

Plouffe said that these three states were enough in the "realm of possibility" that the campaign wanted to put an "extra effort" in them in the final days. "We think things have tightened up in Arizona," he said. "As I mentioned, we are running a positive ad there. It is Sen. McCain's home state; we are cognizant of that. But we think a positive ad there can help make the case."

Plouffe added, "If someone else had been the Republican nominee, I think Arizona would be a core battleground, like its western neighbors. Obviously, it is Sen. McCain's home sate, so he is going to over perform there a little bit."

Also on the call, Plouffe said the Obama campaign was looking strong in the state of Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico, and Virginia. And he said that they saw paths to victory in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio.

What's more, Plouffe said the campaign is pleased with the early vote numbers they are seeing in several states, particularly in North Carolina, Colorado, and Nevada.

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The case for Barack Obama

By Peggy Noonan,
A republican former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan and author of eight books on American politics and culture.

Senator Barack Obama has within him the possibility to change the direction and tone of American foreign policy, which need changing; his rise will serve as a practical rebuke to the past five years, which need rebuking; his victory would provide a fresh start in a nation in which a fresh start would come as a national relief. He climbed steep stairs, born off the continent with no father to guide, a dreamy, abandoning mother, mixed race, no connections. He rose with guts and gifts. He is steady, calm, and, in terms of the execution of his political ascent, still the primary and almost only area in which his executive abilities can be discerned, he shows good judgment in terms of whom to hire and consult, what steps to take and moves to make. We witnessed from him this year something unique in American politics: He took down a political machine without raising his voice. Eras end, and begin. "God is in charge of history." And so my beautiful election ends.

janice (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:53 AM)

"First, the Obama campaign freezes out a news organization that dared to ask tough questions of Joe Biden, then this. Or are you so enamored of him that 'freedom of the press' has taken on a new meaning for you-Obama worship, 24/7, so there would be no adverse consequences for you.

The American media-the new Pravda.
no joe, no bo, nj

Dear nj,
Freedom of the press does not mean ANY person public or private MUST speak to or invite reporters on their planes. Just ask Sarah who speaks to Fox news and conservative/christian radio only. Oh yeah and once in a while she gets to go on another channel if she has a babysitter (Big Daddy John)

PReed1962 (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:54 AM)

I am from New Hampshire originally. Can anyone tell me how that state got so left wing? I know Vermont is run by a bunch of Communists but how did New Hampshire swing that way? How can Obama be winning in a state like New Hampshire that has no sales tax or income tax. Are they begging to be taxed to the hilt like other states? Why would they want to elect Communists in such a nice state and screw things up?

Chip (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:54 AM)

David Axelrod & David Plouffe have run an Excellent campaign. Barack Obama has been wellserved by these two.Howard Dean 1st adopted the 50 State strategy & Barack has taken it deeper into GOP territory than anyone could've imagined.
For all those Democrats(not on record) who suggested that Barack was'nt being tuff enough, were lulled to sleep by an Outdated campaign theory. Now that Barack has shown to be above Petty attacks, how will this work in future campaign's?
Barack Obama has been Attacked relentlessly & Not once has he attacked the Character of his Opponent, Not Once!Head held high, he has chosen a different way to get his Message across. The American electorate first of all gave Barack the financial support to run the campaign for American's. By advertising & campaigning in Unchartered territory by a Democrat, this is Barack's way of getting back at those who have tried & failed to Damage his Character.
Joe Biden may have said it best "He has a Spine of Steel".The only show of comtempt was the brush of the shoulder back in the Primaries.Barack has taken the fight to the GOP in ways that have overwhelmed them by fighting on Their turf.
That is the Ultimate revenge for the relentless Attacks on his Character !

Delusional Thinking By Commonsense Americans Is Over !

Rick,KY (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:54 AM)

I lied to the pollster, too. I'm curious to see how the republicans will steal this election.

I'm calling it now: McCain wins.

Chris (Boston) (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:55 AM)

Being a "political junkie" I have been watching the state by state polls and was pleasantly surprised to see Arizona tightning! Arizonans are smart people who appear to be seeing the light too. Think what it would mean to turn Arizona blue. Get out and vote for Barack Obama Arizona; you won't be sorry!! Kitty, Las Vegas

Kitty Shortledge, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:55 AM)

Isn't is amazing how the media helps mccain lie about public financing? Obama said he would be willing to sit down an talk to the Republican candidate about accepting only public financing. There was nothing to talk to mccain about. MCCAIN USED PUBLIC FINANCING AS COLLATERAL FOR A LOAN IN DECEMBER OF 2007. He thus locked himself into public financing. Therefore, the subject was mute. But, Tim Russet was the only one in the media to mention it.

Lynda Billingslea-Mohamed (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:56 AM)

with over 60% of the vote in in CO.... Obama has a 17 point edge. Over 58% of the votes are in in NC... and Obama has a 10 point lead

This means that old man gasbag has a steep uphill climb in CO.

just the facts (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:56 AM)

I think it's a great strategic thinking and tactical execution to squeeze the McCain campaign even more in these final days. People in his state deserve to know who is the smater candidate. just look at his campaign organization and plan. Obama is surrounded by smart people!!!! Incidentally...posters "Dale from USA" and "gggg" obviously believe Obama is the Boogyman. Do they still believe in Santa or the Tooth Fairy too?....the Obama tax calculator is truthful and accurate. I've checked the math.

VOTE OBAMA/BIDEN NOW IF YOU CAN or on 4 NOV!!! My wife and I already have.

A RABID REPUBLICAN, VIETNAM-ERA VET, FAT, OLD, PREJUDICED WHITE GUY NOW FOR OBAMA/BIDEN!!!!!

RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:57 AM)

Remember when you speak of ND going blue that their entire Congressional Delegation is Democratic. They all enjoy very high approval ratings. I don't think it is outside the realm of possibility at all.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:58 AM)

and Obama kicked those reporters off the plane because they only reach his base areas... so they weren't having any effect on areas that needed reach. The new reporters that are now on the plane, reach conservative areas in VA that he'd like to tap into...

makes sense.

just the facts (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:59 AM)

I would love to see Obama/Biden take Arizona. I am moving there in December to be with my children.
Both my son and daughter called me two days ago complaining about the 'robocalls' they are getting. Our telephone number is supposed to be unlisted! That is just not right!

Obama/Biden 2008
Change and Hope We Need!

debra Wetle~Monterey, CA (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:59 AM)

Personally I think Arizona is about getting under the skin of the man with the temper it doesn't look realistic in any public poll. Georgia with Barr in the race now that could be interesting, true conservatives offended by the McCain/Bush Big Government policies have an alternative that could equate to ralp[h nader in florida in 2000. Of course McCain is spending money in Arizona so the private polls might show a real close race.

Adam, Sacramento (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 11:59 AM)

CA in Tuscaloosa. Yes, they'll write plenty of books about this year's election. They'll be writing mostly about the year journalism died in America and the media changed the face of an election. Chris Matthews will be immortalized for his "thrill" up his leg. Did you see the Professional Journalism group report? Negative stories on MSNBC for McCain 70%, negative on MSNBC for Obama 14%.

just say NObama (Sent Friday, October 31, 2008 12:02 PM)

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