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AGO - What do states like Georgia, South Carolina, North Dakota and even Arizona have in common?
They’re all reach states that the Obama campaign now believes could be in play.
Thanks in part to an astonishing $150 million take in September, the Democrat has his eyes on some unlikely prizes, including McCain’s own home turf.
“Our strategy all along has been to expand the playing field," said David Plouffe, Obama’s meticulous and cautious campaign manager. "People thought we were crazy, but it is paying off.”
Granted, he was listing these off the top of his head, and didn't reveal the campaign's actual state-by-state committments, but still — it's news nonetheless.
“We’re in a pretty good position right now,” concedes Plouffe. “We’re competing in and for states no one thought would be in play.”
It appears to be part of a larger campaign strategy to win big with the Electoral College — and not settle for a narrow November victory.
Spread the wealth?
What else will come of this major moolah? Well, we know one thing, it's not going to the other Democrats eager to maximize the party's majorities in Congress.
On a visit to Obama headquarters here in Chicago, I asked Plouffe about the "spread the wealth" idea.
The Obama campaign has “all we can handle,” he said.
Rather than funnel cash directly to Senate and House candidates — which Plouffe said would be legal — the campaign argues that its ground-level organizing work in the states on behalf of all Democrats is worth millions, and more than makes up for any cash donations the campaign might make.
Plouffe cited North Carolina as an example.
“We have done extensive registration and turn out work, and that is paying off for everyone,” he said. In the Tar Heel state, he said, the grassroots work has helped Democrat Kay Hagan pull ahead of Sen. Liddy Dole.
“That wouldn’t be happened without our effort there,” Plouffe said.
Less than giddy at Obama HQ
Given the state of the race, might think that the atmosphere would be giddy in Obama headquarters on Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago.
Not exactly.
When I walked in for my first visit in months the atmosphere was the same as it was then: quiet, purposeful, and no-nonsense.
On what looked like a vast open trading floor, the twenty- and thirty-somethings went about their business, none of them in coats and ties, many of them looking like graduate students, would-be lawyers, and MBAs crashing a collaborative research project.
Lessons from New Hampshire
On an easel outside the entrance, the first person to work that morning — a retired school administrator named Mary Shepard Hughes — had written an inspiration and an a warning: “TWO SHORT WEEKS. TWO LITTLE WORDS: NEW HAMPSHIRE.”
In a campaign that has, from the start, functioned with incredible smoothness overall, the unexpected primary loss of New Hampshire to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton still rankles — and serves as a cautionary tale.
But the campaign took away lessons from that setback. “Hillary was attacking us pretty hard and we didn’t respond enough, or quickly enough,” Plouffe told me. “We learned that you’ve got to deal with everything.”
Keeping all the cash on hand is one way to make sure they can respond to anything McCain might throw out in the last two weeks.
The Obama campaign has returned fire — hard — on everything from Bill Ayers to taxes.
“They remember how John Kerry was 'swift-boated' and they want the cash on hand to prevent that this time,” said a top Obama fundraiser here. “They’re not going to make the Kerry mistake."
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{"commentId":3650487,"authorDomain":"sanjeanwillis"}
Obama, In God's Plan
In the dream of a legend, he was sent by God,
To lead the people of the USA, to fulfill the dream.
Like all before him, who was for the good of all,
He suffers much, because he is different, but he won't fall.
Because He was different He suffered much, died for all.
Some say He was black others call Him a Jew,
He was of many backgrounds, Obama is too.
His own country denied Him,
Would be Christians don't accept him,
Obama, this is nothing new.
You say you are Christians, which suppose to mean
You are Christ like.
But would Christ do and say the things you do?
Obama is a man of God, God made him like,
He made you.
So give Obama a chance to lead this country well,
Let the dream of the dreamer prevail.
Let the dream prevail. It's in God's plan.
{"commentId":3650487,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"sanjeanwillis"}
- 1 vote
#76 - Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:40 AM EDT{"commentId":3650828,"authorDomain":"dnesselroth"}
I live in Arizona, McCain's home state. This state has a poor education system which is probably the reason it is a red state (the two mysteriously go hand in hand).
What's funny is that while this state WAS a "Strong McCain", two days ago CNN changed it to "Lean McCain"..his own home state! McCain, as our Senator, has done bugger all for Arizona. Maybe some ear marks would do us GOOD...some water resources, perhaps more rail and roads, solar power...nope..all McCain has done up there in washington is run for office and lose every time. You should see his houses though!
{"commentId":3650828,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"dnesselroth"}
- 2 votes
#77 - Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:53 AM EDT{"commentId":3652464,"authorDomain":"msiintl"}
I wonder why the press doesn't check out two things.
Obamas"s birth Certificate and his parent's Marriage certificate? I'll be they won't even try.
Exactly who is behind the surge in the great flow of money when citizens are supposed to be hurting? IS it coming from citizens? Or is it filterning in from elswhere from non citizens and illegal aliens?
{"commentId":3652464,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"msiintl"}
#78 - Thu Oct 23, 2008 12:58 PM EDT{"commentId":3652722,"authorDomain":"msiintl"}
I would like to see the press check ou two things. But I'm sure they "won't go there".
Obamas birth crtificate and date, and his parents marriage certificate and date. But check the authenticity of the documents as well while doing so.
Secondly, while so many "citizens" are having financial worries, where did all this mass sum of money come from Doesen't anyone find that peculiar, that much money, that fast? I would suspect much of it from non citizens, contribuitors and external souces through relatives or friends that they have in this coutry that are non- cirizens or even illegals. But I know the press will never check that out. Bu they will try to figure out why McCaine has a bandage on his cheek.
{"commentId":3652722,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"msiintl"}
#79 - Thu Oct 23, 2008 1:08 PM EDT{"commentId":3656326,"authorDomain":"cyndar28"}
First, Obama's parents did not need to be married for him to be a citizen. He has to be a citizen to be a senitor. So, I don't get where the "he is not a citizen" is coming from.
{"commentId":3656326,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"cyndar28"}
{"commentId":3657740,"authorDomain":"dnesselroth"}
It's coming from the fact that he is black and somehow foreign sounding/looking. These idiots think only white guys with names of scottish/irish/english descent are "American".
And you are right...his parents don't have to be married for him to be a citizen..and Hawaii IS a state.
Now, McCain was born in Panama....if anyone's citizenship should be questioned, it's his.
{"commentId":3657740,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"dnesselroth"}
{"commentId":3658004,"authorDomain":"cyndar28"}
Panama? When was that made a US state? We can't even relate it to the canal, as we gave that back.
{"commentId":3658004,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"cyndar28"}
{"commentId":3674562,"authorDomain":"naveeny1974"}
He was born in Naval Air Force base in Panama. You don't have to be in the US to be considered a legally born US citizen such as military.
{"commentId":3674562,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"naveeny1974"}
{"commentId":3661664,"authorDomain":"Rayer"}
Hey doyle...Why exactly would you think Fox wouldn't check those things out ?
{"commentId":3661664,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"Rayer"}
#80 - Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:14 PM EDT{"commentId":3667672,"authorDomain":"nedlin03"}
IT'S massive crowds out there, America !!!
this is the mother of all battles here, a very very stupid one !! no bloodshed. not a smell of bombing.
Just OBAMA. ready or not. 12 days to a socialist state. It's viva BLACK REVOLUTION, old bottle new wine with 3 in 4 chinese immigrants are from where to liberate you, 3 in 4 french from mother Revolution, 4 in 4 russian jews want america, 5 in 4 black (no 5 is a white in her/his bed) want a BLACK OBAMA. just saw ABC with two Blondie saying how good to have OBAMA, plus a Ron Howard grey ad saying change is good for ya...dude, change was undergoing 4 years ago from Alan Greenspan's fess-up yesterday, the grandpapa let banks open MONEYgate and voila, trillions gone !!! BUSH is like the Russian prince in the cellar now. SWEET AMERICA. no gas, no hanging. just Ferrell sayin, I'M BUSH.
a nail to the coffin called AMERICAN DREAM.
The peoples out in the street wants a piece of change, they were CHANGED ALREADY. you're DONE.
{"commentId":3667672,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"nedlin03"}
#81 - Fri Oct 24, 2008 6:16 AM EDT{"commentId":3669069,"authorDomain":"gwenpac"}
Recently moved to AZ from UT and will be voting here today - early voting is open and I want to make sure my vote for Obama/Biden is counted. Lots of people here, Independents and Democrats and Republicans, too, will be voting for Obama/Biden.
{"commentId":3669069,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"gwenpac"}
#82 - Fri Oct 24, 2008 9:09 AM EDT{"commentId":3669077,"authorDomain":"gwenpac"}
Recently moved to AZ from UT and will be voting here today - early voting is open and I want to make sure my vote for Obama/Biden is counted. Lots of people here, Independents and Democrats and Republicans, too, will be voting for Obama/Biden.
{"commentId":3669077,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"gwenpac"}
#83 - Fri Oct 24, 2008 9:10 AM EDT{"commentId":3675476,"authorDomain":"morugamax"}
Did Mc lame get Sarah to clean up in case he has an accident in his depends?Doe's anyone think that Mc Lame look like Mr. ED? when he smiles...... Hey Wilbor......LOL.!!
{"commentId":3675476,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"morugamax"}
#84 - Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:15 PM EDT{"commentId":3675695,"authorDomain":"wmoschitto"}
Read up America!
The end of democracy has happened.
The Obama campaign has proven that you can "buy" an election, and if any of you honest Americans don't have enough cash, do not bother running. Our country is now a dictatorship that is bought not inherited. He "did not" keep his word about campaign finances, that is all we need to know about his economic policies!
{"commentId":3675695,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"wmoschitto"}
#85 - Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:24 PM EDT{"commentId":3676160,"authorDomain":"morugamax"}
You sound like a sore looser to me,thats a lame excuse.Try some more fear tatics.
{"commentId":3676160,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"morugamax"}
{"commentId":3677175,"authorDomain":"chasofoxr"}
Did anyone else see the story about the communists supporting McCain, and Al-Quida wanting McCain to win?
{"commentId":3677175,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"chasofoxr"}
#86 - Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:26 PM EDT{"commentId":3700819,"authorDomain":"MDW"}
Today, humanity is bowed down with trouble, sorrow and grief, no one escapes; the world
is wet with tears; but, thank God, the remedy is at our doors. Let us turn our hearts
away from the world of matter and live in the spiritual world. It alone can give us freedom.
{"commentId":3700819,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"MDW"}
#87 - Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:39 AM EDT{"commentId":3707117,"authorDomain":"bfickett"}
My state is Arizona.I voted early for B.Obama/Biden ! I truly hope to see Az. turn blue! The day will come McCain will loose his senate seat,voted out !!He does not even deserve to be senator much less President.People say he was an honorable man,he has lost any honor that maybe he once had.Yes,Barack Obama as President of our United States of America.
{"commentId":3707117,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"bfickett"}
- 1 vote
#88 - Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:13 PM EDT{"commentId":3708023,"authorDomain":"adfry163"}
I believe that If Americans use their brains to vote, McCain will win. I am an immigrant and have no right to vote yet. But the better choice is very clear for me: John McCain!
For a presidency candidate, the basic and most important things people should scrutinize are his character, values, judgement, experience, and patriotic heart. McCain has been tested and well known about those things but Obama is not and has a lot of doubts there. Don’t trust what he says (his advisers told him what he should say and eloquence can not substitute experience and judgement), check his history and records. The best way is to check his friends, then you will know some of his character, jugdement, and values.
I don’t believe that in any country, people want to select an unpatriotic, inexperienced, untested person as their president. If patriotism is abandoned, the country will lose its strength and future. Americans people, we need a right man who can handle multiple tough jobs during this difficult time.Besides economy, national security, international situations, balance of political powers are also critical. American people, this is a very important election, please use your brains and common senses, don’t be emotional, don’t be naïve, don’t be fooled, and make your right decisions. I still belive that most of Americans are not superficial.
I pray for America. God bless America.
{"commentId":3708023,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"adfry163"}
- 1 vote
#89 - Sun Oct 26, 2008 7:27 PM EDT{"commentId":3725420,"authorDomain":"timcrosser"}
Amen!!!!!
{"commentId":3725420,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"timcrosser"}
{"commentId":3713288,"authorDomain":"chaz3354"}
Your cause is lost. America is not going to elect an angry old fool and give him control over 5000 nuclear missiles. McCain acts like he has a score to settle with the rest of the world. He can't have a conversation without getting angry. When asked a question he doesn't like, he starts twitching and repeating the standard talking points. Who gives a damn about his war record, which by the way was a complete failure? He enlisted, got shot down, got captured and then made propaganda films for the enemy.
We need someone who can think and come to logical conclusions before acting. McCain just shoots from the hip.
{"commentId":3713288,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"chaz3354"}
#90 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 7:12 AM EDT{"commentId":3725401,"authorDomain":"timcrosser"}
I would just like to say that as an Arizonan born and raised, and as a Republican by choice that you will never see my vote go to Obama. He is not the Messiah, nor is he the chosen one. He came across as the lesser of two evils when battling Hilary, (thank God he beat her) but now he is just an overrated T.V. evangelist at best. If you people aren't scared of the possibiltiy of this man becoming President, then you simply are not listening to the garbage he spews.
{"commentId":3725401,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"timcrosser"}
#91 - Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:32 PM EDT{"commentId":4010161,"authorDomain":"sggank"}
a humble "suggestion" to the President Elect,who is a very humble and
fiercely Ptriotic American.
Please, help me get this "suggestion" to Our President Elect,Barrack
Obama.
These were the headlines when President Bush was inaugurated in 2005.
-
mourn.html
It is my humble suggestion to the President Elect that during his=20
Inauguration that he set a different pace and tone in Washington,The=20
Country and the World by inviting as many of the Families of our
Fallen Soldiers and Soldiers serving in the Battlefields of the Three
Front War which we are fighting as he can ( and let the party officials
and supporters take a back seat to them and assist in bringing them to
the Inauguration) and on 01/20/2009 the same food which is being
served to Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan that day be served at the
Inauguration Dinner and the President and His family should partake of
the very same food in the very same utensils which the Soldiers are
eating on that day.
Our President should remember the words of an ancient soldier (Uriah,
who was betrayed by his Commander In Chief), and I quote Uriah's=20
words to his Commander in Chief,David," And Uriah said unto David, The
ark,and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the
servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go
into mine housee,to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou
livest,and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing." Second Samuel
Verse (11)Unquote.
Mr.President,as the Children and the families of the fallen soldiers and
the Soldiers are fed at your Inauguration=A0 we know there shall be
no Alcohol with Children around and no drunks but please,let your=20
Inauguration be lacking in the show of Wealth in a nation beset by great
economic problems and so many of us without Jobs but has chosen to
place our confidence in God that you shall be the President that you=20
want to be a President for Main Street and Wall Street ....a President
for all America ...a President who feels our pain and shares our dreams
and who remembers the fallen Soldiers and their families and His
Troopers in the Field of=A0 Battle facing a ruthless and determined
enemy so that we could sleep peacefully at night.
God bless our President Elect the incoming Congress and God Bless
America.
=0A=
{"commentId":4010161,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"sggank"}
#92 - Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:44 PM EST{"commentId":6696316,"authorDomain":"gerry-clough"}
{"commentId":7039516,"authorDomain":"chrisharris47-1"}
We have two senators, not representatives, here in Arizona.
Neither does much, if anything, for us here in the land of flaming skies.
Cholla! Why don't you bite your namesake cactus. Judgementalism is immoral.
{"commentId":7039516,"threadId":"395730","contentId":"2026813","authorDomain":"chrisharris47-1"}
#94 - Tue May 12, 2009 6:15 PM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"395730","isPrivate":false}
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