I think this is fantastic. Obama comes in with low expectations because of the c.w. that he "lost" Saddleback, compounded by the notion that he's weak on foreign policy. It's also a standing debate, which emphasizes the height disparity.

Then, we have a town hall, which again lowers expectations, because of this notion that McCain is some kind of town hall ninja, and Obama is terrified of the format.

And finally, we get to end on the note of domestic issues and economics, which should be squarely Obama's turf once the Gang of 10 compromise comes up and he gets to visibly champion it. Perfect closing argument.

Posted at August 21, 2008 11:26 AM in response to Obama And McCain Campaigns Agree On Format For Debates

Right now, I like the expectations we have set up for the first debate. The media's decided that McCain hit Saddleback out of the park. Without that, they would have been setting up the first debate as a guaranteed rout by Obama. Now the expectations may not have completely reversed, but at the very least, the expectations should be around neutral.

Turning McCain into a caricature will backfire. Sure, plant seeds for the meme. But before Obama goes into blitz mode, he should try to get under McCain's skin at the first debate.

Posted at August 20, 2008 5:21 PM in response to Obama Campaign: McCain Is A Reckless Hothead

Again, be careful about debate expectations. If we go overboard pushing this theme, McCain's handlers will make anger management their number one priority in the debate prep. McCain won't be the monster the ads have been portraying, and he'll win on expectations.

Posted at August 20, 2008 5:13 PM in response to Obama Campaign: McCain Is A Reckless Hothead

oh yeah, and morally weak too, if that wasn't implied.

Posted at August 15, 2008 9:30 PM in response to New McCain Ad: "Maybe The Applause Has Gone To His Head"

I think the key concept should be "weak." Not that word, explicitly stated. But it seems like the right frame to hang everything on. He's weak and frail, physically. He's losing it mentally. He completely surrendered to Bush - look at that pathetic hug picture. He doesn't even seem in control of his own campaign. Remember "Mccain wasn't speaking for the campaign?" And above all, his whole campaign message is a big whine - that Obama is totally dominating him. In other words, he's a loser asking for special treatment.

Posted at August 15, 2008 9:28 PM in response to New McCain Ad: "Maybe The Applause Has Gone To His Head"

w00t, he posted it!! I'll just tell myself that he must have found it from me, unless he issues an official denial. :P

But really, I'm so excited to see this get raised to more visibility. I think it's a great model for the Obama campaign.

Btw, I think the "how can he fix the economy if he doesn't think it's broken" ad was really powerful as well.

Posted at August 15, 2008 8:51 PM in response to New McCain Ad: "Maybe The Applause Has Gone To His Head"

THIS is what Obama should be running. And they should hire the guy who did it too.

Posted at August 15, 2008 7:38 PM in response to New McCain Ad: "Maybe The Applause Has Gone To His Head"

I think the Obama camp is deliberately downplaying their funds. Remember that PowerPoint presentation they emailed out where they themselves made the point of the RNC/DNC fund gap? Spending on ads ostentatiously would send the message that they're flush with cash and donations aren't needed. Spending on organization is a better investment, period. But it also provokes worrying like we have here on TPM that they're not doing so well financially, and thus reminds us that our money's still needed. This is especially important now, to compensate for all the hype over his $300 mil fundraising juggernaut after he opted out of public financing.

Posted at July 12, 2008 1:25 PM in response to McCain Adviser: We're Outspending Obama Three-To-One On TV Ads

Hi, love the new blog already. Just one request. It sure would be great if you could make an audio version for people with non-video capable iPods or small nanos where every MB matters.

I know it's a bit ironic to have TPMtv without the "v" - but it works well for a bunch of "TV on the radio" podcasts I get, including all the morning shows, Countdown, Washington Week, etc.

It would make me very happy. :)

Posted at July 9, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Obama Stands Firm on Iraq Policy

It's. A. Joke.

::rolleyes::

Posted at March 21, 2008 8:44 PM in response to Girl In Red Phone Ad Denounces Hillary And Her "Politics Of Fear"