Obama Makes His Pitch in Prime Time

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2008 7:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama took to the primetime airwaves tonight with a 30-minute infomercial summing up his case for the presidency. The pitch, which cost more than $3 million and aired on seven broadcast and cable networks, blended images of the candidate, his family, and ordinary Americans, MSNBC reports. "I will not be a perfect president," Obama said in the ad. "But I can promise you this—I will always tell you what I think and where I stand."

The ad was unusual not so much for its message—Obama repeated a central theme by calling the economic crisis "a final verdict on eight years of failed polices"—but for the way it illustrated what a campaign flush with cash can do, MSNBC notes. The commercial ended with a live shot of Obama in Florida, telling Americans that "in six days, we can choose hope over fear and unity over division.”

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In this image from video provided by the Obama campaign, Sen. Barack Obama speaks during a live event in his 30-minute broadcast. (AP Photo/Obama Campaign)

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, hugs his vice presidential running mate Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., at a rally in Sunrise, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., arrives at a rally in Sunrise, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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Obama makes his appeal in prime time. (YouTube)

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For the past 20 months, I’ve traveled the length of this country, and Michelle and I have met so many Americans who are looking for real and lasting change that makes a difference in their lives.” - Barack Obama

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