It's a nice looking ad and hits all the right notes for a general election--reassuring biography, committed patriotism, midwest values. He comes across as someone who worked his way up--a nice deflection against the Right Wing elitist smears and madrassa nonsense. Technically some of the editing is a bit odd and the use of photographs less than perfect. What is that image of him with an older man--is that his dad? It is on the screen too briefly and is at odds with the voiceover narration. Overall, a good ad that could have been a great ad with a better Executive Producer.

Do they seriously think Alaska is in play?

This Ad is great, nice juxtaposition of old with new footage. Good positive message. It's Much better than the DARK Ads the McCain campaign has produced with McCain in the P.OW. camp.

Effective and straightforward. Warm, reassuring. Love of country without fake fervor. I believe that older man with little BO is his grandfather, and he'd just finished saying he was raised by his single mother and his grandparents.

Obma won the primaires becausehe did not just focus on the Big states like Hilary. He is using the same tactics in the General..all states count. He will get more voters out, in more states.

Surprised to admit it, but at the end of this ad, I had a little lump in my throat, reminiscent of the huge lump I got after watching his "clinched the nomination" speech.

As in other moments in Obama's campaign thus far, I can perceive the calculations that went into presenting this ad (or statement, or speech) -- yet still, it caused me to feel authentic emotions.

While my Democratic colleagues and I sell out the U.S. Constitution via a FISA "compromise" that guarantees telco immunity.

Take a look at the senate race. While Sen. Ted Stevens has never won re-election with less than 66% of the vote, he's only 2 points ahead of the Dem challenger (and the Dem was 2 points ahead last week). It's a virtual tie.

Alaska - like Virginia - may be a surprise on election night.

yes, my friend, all states are in play this season. And guess what? When you can raise almost three quarters of a BILLION dollars in a primary campaign with mostly small donors like me who have to date only given about 250, and are more than prepared to make the maximum donation to him and the DNC this season, you can afford to run ads in every single state. I would not expect anything less.

And the BEST part about it is McCain SHOULDN'T have to worry about places like Alaska. So he's faced with some choices given the relatively limited finds he and the RNC will have available: LET SOME STATES GO HOPING FOR THE BEST or spend what money you DO have in true battleground states.

Ask Hillary about the effect of ignoring states. Obama's lead in the primary (which she never overcame) came in large part from winning delegates in those 12 consecutive "little useless states" that Obama saw fit to bother to notice.

I know electoral college is different but in the end 270 is 270. Period. And he's going for 270. He has the funds to do it and wear out McCain's coffers. I'm proud that there is FINALLY a democratic nominee ready for the fight, understanding how this works and using it to sure up his chances. I am also honored to have taken an active financial role in it. IMO this is a HUGE change in the way things have been done for so many years and already he is proving that he is serious about changing the Washington political system. Good for him. (and good for us!)

I think i'll make yet another donation to Obama and the DNC right now.

raise almost 1/3 of a billion dollars - not 3/4 of a billion. But hey, one never knows what might happen in the general....stay tuned.

;)

Nice ad. The humility at the end is a nice touch. He is very wise not to show any hints of entitlement. Please throw Ted Stevens out! Who put that putz in the net neutrality arena again? “I-I just the other day got ina-internet was sent by my staff at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, I got it yesterday. Tangled up Tubes!”

Great ad. Mr. Obama will be the next president of the Untied States.

Now, he better stand up against this FISA bill!!!

But looking at the past few primaries in Alaska, dems lost by 10% in 1992, 8% in 1996, 31% in 2000, and 27 %in 2004. This is not favorable ground for Democratic candidates.

Interestingly though, Obama is only trailing in a poll taken on June 16 in Alaska by 4 points: 45-41.

(info from electoral-vote.com)

I suppose that spending tv money in Alaska is much less expensive than larger markets. But still, I'm sure it isn't cheap.

Maybe it boils down to what was said above: forcing McCain to defend places he shouldn't have to defend and spend the kind of money that his campaign simply doesn't have.

I meant general elections in my post above--not primaries.

Id say affirmative action is quite the excuse. If he has any dignity at all, he will come out strongly against this insulting institution which merely continues the premise that we are all different and that skin tone automatically makes a difference. For shame.

Nice ad, although it might have been better to mention that Obamas father left his Mom rather than leaving the impression that he was born out of wedlock, which would not sit well with many elderly and conservative voters.

kaweahdave - Yes, unbelievable Alaska is in play thanks to their very corrupt politicians. The last poll haa McCain 46% to Obama at 43%! The latest polls also show Obama with a comfortable lead in OH, PA, and FL.

And that is the real value of the ’50 State Strategy’. By having a presence everywhere Obama gives support to down ticket Dems, it could mean the difference between a six seat pickup vs an eight or nine seat pick up in the Senate. It could also net an extra 10 or 12 seats in the House. Not to mention help Dems at the state and local levels. And even if they lose this time around, it builds up an organization (volunteers, donor lists etc) that can be expanded on for the 2010 midterms and beyond.

No more playing defense, no more conceding ground to Republicans.

NO MORE HIDING!!

Fight everywhere, make the Republicans play defense for once. Every dollar McCain and the 527s have to spend defending Virginia, Alaska, Georgia, Colorado etc etc is one less dollar for Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida. And for the first time in years Obama (the Dem) has the lead in money over McCain (the Rep). Lets use it.