Obama's Infomercial

As the evening draws closer, so does Barack Obama's long discussed 30 minute advertisement in which, up to today, nobody really knew what to think of it. Then, the Obama campaign released a teaser of sorts to the NY Times, in which, the basic outline of his address tonight is outlined. The Huffington Post also gives more detail.

Initially, this was an idea that I was skeptical about. I felt like all that could come from it was some slip that would give McCain some out of left field material to bring the last week of the campaign home. However, as time has passed and we've gotten closer to tonight, Obama's lead has remained steady and McCain seems to be reeling. Even if McCain somehow finds material from tonight's special, we've reached a possible point of no return. By the time McCain can begin airing or speaking about Obama's program, it'll be Thursday, the 30th, at the earliest, 5 days until the election. Is that enough time to drastically alter the election? Probably not.

The other question remains is that, will Obama even give McCain any material? In class on Monday, there seemed to be some fears expressed that McCain might find something in the 30 minute address. Yet, in the first 2 months of the general election campaign, Obama has given McCain almost no material upon which to work from. Why should the last 30 minutes be any different? Up to this point, Obama's campaign has quickly and decisively countered many of McCain's accusations and speaking points. Overall, it would be difficult to argue otherwise, to argue that McCain has run the better campaign. It won't change tonight. For those waiting for Obama to screw up, they'll have to keep waiting. Tonight won't be it.