John McCain ups his ad buys in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania

John McCain long ago predicted that he would have to come from behind in the presidential race, and he foresaw his campaign surging in the 48 hours before election day.

In an interview today with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity, he insisted that momentum is building for him and "that's what our pollsters are showing."

If it's going to happen, the public polls also should start to reflect such movement by the end of this week -- especially in light of a marked increase in McCain ads that began Monday in the key states of Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania (see here for more on this trio).

The Nielsen Co. today released a report that drives home the extent to which Barack Obama has dominated the airwaves, but that also shows McCain is at least trying to hold his own in the campaign's last week.

On Sunday, the Nielsen folks counted 938 TV ads touting Obama in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For McCain, the total was 264 -- meaning he was outgunned by more than 3-to-1.

But on Monday, McCain substantially increased his ad presence in the three states, airing 1,057 spots.

The massively-financed Obama campaign wasn't asleep at the switch -- it aired 2,118 ads on Monday in the three states.

Quite a bit ... but a reduced advantage over McCain of 2-to-1.

-- Don Frederick

To receive automatic alerts of each new Ticket item sent directly to your cellphone, go here and register.

Comments

[Exredstater]

With the mounting bad news for their campaign, McCain/Palin will have no choice but to go increasingly negative in their attacks. Anybody else see this leaked 527 spot?

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/Leaked_Pro_McCain_527_Negative_Ad_Small_Town_Fear_Itself/

[Paul Nolan]

Voters in these states are too smart to flip for McCain. He's pure negativity like Democrats before Obama used to be. The role is reversed now Obama is the positive force like Republicans used to be and convincing people, while McCain is purely negative and saying nothing.

[Megan Medica]

Is McCain's home state a toss up that is what the local stations are saying but the national press has never mentioned it. What is going on here, isn't McCain sliping in his home state a story?

[ZenNonna]

I do not look at ads from either candidate anymore. I am sick of them. I want the election over alread

[MJ Weber]

What's he doing placing his whole wad on the come line? McCain is a pathological gambler who has literally lost $ millions in Vegas and he's betting it all on red. What a feakin' loser!

[d scott]

I think, although this link is to an article for the Seattle Times, this article is for all who read anything (or can!) regarding the 'race' for POTUS, both for the prior and current election ~
http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/politicalcaucus/2008/10/28/domke.html

[JIMMIE W BECK]

OBAMA HAS NO HISTORY OF ANY ACCOMPLISHEMENTS.
OBAMA'S ASSOCIATIONS, WM AYERS, TONY REZKO, MR REV WRIGHT AND MORE/NOT GOOD/
OBAMA WANTING TO RASIE TAXES. NOT A GOOD IDEA. IN THIS ECONOMICAL CLIMATE.
OBAMA, WANTS MORE GOVERENT CONTROL OVER OUR LIVES//NOT GOOD//
VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

[Beach Rat]

Jimmie's Mother needs to let him know that you need to be at least 13 years old to post here. Plus, your post came at 7:20, isn't it past your bedtime??

[VoteforChange]

The Republican party is imploding. We just might see, if we are blessed and have the clarity of intent as a nation to follow through- we may have a second chance as a nation to shine once again. There is a real chance that the entire downticket lineup, not just the 2 clowns at the top of the Republican ticket, will be swept away in a cleansing tidal wave of anger and resolve by the new emerging electorate. This action will serve as direct and unassailable evidence - it will be, in every way a MANDATE from the people of the truly United States of America- we are sick and tired of all the bigotry, the politics of fear, hate and divisiveness, the rabid nationalism, the disrespect for learning and culture. It is truly time for change. I am so excited that there is even a POSSIBILITY of this happening. I am happy for my children more than anything. Even though I am out of work and my family are going through very challenging times the chance that our country can demonstrate the ability to renew itself in such a way is incredibly inspiring. Thank you Barack Obama. You have given me hope for a brighter future for our country, for our children.

[Jane]

MCCAIN IS DESPERATE.

HE'LL SAY ANYTHING TO WIN AT THIS POINT. HE IS TOO ERRATIC IN HIS BEHAVIOR. HE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE ECONOMY AND WILL CONTINUE THE BUSH POLICIES OF FAILURE BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. HE IS FAR TOO NEGATIVE A CAMPAIGNER, HE HAS NOTHING TO SAY AND IS OUT OF TOUCH.

OBAMA IS THE ONLY REAL CHOICE WE HAVE. VOTE Obama.

[James Ford]

John McCain attacks Barack Obama calling him a "socialist" and claims Obama wants to "spread the wealth," but he does so while adopting many of the same economic values and policies as his opponent. McCain supports a progressive tax--one which differs only marginally from Obama's--and he strongly supported the government takeover and ownership of private banks. How is this not socialist? McCain also supports many large government social programs like social security, Medicare, Medicaid, public education, corporate regulation, unemployment and well-fair benefits, among many others. This is not laissez-faire, not by any stretch. You might argue that John McCain is a little less socialist than Barack Obama, but to call Barock a socialist, and Barack alone, is the pot calling the kettle black.

[Sally]

The Liberal press has given Barack a Pass on checking into his record and associations. They were doing thier job when he was running against Hillary. Hillary also brought up the Rev Wright assocaition, and then they played the race card so that Barack could steal the nominatin from Hillary.
What true American in their right mind would sit in a church for 20 years listening to a man denounce all that America stands for? Who would sit on boards with Bill Ayers? Who would allow their relatives to live in poverty and then tell us that they are looking out for your interests? Who would praise a PLO supporter. dine in their home and baby sit their children? Who had their Law school paid for by a Communist? Hello are you people blind? McCain is the only way to go!