Barack Obama's campaign goes prime time

Barack Obama's campaign has purchased a half-hour of prime airtime on CBS, Obama spokesman Jen Psaki confirms. The campaign plans to air a special on CBS at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 -- less than one week before election day.

Psaki would not confirm whether the campaign plans to buy slots on other networks. According to an article in the Hollywood Reporter, the trade industry publication that broke the news, the campaign is in talks to also buy time on NBC and Fox.

The campaign's move is unusual, but not unprecedented. Right before the 1992 presidential election, Independent candidate Ross Perot's aired a series of 30-minute campaign ads on prime-time TV. More than 16.5 million people tuned in to watch the Republican billionaire's broadcast, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

UPDATE: The Obama campaign confirms that it has also bought a chunk of time on NBC and Fox (although the campaign ad won't air on Fox if there is a World Series game that night).

-- Kate Linthicum

Comments

[BJ]

Obama truly intends to BUY or steal this election!

Nevermind, the OCTOBER SURPRISE has arrived... ACORN is being investigated by Federal authorities! When the connection between OBAMA and ACORN is revealed, it will show voter fraud being perpetrated by the Obama campaign not only in this election, but also in the primary! He DID STEAL the nomination away from Hillary!

[Mary Bagwell]

This is a chance for the American people to get to truly know the candidate. Perhaps John McCain could put aside partisan politics and smear campaigns long enough to present his views in such a format too.

[simian]

BJ, are you serious? A few people who worked for ACORN have been under investigation for a while now. It's hardly a surprise - it's not even news. Furthermore, Obama never worked for ACORN anyway. And really, it there's an October surprise, it's the economy going down the crapper. Uh-oh! How do you reason Obama stole the nomination from Hillary? She won less delegates than he did. It's not like he snuck up to the ballot box, crossed out "H. Clinton", and replaced it with "B. Obama". Get real.

[Daniel]

It seems I have the honor of being the first positive commenter. That being said I would like to wish Obama a safe and honest election season. I would also like to offer the Republics this small fact. After Obama wins the election and becomes our next president you need not worry, because you all will be fine. Please now, join us on what the world calls a jump to the politics of love and hope. Farewell

[cpk]

Hope they splash it all over the place that this is a paid political announcement and should in no way be interperted as factual or news based.

[Jessica]

wow whoever was saying that Obama is committing/committed voter fraud is a complete idiot! Have you not seen the massive amount of support Obama has? Obama is the best chance we have to save our country.

[Rick]

BJ

Stole the election from Hilary? Come on!! Obama worked with ACORN years ago. He would not condone voter fraud if that is in fact what is going on. He doesn't need those kind of tactics to win and has yet to display them

You seem quick to try to paint blame ...

[Mary Bagwell]

I think a half hour of serious policy discussion would be very helpful from both candidates. Perhaps John McCain could put aside his negative campaigning and smear tactics long enough to follow suit. We need to know as much as possible about both candidates without the distractions from the issues.

[Peter Parmelee Jr]

More Reruns. Does Barak Obama think he is Bill Cosby?

[silus]

BJ..."OBAMA" stole the election from Hillary? Even the most angry Hillary supporters say it was the DNC. How can anyone pay you any attention when you mix exaggerations and facts so carelessly. Obviously you're not interested in exploring the truth, rather than whatever promotes your interests. You're acting like a mindless beast.

[steve (disgruntled republican)]

maybe they will use the time to clear the air of all the personal attacks that will keep coming the next few weeks as the mccain campaign shows its true character.

[Jack]

BJ wrote, "Obama truly intends to BUY or steal this election!"
---------

You're a fool. He's buying this election? If that's the case, it's better than lying to win this election. As for your other alegation, it's not even worth the time to comment. I'll say this though, you support McCain, who chose a separatist as his running mate. Remember, guilty by association!

[that_one_guy]

I know you can't be serious BJ. First of all, ACORN helps register voters, they do not place votes or even recommend candidates. Secondly, they are a nonprofit with many good people who I know, but have had a few bad eggs, just as with any other large group. Thirdly, you can't be a serious presidential candidate without having connections all over the place.
Lastly, everybody knows elections are bought by the highest bidder (in a legal fashion), so that's not news.

[Let him talk, man!]

I, for one, am excited to see what will hopefully be an opportunity for Obama to actually talk to us and outline some of his ideas, without the irritation of McCain standing right there trying to distract us with his smirking and his criticizing/condescending attitude.

[Al in SoCal]

All the GOP can do is attack, divide, and hate. Where is their plan for America? There is no plan, because they don't care about you or me. Desperate Republicans are a sad sight indeed.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

BJ, please remember that SPECULATING ON THINGS is what got us into this financial crisis! Unless you have facts to back up your assertion that Obama "stole" the primary, I'd advise keeping your mouth shut. And get over it - Hilllary lost. I was one of millions who couldn't stand her since the 90s, when she set aside her spine and dignity by staying with Bill to pursue her (almost) unstoppable ambition to the Presidency, and I've been behind Obama since he announced his candidacy because he's always struck me as a smart, steady, dignified, perceptive leader.

[EnoughIsEnough]

BJ. Do some research on the Keating 5 and tell me who's had their hand in the cookie jar.

[WayneW]

Acorn is nothing compared to the caging, absentee ballot shenanigans, and the purging of people who underwent home foreclosures -- all tactics being used by republicans (to name just a few).

This is brilliance by Obama. Talk straight to the American people!

Cut through the distractions and Ayers crap.

It's a great way to start his first term..

[joe six pack]

Bj, quit your whining. It's about the difference in party values, not Hillary vs Obama. The politics being employed by McCain right now are nothing short of disgusting. Whatever integrity he had is gone...he sold his soul. Republicans truly are the biggest hypocrites.

[Armanjava]

With all the racism and lies they are throwing at Obama, he has no choice but to tell his truth and story to the American people directly. We are with you Barack.

[sal]

oh my. Bet mccain and crowd are terrified. and they should be. they have finally come up against a man they cannot beat down---even with smears, klan-type rallies and total evil.

Mccain has shown incredible cowardice to this country. He is not fit to serve, even as a senator at this point.

he rants on about ayers even while his entire party is burning down. He just sits there, unable to talk about the issues that are killing our nation. for him, it is a game of power. For Obama, it is a better future.

So rave on, mcinsane and followers. While you live in the past and focus on your navel with ayres and whatever else, we're leaving you in the dust. You arrogant old man with nothing to offer but fear and hate.

[Truth]

I wish all you panic stricken republicans would stop playing character assassination with every detail you can find or connect to Barack Obama.

The truth is this is smoke and mirrors to distract people from the real issues and furthermore as person who voted for the republicans before I have to tell you that I am disappointed this is all McCain/Palin has to offer this country.

Rather than unite us you would first divide us - bad strategy McCain. It shows a lack of leadership and that country is not first when you seek to label other law abiding respectable people, Barack Obama is a Senator of the United State and deserves respect, not to called un-American and terrorist when he is no such thing. This divide and conquer strategy is weak, McCain/Palin ticket is too weak and too un-American to be my leaders. In terms of leadership at a time when our country is facing its most challenging time, they have chosen the very low and old road. So much for change, so much for maverick. Sorry McCain/Palin, I do not want to buy or walk or drive on your bridge to nowhere. Thanks, but no thanks!

After months I have decide and you helped me - Obama/Biden will get my vote.

[John]

BJ,

You probably conveniently forgot that it is Bush who stole the election literally in 2000, and many irregularities all over 2004 as well from GOP.

Love gop, yah.

[ebomb]

Yeah since democrats have been accused of that sort of stuff before, like in 2000. Which one are you, rich, religious or racist?

[RR]

Voter registration fraud goes back to almost every election. Trying to pin this on Obama for this election is a joke. Trying to increase voter turnout SHOULD be a top priority for everyone. This story will get just as much traction as the one posted in 2004 against the GOP (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/14/politics/main649380.shtml). Terrorist supporter, Voter Fraud Supporter, anything but talking about the economy! Right? Isn't that the GOP mantra now? Remember the "hanging chad"? Sucks when you dont feel you are getting a fair shake in the election doesn't it?