Why The Polls Are Tightening - McCain Is Blowing His Cash Right Now

[Median Democrat]

The polls are tightening. This is in no small part due to the fact that John McCain is blowing through his primary cash right now. The real question is not so much the current polls, but whether it is wise for Obama to horde cash or whether he needs to spend his money now or later, as discussed in this article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25757956/

One thing to keep in mind, of course, is the RW bias by the MSM. If Obama spends money aggressively now, then there is less money leading up into the election when ABC and Fox News go crazy with Obama attack programs.

[patrice]

1. I'm trusting Obama's team on this and hoping the keep the Dialogue REAL when they do

start their push.

They must talk directly to the hearts and minds of the opposition. I think this should be less on the issues and more on the Principles and Values at stake in the issues. That is to say, not bereft of Issues, but teaching people about the connections between an Issue and certain SHARED Values.

[dkf]

2. Obama is getting priceless free media coverage right now.

And he is schooling McCain and Bush on foreign policy. lol.

[Timmy5835]

3. Why should Obama spend now?

The campaign does not really start until after Labor Day and Americans have a very short attention span.

[my3boyz]

6. Because he runs the risk of being defined by the pigs ala Kerry. nt

[AndyTiedye]

4. He Has the Same Dilemma Kerry Had

The Repiglickins have essentially unlimited resources to slime us, because they own all the networks.
We have to shepherd our resources, because they are far more limited, no matter how much money we raise.

[vaberella]

5. Hah, actually Obama is not spending a dime for the free publicity

he's making by traveling abroad. People in the US will take notice especially since a lot of kids from the mid-west are abroad. A lot of right-wingers are there, so that would be great for Obama. Obama is doing something good at the same time he's using MSM and their food for some sort of news without spending too much time on adverts

[Median Democrat]

8. Obama Is Spending, Though Being Outspent In Battleground States

For example, in Ohio, McCain is outspending Obama right now 2 - 1 in ads. I think Obama is trying to spend enough to keep his name out there, and avoid being defined by McCain, but he is not going all out, yet. Now, we can debate whether it is a wiser to try to go for a knock out blow early or pace ourselves. However, if Obama does not spend aggressively, then the National polls will tighten right now. However, does it matter what the polls say so long as they remain in this rough range right now? Who knows? If Obama were to exhaust his resources, he could be left vulnerable to being pummeled by 527s, McCain and the RW media in September and October.

Democrats will have to give twice as much and work twice as hard to win the White House due to the institutional barriers to the election of a Democrat.

[vaberella]

9. No I agree with your statement.

Towards election he's going to have to make a move that is far more aggressive, that is without a doubt.

Towards the GE date he needs to keep his funds alive to make a real push. So I agree with what you're saying. I don't think the polls are good tallies, only fun on a benchmark scheme since a lot of them have a 5-10% error ratio I believe.

[cbc5g]

7. He is saving his money for an ad-blitz around the time that swing voters make up their minds

That combined with a strong on the ground campaign may be a winner.

[dragonlady]

10. Obama is smart to save some cash in case circumstances change

What if McCain is replaced as the nominee? I think that's a real possibility. The Obama campaign will have to be ready to pivot and make some adjustments.

[depakid]

11. The far right hasn't even begun to hammer Obama yet

but don't you worry- it will come, and it's going to be uglier than anything most here have ever seen.

[JerseygirlCT]

12. They've been pretty darned brilliant tactically so far

I think they've probably got this all gamed out already.

And with Obama's trip, he's going to be benefiting from TONS of free media coverage. McCain isn't doing anything interesting - this is going to be all Obama, all the time.

And then the Olympics.

And then our convention.

Besides, if things really lag, all he needs to do is make the VP announcement. (I'm guessing the choice has already been made - probably for quite some time).

[Franks Wild Years]

13. I don't think that any genuine polls are tightening.

See: The effort to keep polls which show Obama in a big lead out of the public eye. There are different reasons for the 'close' polls, I feel.

[Median Democrat]

14. Here's Another Article Comparing McCain's Heavy Ad Blitz With Obama Hording Money

John McCain is going all out, and according to this article, Obama was saving money. I have to think that McCain outspending Obama in June has to play at least some role with the race looking tighter on the National level. The question is how things turn out when both sides start really hitting the airwaves. Personally, I think Obama should play possum a bit and refer to McCain's incredible June spending, because once Obama starts spending, the GOP will start to whine about Obama's spending.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25775587/