50,000 for Barack and Hillary in Orlando, Florida (Pictures)
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You Got to PAY, to have a SAY, with Obama on Election Night
The Obama campaign is putting a hefty price tag on the best camera and reporting positions for news organizations covering Barack Obama's outdoor election night activities in downtown Chicago. If a reporter wants access to the file center--which will be the best place to find Obama officials and spokesmen--be prepared to write a check for $935. The cheapest place a reporter could stand on a riser with a view is $880.
That $935 covers one reporter in a heated file tent, power, cable tv, internet and food. I am told by an Obama spokesman who did not want his name used that this just covers costs and they are not turning a profit on this. The planners could have built in more al a carte options for Grant Park coverage.
This is an outrageous pay to play plan that caters to national elite outlets with deep pockets.
I am not asking for a free ride--news outlets pay for plane seats, other transportation organized by the campaign, hotel rooms, plus associated costs for filing centers.
But this Election Night list is pricey and does not take into account some reporters won't need power, cable, internet or food but will crave the access more than the food. As I was talking to this unnamed spokesman about this enormously expensive set-up, he did say--that a news outlet could rotate people in and out of the tent on that one credential. Great. continue
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![](http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/icebergslim1047/october%202008/october%2019/florida-miami5.jpg)
Barack and Michelle in Miami, Florida
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Not time to be complacent
Yes, the McCain Campaign appears to be imploding in front of us. Good, let them fight, but we should not be complacent.
Barack is on the stump stating two words: NEW HAMPSHIRE
Everyone that has followed the primaries, and with the election two weeks to go, should remember New Hampshire primary night. It was the night that we should have WON, the polls said we should WIN, but the reality is that we DID NOT.
I love being ahead in every single national poll, but the only poll that matter is the ones with boots on the ground, canvassing, phone banking and talking people into voting Obama. That is the only important poll now.
Another thing, the state polls are important. It gives a metric of where each state is at. It is important, but just because we may be 5 points or better ahead, does not mean we sit on our rumps and think "we got this." No, bro or sis, we don't have shit until the votes are counted.
Lastly, if you are in an early voting state, VOTE NOW. If you can help the Obama Campaign down this stretch, DO IT NOW. I remember when Obama was behind in the polls in Florida, early June. I read an article about the voter registration drive in Florida and how hard the volunteers and staff were working. One staffer said this, "we don't care about polls, we win with votes."
I want everyone to remember this. We win with votes, not polls.
Please help this campaign, look to the left under "About Barack Obama" and volunteer to help put Barack and Joe in the White House. It is that serious.
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Battleground Map Shifting
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Obama Enters Final Stretch Leading in Cash
Barack Obama and John McCain headed into the home stretch of the presidential race awash in money, but Obama holds a hefty cash advantage over his Republican rival, according to financial reports.
Obama started October with $133.6 million in the bank, while McCain, who has limited himself to public funds, had $46.9 million in cash on hand, according to financial disclosure forms filed with the Federal Election Commission.
Both campaigns are aided by the Democratic and Republican national committees, which have their own war chests.
The Republican National Committee reported a $77.5 million bankroll. Combined with McCain's funds, the GOP began October with $124.4 million to spend on the election.
The Democratic National Committee started October with $27.4 million in cash on hand. Combined with Obama's funds, the Democrats started the final weeks of the campaign flush with $161 million. continue
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Pat Buchanan Just Having a Fit on MSNBC's Hardball
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Sarah Palin Interview on CNN
Barack and Hillary in Orlando, Florida (Pictures)
McCain has no ground game
Obama up 10 points in NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll
Colin Powell's Endorsement on Meet the Press
Campaign Appearances
go to barackobama.com for times and rsvp
Tomorrow
Barack: Leesburg, VA; Richmond, VA
Michelle: Gainesville, FL; Jacksonville, FL
Joe: Pueblo, CO; Colorado Springs, CO
Hillary: Omaha, NE
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Barack making phone calls in Missouri
Lastly, prayers go out to Barack and his family. His grandmother is not well and his decision to leave the trail to see her in Hawaii is understood. Our prayers are out for the Obama Family and to grandma, hang in there.
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