StarTribune.com
buzz101008

Home | Politically Connected | National Politics

Obama goes prime time

Last update: October 9, 2008 - 11:29 PM

Sen. Barack Obama has become the first presidential candidate in 16 years to buy a half-hour of prime time network television for a campaign infomercial.

Officials at the Obama campaign and at several television networks said Thursday that Obama had completed deals to show a program about his candidacy at 8 p.m. Oct. 29 on CBS and NBC, less than a week before Election Day. The campaign is also talking to ABC and Fox, though the potential of a World Series Game 6 may make a deal impossible on Fox.

It was an extraordinary move illustrating the spending flexibility Obama enjoys by not participating in the federal campaign finance system, which imposes spending limits in return for matching funds. As a participant, Sen. John McCain would have a hard time matching the move, though there were indications that he might try to do so on at least one network.

Neither network officials nor Obama campaign aides would discuss the cost of the television time. Commercial time alone between 8 and 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night would cost about $2 million per network.

NEW YORK TIMES

Recent National Politics stories

Senate to take up health care reform after landmark legislation passes House in close vote - October 9, 2008
Senate to take up health care reform after landmark legislation passes House in close vote - The Democratic-controlled House has narrowly passed landmark health care reform legislation, handing President Barack Obama a hard won victory on his signature domestic priority. More

Comment on this story   |   Read all 4 comments   |  Hide reader comments


Subscribe

The Whistleblower blog has moved

The Star Tribune is still blowing the whistle, but our look and location have changed. Click here to get to the new blog. If you want the actual URL, it’s www.startribune.com/blogs/whistleblower.html. Our blog posts will now be easier to search on the web site, but you’ll need to register to post a comment. In the [...]

Recent posts

Shopping + Classifieds
Yellow Pages

Get A Professional

Find home maintenance, car repair, legal advice, cleaning, and more in the Yellow Pages. Go now!
Place an ad

Sell It Fast

Try the online ordering systems or call (612) 673-7000. Learn more about other options.

Win tickets to The Midnight Movie Society's screening of "Clue" at Red Stag Supperclub.

Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh present the first meeting of The Midnight Movie Society at Red Stag Supperclub on Dec. 4, with drinking, dancing and a midnight screening of cult-classic film, "Clue."

See all contests