Well, I just finished watching the Barack Obama Infomercial…

This was a fantastic idea for his campaign and money very well spent.  This was not a cheezy infomercial or an opportunity to pile-on his opponent.  He took the opportunity to present his case to become president.  Whether you agree with him or disagree with him, this was done extraordinarily well, touching on the many issues facing the American public today.  He covered the economy, health care, the war, job security, retirement and education with conviction and clarity.

By speaking with ordinary Americans on each topic and allowing them to share their story, he was able to touch the heart of the average viewer.  He then discussed what he would do that would deal with their issue.  His ideas seem like sensible solutions to significant problems and not left-wing idealism.  His plan includes tax cuts and tax credits, along with specific, targeted cost-cutting and waste-reduction measures.  These actually sound relatively fiscally conservative.  His most significant cost-cutting measure would be, quite obviously, to pull the military out of Iraq – he was pretty clear about that.

The tone of this commercial was the most impressive to me.  There was virtually no negativity (other than one reference to “eight years of failed policies,” alluding to the economy).  It was a positive message, allowing the American public to hear what he would do, rather than talking about what his opponent would do wrong, or comparing his opponent to the current regime.

I would like to see the networks PROVIDE a half-hour time slot to each candidate to do exactly this in the future.  There is no clearer indication of the fundraising gap in this campaign than Obama’s ability to purchase this time slot.  Both parties have been on both sides of the fundraising gap, so this is not an argument that this was unfair.  I believe that the American public would be better served by having the opportunity to watch both candidates share their ideas on the issues, rather than 30-second ads denigrating their opponent and their policies.

For the record, even if it was provided by the networks, I believe that this would still play into Obama’s hands, as he is the far more charismatic, effective and convincing speaker.

That’s all for now… watching as an interested observer in six days!