Obamamercial: A flop with critics, ratings
posted at 8:55 am on October 31, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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When one program dominates its time slot by simulcasting on five different networks, the producers obviously intend on making it must-see TV. Barack Obama’s infomercial fell far short. Despite its multiple platforms, it could only garner 21.7% of the households in the US. The debates drew far more:
The combined overall household rating for Senator Barack Obama’s Wednesday night infomercial, in the top 56 local television markets where Nielsen maintains electronic TV meters, was 21.7.
Obama’s simulcast is the first to be aired by a presidential candidate since Ross Perot ran a political telecast on the eve of Election Day in 1996. That program was watched by 16.8% of all households nationwide. …
In comparison, the final debate between the two presidential candidates received a 38.3 household rating in the top 56 local TV markets. The candidates’ first debate on September 26 received a 34.7 household rating in the top 55 markets; their second debate, on October 7, received a 42.0 household rating in those markets.
The Ross Perot comparison is interesting. Perot made his famously policy-driven case, complete with pie charts, to 16.8% of the nation. On Election Day, he won 8.6% of the popular vote. Obama will win more than 22% of the popular vote, but one can take a lesson from this: the entire nation is not enthralled with The One. As I predicted before the Obamamercial, only the true believers bothered to watch it.
And they needed Prozac by the time it ended. The New York Post had infomercial experts rate the presentation, and they gave it a big thumbs down. Apparently, it was Mourning in America:
Two leading infomercial stars agree: Barack Obama’s half-hour self-promotion last night was a flop.
“I don’t see enough smiling. Doom and gloom totally,” said Anthony Sullivan, one of the biggest names in infomercial history.
“I feel depressed right now,” added Sullivan, an Englishman famous for his infomercials touting the Swivel Sweeper and Smart Chopper. The only thing saving Obama, Sullivan said, was when the candidate appeared live at the end speaking at a rally in Florida. …
He and AJ Khubani, who has produced infomercials for 25 years, said Obama also fell short of offering solutions to the dire problems he laid out.
“I didn’t see a payoff. Classic infomercial is you show the before and you show the after. I didn’t see the music or the crashing waves of the Pacific,” Sullivan said.
Khubani told the Post that infomercials should spend more time on the solution and less on the problem. In other words, don’t talk about belly flab for 25 minutes and then talk about the Tummy Stretcher for 5. The Obamamercial gave viewers tons of gloom and doom, with people talking about the tough economy (from their own houses and driving their own cars) to such an extent that the solution — Obama — hardly seems appropriate to the task involved.
The ratings will be what depresses Team Obama, though. Despite having a near-monopoly on broadcast television and no particularly compelling competition, only one-fifth of the nation bothered to watch. That doesn’t exactly scream enthusiasm, and the crashing waves of a landslide may just be imaginary.
Update: A couple of points from the comments. First, Perot scored only a little over 8% in 1996; I originally used his 1992 popular-vote percentage of 19%, which I’ve changed. Second, several commenters have insisted that 21% is a good ratings share, which would be true of a show aired on one broadcast network — not five. It’s also true of a competition with dozens of entrants, not of an essentially two-horse race.
Like I said, the only people who would be inclined to watch a 30-minute infomercial on Obama would be the Obamanauts, and a 21% rating bears that out. Almost 80% of television viewers took a pass on Obama, even for 30 minutes. Those are not good numbers, especially for prime time.
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D’oh
Onager on October 31, 2008 at 8:59 AM
They usually pass around cocktail weenies during those infomercials. Did Obama pass around weenies? NO! Idiot.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 8:59 AM
I’d like to see Hannity’s America (anti-obama special) on all networks.
marklmail on October 31, 2008 at 8:59 AM
As I predicted before the Obamamercial, only the true believers bothered to watch it.
And you know this how? Because it drew half the ratings of the debate? I’d a rather simplistic and ill-informed way to draw a conclusion. But, as this campaign has show, right-wingers don’t really care about reality, just how they can take any corneal of truth and spin it in their favor.
ACORN is another prime example.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:02 AM
You focus on how much you can wring out of the Shamwow, IOW.
hoosiermama on October 31, 2008 at 9:02 AM
“I don’t see enough smiling. Doom and gloom totally,” said Anthony Sullivan, one of the biggest names in infomercial history.
The DFL can’t help themselves, it’s ALWAYS doom and gloom, without it they couldn’t win a single seat. Their message has always been that you will die a horrible death without them in power.
This is why McPalin are going to win far more states than anyone thinks and the White House along with them; Obarfy is selling turds wrapped in a pretty ‘Hope and Change’ box.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:02 AM
Of course if you skim news sites today they gush about what high ratings this dreck had and that it got positive reviews.
What a joke.
JammieWearingFool on October 31, 2008 at 9:03 AM
You know Germans always make good stuff.
;)
(and that “Batman Begins” is a pretty good movie)
mjk on October 31, 2008 at 9:03 AM
Check out Drudge, as if you dont every 15 minutes like me
WoosterOh on October 31, 2008 at 9:04 AM
I guess only Chrissy Matthews and his tingling leg approved.. He has actually resorted to wearing condoms on the air when discussing The One.
roninacreage on October 31, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Yes, I think if he were able, he’d make it literally “must see”. Very creepy.
forest on October 31, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Another endorsement flopped as well. Poor Colin Powell !
Anita on October 31, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Yes, a show which got higher ratings then the final game of the World Series and last season’s finale of American idol was a “ratings flop”. Both on CBS and on NBC the infomercial significantly surpassed the regular programming shown at that time. Same with MSNBC, BET and TV One.
CBS chairmen Leslie Moonves said “I was shocked by the numbers Obama was able to draw”.
To top it all off, Obama managed to go through the entire infomerical without once mentioning John McCain. Try to imagine the reverse happening.
crr6 on October 31, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Because it drew half the ratings of the debate? I’d a rather simplistic and ill-informed way to draw a conclusion
Anyhoo, for supposedly being the ‘Great Bringerer Togetherer’, Obarky seems to be having a difficult time actually…er…bringing people together.
The boy is in some trouble, some deep trouble, and we all know it. Tee hee.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Doesn’t Hussein have his own cable channel now? Will it be mandatory to watch it after 1/20?
Akzed on October 31, 2008 at 9:06 AM
9:05. Five minutes late for work. Don’t worry, we won’t tell your supervisor. Late night last night? wink, wink.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Can you imagine four years of this socialist thug in your living room every night on the news?
petefrt on October 31, 2008 at 9:07 AM
The butthole surfers are out early today, waitin’ on the check from the gubmint.
AubieJon on October 31, 2008 at 9:07 AM
When all you have is Doom&Gloom and no real solution to advance, what do you expect?
I didn’t watch but have to wonder if “Four more years of failed policies” was mentioned more than once.
OBQuiet on October 31, 2008 at 9:08 AM
And apparently, leftwingers with their empty craniums jammed up their colons care as much for cogent writing.
Akzed on October 31, 2008 at 9:08 AM
Yes, a show which got higher ratings then the final game of the World Series
You mean better ratings than the first or second worst rated World Series of all time?
Ok then, you go with that and wear a big smile on your face.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Yes, real trouble.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:09 AM
The only people watching that crap were the MSM. That made up his audience.
I am telling you McCain will win this election. This over-abundance and saturation of Obama all the time is a drag for Obama.
He believes he is doing well because of the MSM. Well, hell no.
Joe the plumber, Palin, and Tito have resonated with voters.
Hannity has broke stories left and right on Obama and that is why Obama is obsessed with him.
He knows Hannity single-handily is doing the job of the MSM and he has a huge audience. Hannity’s information will resonate. Obama is screwed.
jencab on October 31, 2008 at 9:10 AM
To top it all off, Obama managed to go through the entire infomerical without once mentioning John McCain. Try to imagine the reverse happening.
*
*
*
McCain couldn’t afford to do it. He kept his word. Didn’t lie. Is honorable.
marklmail on October 31, 2008 at 9:10 AM
In other words, don’t talk about belly flab for 25 minutes and then talk about the Tummy Stretcher for 5.
Obarfy’s problem is that he talked about belly flab for 25 minutes and then told you that your butt is fat too.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:10 AM
They are imaginary and illusory. Obama will lose this election handily – by a margin sufficient to prevent him from saying, with any credibility, the election was stolen.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Umm – that was good ratings really.
A Axe on October 31, 2008 at 9:12 AM
#1 State Polls Lag National Polls
#2 Rove’s State Polls are from 10/29
#3 Monday, Rove’s Polls will lurch toward McCain
marklmail on October 31, 2008 at 9:13 AM
My understanding is that, for $4 million, Obama bought 20 minutes of prime time air time on 5 stations, the night of the World Series Final. Isn’t that amount rather low? Couldn’t this be viewed as an in-kind political contribution?
KC on October 31, 2008 at 9:13 AM
crr6 on October 31, 2008 at 9:05 AM
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Big, big trouble – because Obama actually believes he’s ahead. He isn’t.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Yes, real trouble.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Ohhhhhhh, you’re a poll watcher. You mean the polls which vary between three and eighteen percent? The polls which 80% of people aren’t responding to?
Ok then.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Tom, we’re all friends here. What were you and crr6 up to so late last night?
C’mon, we won’t tell anyone.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:16 AM
I still think Obama should have hired Vince from ShamWow! and Billy Mays to do the commercial for him. It may not have been “cool” but at least people remember their dumbarse commercials and their selling points.
I might have actually watched if those d-bags were doing the selling. But only if Vince wore his utterly pointless earpiece.
mjk on October 31, 2008 at 9:16 AM
I watched it because I wanted to see what kind of presentation Obama would make, unfettered by budget, time constraints or interruption.
It’s Obama’s vision of America straight from the source and holy crap is it dismal. Suffering, struggling, downtrodden, whining. Oh the humanity. America sucks and it’s all somebody else’s fault.
A study that would be very interesting: voting patterns of people who are on antidepressant and other mood-altering prescription drugs. Based on Obama’s pitch, I’d guess they run about 95% Democrat.
Gilda on October 31, 2008 at 9:17 AM
YESSSS! THERE IS A GOD AND I THANK HIM.
OBAMESSIAH IS GOIN DOWN….
lisalj on October 31, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Big, big trouble – because Obama actually believes he’s ahead. He isn’t.
Could you put your omnipotent powers of observation to use and let me know what the next winning Powerball tickets will be? Thanks in advance.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Please read the posting before commenting. Or maybe even the first sentence if you don’t have enough time for the article. Ed pointed out that the program appeared on 5 networks. How many channels air American Idol? The World Series? Sheesh. The quality of trolls is really slipping.
Peri Winkle on October 31, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Damn, and his wife is big. She is gonna be sooooooo PISSED.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:19 AM
People noticed the “poor” people with new trucks, fake nails, cell phones? People are thinking, “THAT’S who he wants to give my tax dollars to?” BullSh*t.
marklmail on October 31, 2008 at 9:20 AM
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:15 AM
And I suppose you’re get the pulse of the race from what you read on the blogs? Or do you do your own research?
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:20 AM
Huh. Obama supporters using Karl Rove as a source of encouragement.
Strange days, indeed.
Slublog on October 31, 2008 at 9:20 AM
To top it all off, Obama managed to go through the entire infomerical without once mentioning John McCain.
Who’s this John McCain that you speak of?
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Obviously, the 8 years of “failed Bush policies” cannot compete with the war on poverty, which has over 40 years of failure & counting.
Obama wants the old, failed policies osteroids.
Right_of_Attila on October 31, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Not to worry. Come January 22, 2009, all channels will be all Dear Leader Obamassiah all the time. The One will get 100% ratings then.
rbj on October 31, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Well, Rove is the only person they know who doesn’t hang out with radical liars.
marklmail on October 31, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Here in SE Pa, where Obambi has to win Huge to take PA’s 21 EVs, no one watched it. Too much Phillies partying going on.
His support in this area is wide, because its a one party town, but very thin. Few are crazy about him; and many Dems have reservations. There are no big battles down ticket to pull them in, only the Oboring v McCain matchup.
Seriously, Dems who have something better to do Tuesday may not bother. Meanwhile, in the rest of the state, there is energy for Mac and Sarah. I’m sniffing upset here.
james23 on October 31, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Strange days, indeed.
Quite peculiar, momma.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Well, Rove is the only person they know who doesn’t hang out with radical liars.
Oh, now that’s low. Your mom is not a radical OR a liar.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Could you tell us some good sources for research? Which do you use. We want to learn.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Barack Obama, mourning in America — ROFLMAO
tarpon on October 31, 2008 at 9:25 AM
Beats me. I’m not psychic.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:25 AM
OT: Obama lays plans to kill expectations of change after election victory.
You have to be freaking kidding me? He has not even won yet but already spinning out of the hope and change mantra. This needs to spread like wildfire.
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:25 AM
No kidding? This America? As Rush pointed out the single lady with kids whining about health care and groceries (”Save me, Messiah!”) had obviously never bothered with her state’s CHIPS program, medicaid program, and food stamp program. As someone who regularly has to go deliver a baby on someone in the ER with no pre-natal care, they are indeed eligible for it but too lazy to get it ahead of time. My state bends over backwards to insure pregnant patients on medicaid – but they show up and the hospital has to fill out the damn forms for them. Did you know you don’t have to pay for infant formula, new mother? (But I will) No, it won’t be delivered to your home daily and heated for you, you have to get off your ass and go pick it up.
Marcus on October 31, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Tom, just curious. What’s your favorite color? Mine’s grey.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:26 AM
44th president of the U.S. as of January 20, 2009.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:26 AM
43, 16, 08, 37, 29, 11
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:26 AM
I don’t own a television. However, I heard part of it on the radio. The solemn french horn reminded me immediately of the beginning of Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph des Willens .
Blake on October 31, 2008 at 9:27 AM
It was designed to depress the market, and in that it failed.
Vashta.Nerada on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
crr6 on October 31, 2008 at 9:05 AM
The World Series and American Idol are carried on ONE STATION.
Cindy Munford on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
44th president of the U.S. as of January 20, 2009.
Don’t you have to run for president to be elected… oh, wait. He’s that old guy from the debates. I forgot about him.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Is that what you tried to write? Because I couldn’t make sense of it any other way.
BuckeyeSam on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Meanwhile, we had to earthquakes in Dallas/Ft. Worth last night. Small, 2.5 and 3.0, but odd to have them here.
Could this be a sign?
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
toTWO earthquakescarbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Ed: Just a word of correction. In 1996, Perot only got 8.4% of the vote. 1992 was his big year.
Athanasius on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
It is the doom of men that they forget.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Tom, just curious. What’s your favorite color? Mine’s grey.
I like the English spelling. Um, I’m a liberal, and thus color blind.
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Green? That’s so daring. How do you wear it?
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:29 AM
State polls do not lag behind national polls – that is just a myth. They are released in a 24 hour cycle just like the others.
Read up on their methodology sheesh.
A Axe on October 31, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Yup…a sign of techtonic activity under the earth’s crust.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:30 AM
And I suppose you’re get the pulse of the race from what you read on the blogs? Or do you do your own research?
Yah, actually I do, considering that polls by the same organization have shown huge spreads day to day; do people really decide to vote for Mac one day and Obarky the next?
Nah, it’s better to read a lot, and look for a wide range of opinions and insight rather than trust the polls. When you referenced Karl Rove I almost laughed; the libs have been calling him a serial liar for eight years but now he’s the voice of reason?
If you didn’t like what he shows on his electoral map, you would have found results more amenable to your hopes.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Tom, what do you like to do in your free time? Just asking.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Liberalism is a mental disorder.
That is why Obama’s plan to require mental health care coverage in health insurance was so popular with democrats.
Right_of_Attila on October 31, 2008 at 9:30 AM
I like the English spelling. Um, I’m a liberal, and thus
colorblind.Fixed it, Tom.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:30 AM
BuckeyeSam on October 31, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Yep, thanks. You have a pay pal account? I’ll drop you a nickel for editing my post (with the promise of more if you keep up the good work!).
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Tom, what do you like to do in your free time? Just asking.
Plot to bring about the death of Israel, you?
Tom_Shipley on October 31, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Looks like you’ll be dropping lots of nickels.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Just imagine that he thinks he is interesting enough to talk for thirty minutes and have people pay attention.
I only know one man that pulled that off, and His words are in the most celebrated book in history to remember, and read every day by billions.
I think Obama Hussein fell a wee bit short in the prophet dept…
Hening on October 31, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Oh SHI-
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Looks like you’ll be dropping lots of nickels.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Do welfare checks come in nickels?
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Oh SHI-
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:33 AM
*plays Taps*
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Thanks!
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Oh, you mean massive voter registration fraud on an institutional level in roughly a dozen states and Federal investigation pending. And don’t forget that institution’s prior admitted relationship with one of the major candidates.
You’re right. Somebody made up the entire thing.
manwithblackhat on October 31, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Shame that McCain couldn’t afford to air his own spot. Oh yeah, he’s not the LIAR running for President.
marklmail on October 31, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Same. I was hoping we had some things in common :)
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:35 AM
tom, do you want to hear about the nice arts and crafts project my kids make with acorns?
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Actually I perdict the landslide to go the way of McPalin.
Jed1899 on October 31, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Where does our doubt about McCain come from? Anytime I see or him lately he sounds energetic and ready to lead. Palin has unlimited energy it seems. It just the bogus polls saying otherwise trying to implant opinion in our head and the ‘bandwagon’ philosophy. Thats whats trying to win this for Obama, is the false data implantation. They are counting on that.
All I am seeing in the Obama camp is an arrogant guy who has answers A,B,C,&D to any multiple choice question and thinking just his 3-5 word vocal bursts make him a good speaker. They want race to be part of this and thats not working so he has to inject his own racial slurs about himself saying he’s half white and battling himself and bla bla bla. What an insult to himself and whites that is.
I see Obama is controlling what press even accompanies him on a campaign plane and that to me should be illegal. Get a good look folks. Thats whats trying to get in the White House and run your country.
johnnyU on October 31, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Thanks!
carbon_footprint on October 31, 2008 at 9:34 AM
WHAT??
As Sam Kinnison said, “The dead live! The dead f**king live!”
Well at least you can still vote for Obarfa.
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:37 AM
No, but it will watch you.
James on October 31, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Does anyone know Tom’s favorite color? he won’t tell me.
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Excellent. Invoking Merlin on election eve. Excellent.
/Mr. Burns off
wccawa on October 31, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Plaid.
ManlyRash on October 31, 2008 at 9:38 AM
I also predicted McCain needed to pick Sarah Palin to stay fluid in this race.
Jed1899 on October 31, 2008 at 9:38 AM
OMG! Thank you all for your commentary. I figured The One’s infomercial would either be doom or gloom or his usual stump speech. I just couldn’t watch it….it felt like it would have been a waste of electricity and definitely my time.
OMG. Fake fingernails…ugh! I tried it once didn’t like it especially since they don’t go with rural life and gardening. I am kind of a retro woman…like quilting sewing canning products from my garden I make the best darn hot dill pickles in the West!
Cell phones and these people are complaining….new trucks…we hadn’t had a new car until last year first time in 8 years….I totaled that new car now I have a used cross over…
I live in the middle of no where Kansas…we recently bought a house nothing fancy it cost us under 100,000 but then again it is a manufactured home complete with sheet rock walls….a large front deck and five acres to die for…
Why don’t they take on an extra job ot two if they are living beyond their means…
Funny story…when we bought or house our banker at a community bank in Kansas none of those big impersonal banks for us, he remarked we were very unusual because we didn’t have a boatload of debt…asked us if we neded more
We are doing our part to help the economy…every two weeks or so we pay cash for things we need for the house and still have a significant amount in savings…we do okay I get a pretty good check from the VA since I am disabled and get SSDI as well (it is taxed though) disability came about through service to our country
and maybe our example should be held up to those who live beyond their means…and we do donate to charities…favorites Human Society American Diabetes Society Salvation Army (family tradition that we carryon, hubby’s grandmother always gace to them at Christmas in the family name) and Goodwill Industries
And we try to attend Woofstock here in Kansas which raises money for the Humane Society every year…we give time money and in the case of the Humane Society pet food, old towels and etc…
navyvet48 on October 31, 2008 at 9:38 AM
You all continue what you’re doing. I’m talking to Tom
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Same. I was hoping we had some things in common :)
JiangxiDad on October 31, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Damn, I was hoping Tom would say he likes long walks in the rain, drinking margaritas and curling up with a good book.
*walks away dejectedly*
Bishop on October 31, 2008 at 9:39 AM
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