Monthly Archives: August 2008

(Community Matters) One reason we might be seeing a closing of the gaps in key state polls is McCain’s outspending of Obama in media buys. According to Greg Sargent at TPM:

Iowa: McCain has spent roughly $700,000 more than Obama.

Missouri: McCain has spent roughly half a million more than Obama.

Ohio: McCain has spent approximately one million more than Obama.

Pennsylvania: McCain has spent roughly a million and a half more than Obama.

New Hampshire: Spending is about even.

New Mexico: McCain has spent approximately $300,000 more, and has outspent Obama by roughly two to one.

Nevada: McCain has outspent Obama by $800,000, also roughly two to one.

Missouri: McCain has spent $500,000 more than Obama.

Virginia: Obama has spent a million more than McCain, largely because Obama is advertising statewide while McCain is only up in the northern part of the state.

Wisconsin: McCain has spent roughly a half million more than Obama.

North Dakota: Obama has outspent McCain by around $170,000.

Gotta remember that McCain must spend the rest of his primary money before being declared the nominee at GOP convention. Since Obama has opted out of public funding, he can continue to spend primary dollars during the general. Also, of course, Obama is running a 50 state campaign. Finally, it’s heartening to know that even with McCain so significantly outspending Obama in media buys, our field operation far surpasses theirs. I’m not sure if the numbers still hold but a month or so ago McCain had 6 paid field organizers on the ground in Michigan, we had over 300.

(Community Matters) Be still my heart . . .

there’s even a video of it here

(Community Matters) Of course many have been seeing the disturbing trend in the national polls. It’s been noted in 538 but hadn’t significantly impacted the state by state electoral numbers until mid last week. While Obama retains a lead in electoral percentages, 538 considers it now only a “slight” lead. (admittedly, I’m a bit confused by this since I’m reading their numbers to show 284 to 254 electoral vote split favoring Obama but suppose given simulations this could be slight)

Nate Silver now writing about the latest Ohio poll showing Obama tied with McCain, down from an 8pt lead in Public Policy Polling’s July numbers. McCain slightly ahead in Nate’s simulations, winning Ohio’s electoral votes.

Two most interesting citations: 1) in the Ohio poll, Obama is doing well with independents, it’s Democrats with whom he’s slipping and 2) naming Hillary Clinton as his running mate would likely give him a 10 – 15 point bump. Nevertheless, I don’t think it’s worth the dilution of his message for change nor the risk Bill brings to an Obama presidency.

(Community Matters) oh yeah, we saw Woody Allen’s newest movie Friday night. Best ever. Story maybe not 100% believable but who cares, the characters were so exceptional I didn’t want the movie to end.

Of course, Penelope Cruz might be the sexiest person alive and Javier Bardem is way sexy in this role.

(Community Matters) nice posting here

(Community Matters) We’re locked in on Marfa for 3 weeks, Dec – January. Can’t wait.

(Community Matters) Too much to drink and need someone to drive you and your car home? This is way cool and such a win-win AAS here. Mostly college students, vetted and professional. Zingo 877-659-4646

(Community Matters) Wow, Acton opened it’s new school site, perched above Town Lake, overlooking downtown, last night. It’s a fantastic new campus. Jeff Sandefer beaming like a proud new papa, the visionary and philanthropist who’s creating the new MBA program for the 21st century.. Georgia Thomsen, Acton’s Exec. Director, oversaw the entire construction project, move in, party and preps for the newest class which starts boot camp next week. Steven one of the founders, so we both feel great pride and appreciation to Jeff & Georgia for allowing us to be connected. Many business notables in attendance including Laura Sandefer, Margaret Keys, Lauren & Phil Siegel, Jack & Carol Long, Dick Anderson, Jeff Serra, Kip Keller, Lolly & Rev. Mike Anderson, Ed & Shirley Perry, Acton Foundation Pres. Rick O’ Donnell, and many others I’m forgetting to mention. I took a few party pics and will upload them later. Michael Barnes of course in attendance so Out & About will have plenty more. Tom Hatch the architect. Lori Hawkins wrote about the school in AAS here. pics from AAS

(Community Matters) Michael Barnes and I wanted to catch up yesterday over lunch, so how better than a drive through the hill country to a favorite, Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls. Texas Highway Magazine readers named it the #1 restaurant in Texas for breakfast (which we both had) and one of the Top 10 restaurants in Texas. It’s home cooking at its best.

Proprietor John Kemper of course meeting and greeting the long line of folks waiting to be seated, and we arrived just after 11. Lots of families picking up young campers from Camp Longhorn. I could have sworn one stylish woman was Cindy Bock but she corrected me that she wasn’t. Missed her name but saw her again last night at the Acton opening.

Pies to die for. We split a piece of banana cream pie for dessert and both brought back apple pies, mine for Tana & Joe, Michael’s for Kip. Dozens of pies to choose from including Apple (reg or sugar free), German Chocolate, Banana Cream, Fudge, Chocolate Cream, Chocolate Meringue, Lemon Cream, Lemon Meringue, Cherry and lots more.

(Community Matters) Did the CNN correspondent, while speaking with Senator Obama, just use the phrase “let’s call a spade a spade?”

(Community Matters) I’ve been reading up on Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed (D). Graduated from West Point and obtained a masters in public policy from the Kennedy School at Harvard University. Paratrooper and Army Ranger before resigning and enrolling in Harvard Law. Rhode Island state senator 1984 – 1990. 1990 – 1996 US Congress. 1996 – today, US Senate. Member of Senate Armed Forces Committee, Senate Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Senate Appropriations committee. I didn’t know Reed but looked him up since speculation that he’s a VP candidate.

(Community Matters) The second Charlie the Unicorn is finally here.