Obama Ad That Touches On Mother's Cancer Released In More States

The Obama campaign announced today that it will play the ad titled "Mother" in Ohio and Texas. In the ad Obama discusses his mother's struggled to pay her medical bills while battling cancer.

Here's the script. See the video underneath.

My mother died of cancer at 53. In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well. I hear stories like hers everyday. For 20 years Washington has talked about health care reform and reformed nothing. I've got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone. But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists we will be in the same place twenty years from now. I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message because to fix health care we have to fix Washington.

Listen to Obama discussing his mother's early death in the preface of his memoir, Dreams From My Father.

Comments

[ethnobotanist]

alot of wash. elite seem quite fearful of the Clintons', as we see in their lack of support. I'm beginning to wonder if Hill can really change Wash. and that means many have their necks on the line.

did you ever think that quite possibly HRC is telling the truth and will fix more than a few things - she admitted NAFTA was a mistake, so hey, and healthcare in America will change, for sure, and just who do you think will know exactly what mistakes were made (and how) by bushco when they get inside the W.H. - where they can fix things, make it right, or cancel or call off the deals by the worst admin. ever in my lifetime.

you don't have to trash my post, I personally don't give a shit what you Hill-haters say anyway. I have always found it repellant to tear down the thoughts and opinions of people in the manner some of you do in these threads, yet, I suspect many of you are young, or willfully disrespect the right to vote ones conscience in this country - without tormenting people if they do not agree with you. (I'm not talking about mild insult, and the sense of humor displays of disagreements, just the hate speech)

either way, we get Clinton or Obama, so, don't worry, be happy! It could be worse, and all this fighting can cause people to take their eyes off the prize - enabling McCain to take advantage of democrats shooting themselves in the foot - again and again!

oh and yeah, that was a nice dedication to his mother. he wrote that book a few years ago, before he tossed his hat in the ring.

[brooklyncitizen]

o k a y

feel better?

[goldman]

WHO IS OBAMA AND WHAT HAS HE DONE? HIS CAMPAIGN IS REALLY FOR THE NAIVE,THE TRUE BELIEVERS WHO REALLY JUST BELIEVE IN CHANGE AND HOPE BUT HOW IS HE GOING TO DO IT WITH WHAT EXPERIENCE­??????????­??????????­??????????­??????

[moana]

Oh, fear mongering.­...seen that tactic before!

[ConcernAmerican]

Maybe I can help you who is Obama. In 1985, Obama work as a community organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC) in Chicago. Obama was 24 years old, unmarried, and according to his memoir, searching for a genuine African-American community.

Both the CCRC and the DCP were built on the Alinsky model of community agitation, wherein paid organizers learned how to "rub raw the sores of discontent," in Alinsky's words.

One of Obama's early mentors in the Alinsky method was Mike Kruglik, who had this to say to an interviewer of The New Republic, about Obama:

"He was a natural, the undisputed master of agitation, who could engage a room full of recruiting targets in a rapid-fire Socratic dialogue, nudging them to admit that they were not living up to their own standards. As with the panhandler, he could be aggressive and confrontational. With probing, sometimes personal questions, he would pinpoint the source of pain in their lives, tearing down their egos just enough before dangling a carrot of hope that they could make things better."

The agitator's job, according to Alinsky, is first to bring folks to the "realization" that they are indeed miserable, that their misery is the fault of unresponsive governments or greedy corporations, then help them to bond together to demand what they deserve, and to make such an almighty stink that the dastardly governments and corporations will see imminent "self-interest" in granting whatever it is that will cause the harassment to cease.

In these methods, euphemistically labeled "community organizing," Obama had a four-year education, which he often says was the best education he ever got anywhere.

Obama goes to work at a Chicago housing project, Altgeld Gardens, where he refines his skills.

[ConcernAmerican]

Here, Obama worked as an ethnic activist, helping the impoverished black community wring more money and services from the government. That government money was wrecking the morals of the housing-project residents seems obvious from his book, but Obama never comes out and says it. Numerous white moderates assume that a man of Obama’s superlative intelligence must be kidding when he espouses his cast-iron liberalism on race-related policies, but they don’t understand the emotional imperative of racial loyalty to him.

His mentor during this period was the veteran local agitator, Hazel Johnson, who who disputes the version of events at Altgeld Gardens that Obama wrote of in his book and tells audiences at his political gatherings.

While working as a community organizer, Obama was repeatedly asked to join Christian congregations but begged off.

"I remained a reluctant skeptic, doubtful of my own motives ..." he wrote.

When Obama first undertook his agitating work in Chicago's South Side poor neighborhoods, he was un-churched. Yet his office was in a Church and most of the folks he needed to agitate and organize were Church people -- pastors and congregants -- who took their churches and their church-going very seriously. Again and again, he was asked by pastors and church ladies, "Where do you go to Church, young man?" It was a question he dodged for a while, but finally he relented and joined a church.

Obama didn't join just any church, but a huge black nationalist church, the Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC). Its pastor, Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, unabashedly preaches a "black" gospel.

Trinity describes itself as a "congregation which is Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian. Our roots in the Black religious experience and tradition are deep, lasting and permanent. We are an African people, and remain 'true to our native land,' the mother continent, the cradle of civilizati­on."

"Trinity has a non-negotiable commitment to Africa, is committed to the historical education of African people in diaspora and committed to liberation, restoration, and economic parity."

[Keo]

about Obama: it gets virtually no press at all, so I'm going to do my little part to give it some.While Obama IS certainly a politician and carries some of that baggage with him, he was born into a world of different values than all the rest of 'em. And those values, I submit, are what we need in our next President. Obama did not grow up in the US. He grew up in Hawaii (really only a state "on paper"). Because so few Americans know anything about Hawaii, it doesn't get discussed as significant, but it most certainly is. Honolulu is not Miami. It is not just another warm-weather city where a lot of people walk around with tans and bathing suits. Hawaii was the only state in the country where the Moral Majority was unable to organize. Hawaii elected a Jewish lesbian as governor and there wasn't a single word about religion or sexual orientation during the campaign. "Island values" teach tolerance, respect for other races and religions, and that the needs of the individual should never supercede those of the community. Times of stress in Hawaii bring people together in ways that most Americans would find incredible. This does not mean that there are no social problems there, or greed, or selfishness. but it does mean that there is a lot less of those things there, and a far, FAR greater spirit of cooperation. Having grown up there myself, and raised children there, I know. And because I know that, I know where Barack Obama's coming from in terms of his vision, his principles, his values.
He is the ONLY one of the candidates who not only appreciates the need for us to come together to solve our problems--both as a people and as a player on the world stage--but who actually has experience living in a culture in which such an ethic is alive. On this --arguably the most important point in terms of a broad vision of the future--he is the MOST experienced. He should be our next President.

[moana]

Aloha Keo! Thank you for the perspective.

[brooklyncitizen]

Thank you for these insights.

I think people that are against him will remain so; there is such visceral response towards him not unlike in some respects to what Bill Clinton faced in his first campaign.

The masses ofeten react to someone who is perceived as an intellectual, too big for his britches and part of that may be because of his race.

He is running at great personal risk and he has much to loose: he has created a beautiful family and a functional family in itself is an accomplish­ment.No secret affairs or drunk driving or whatever else Clinton and Bush engage in.

Yet the fact that he is willing to go the distance and risk means voting for him is a risk I'll take.

Hillary and McCain are running out of a sense of entitlemen­t.Complete­ly narcissistic.

[lynnn]

Wow cool.

[greenbrier]

very interesting insights--thank you!

[isis]

My cousin died of cancer and during her last months of life the insurance company gave her a bill for $20,000 for the surgery it had pre- approved. Apparently someone changed their mind about paying. This is something that will always stay with me...that as she was dying the insurance company that had collected her premiums for over 20 years gave her and her family one more thing to grieve about. It is one more reason why I can relate to Obama.

[brooklyncitizen]

Unconscionable.

"Sicko" is full of examples such as this one.

[greenbrier]

I have heard him in person tell the story of his ill mother puzzling anxiously over her medical bills and claim forms--this is not some story that he whipped up for an ad. It's something that he clearly feels strongly about, and yes, another reminder that he comes from a modest background. I don't think the Bushes ever had to worry about paying medical bills.

[Earl]

I see all the responses saying 'he can't do this' and 'he can't do that' but, in case you haven't been paying attention, his message is 'yes WE can' and it's very obvious to me, especially since he says it in every speech, that he expects ALL OF US to pitch in to get our country back on track. So quit whining about what 'he can't do,' and figure out what YOU are going to do to make America better. If all you do is pay taxes, vote, and bitch, then you deserve what you get. Swap out bitching for action and maybe you'll get your money's worth. If you want better, then get out and do something about it, and quit expecting ANY of the candidates to do it for you.

[moana]

THANK YOU! That is the difference with this campaign and that is why I am a Obama supporter. He actively seeks our involvement in the process. Hillary and McCain on the other hand are all about what "I" can do..."I" can do this, "I" can do that...nev­er "WE".

[naturesway]

So, tell us what you are doing.

Obama's health plan is very much like the one that Hillary drew up 16 years ago and the Insurance and Big Pharma shot it down with 300 million$$ in negative ads. What is Obama going to do when that happens again. What are YOU going to do?

BTW, Obama has already started negative ads against health care.
Dream on dreamers.

[Ono4Hoopono]

Way to go Earl. Well put. Let's elect candidates like Obama who will do it WITH us.

[jhink465]

Word up.

[elpollo]

OK, Earl. What specifically are you doing?

[Owlygirl]

This is a very powerful image and message. It reminds me that outside of all this Barack is a son without both of his parents. His father died tragically and his beloved mother was taken away in bits by cancer. That's a painful existence for any person. Makes him all the more admirable.

[didimus]

Hi. I wonder if you would publish a few more feel-good stories about Barack Obama. That evil Hillary keeps promising universal health care and, of course, I've got my doubts because, after all, she's just the wife of Bill Clinton and we all know how we feel about "him." Besides, Harry and Louise filled me in on what she's really up to, compliments of the Obama campaign. Geez, life will sure be grand when we topple old Hillary, and when Obama, spotless, changes everything in America, with a rousing speech and endless promises of civility. I even hear the GOP will honor Obama's pledge if we just promise to nominate him. Bill Kristol, Pete Werener and Jonah Goldberg gave me their word. They think he's one swell guy. Can't WAIT until 2009 when we change everything in America and we all get along. Oh yeah, and mean old Hillary's back in the kitchen, um, I mean, Senate where she belongs.

[LeeFromVA]

Hi Didimus, I have to disagree with you. Hillary isn't evil, it's Barack Huesan Osama that is evil. He's really a muslim and he doesn't say the pledge of allegance. He only pretends to want to bring about unity. He is full of false hopes and fairytales. He only won SC because he's black like Jesse Jackson, but he's not really black enough. He's a good talker but he's not a doer. He won't be ready on day one either, whatever that means. He thinks he's the messiah, and all the retards that support him believe it. Hillary on the other hand is perfect. She gets along with everybody and everybody likes her because she's good at fighting the bad people. We need Hillary because she won't divide the nation like that muslim would.

[Redmom]

IF you are looking for Muslims...­Hillary's shadow and right hand is Muslim.

[anghiari]

Why do so many of you suck as just basic decent human beings?

[didimus]

Human beings - really? Partisan hacks, perhaps? Inconsolable antagonistic political diehards. But sucky humans? Well, at least one of us attempts a sardonic wit, something my
colleagues on this site seem woefully unwilling to appreciate.

[Mindleftnumb]

There's only one word to describe the Hillary Clinton campaign, many of her supporters, and the comments you leave on this website: DEPRESSING

You need help. Honestly. You're hateful people and it's taking away from your lives. Fix it soon. I've got nothing to gain from that, I'm just telling you because its sad to see.

[BetterDays]

I agree. The tirades do nothing to further their cause. They simply make me turn from the ugly politics and hope for change. They might be heard if they weren't so depressing, attacking and sad in their responses. Thoughtful and logical go a long way in my book.

[holtwest]

If Hillary were running this ad, the headline on Huff Post would read, "Clinton pimps own Mother in Desperate Attempt to win White House"

[freeusofbushclinton]

She probably wouldn't mind pimping Bill. I bet he would like that.

[JackWOrf]

That's for sure.

But you can't fault him for it. That's a good ad and a good message. I question how he would put his mother forth for certain ridicule by certain a-holes. You can be sure that there will be a-holes who are hateful enough to mock his mother.

But I guess that's the way politicians are.

Of course, I still haven't forgiven him for pimping out JFK.

[lynnn]

Yes when Obama took JFK out of the casket and asked him to speak to super delegates it was just too much. I'll pray about it.

[sonofloud]

LOL

[LeeFromVA]

Why does Obama get the blame for what a bone-headed reporter said. Obama never says anything disparaging about anyone.

[kennedy]

(Obama never says anything disparaging about anyone. )

He has said so many horrible things about Senator Clinton and President Bill Clinton I have lost count. I could never trust him to lead America.

[awb]

holtwest and others
don't you think the "poor me" thing is tired?
How about a real debate on the issues instead of trying to garner sympathy and donations by the "pile on" strategy

I don't think Sen Clinton would want to be portrayed as the fragile little woman you are making her out to be

[kennedy]

Senator Clinton is a strong woman who has never lost to a republican. She is a hard worker and loves the American people.

[newsweek1945]

GOOD LUCK, BOTH YOU AND HILLARY!

[MadMadamMin]

There really is no comparison of someone who has been surrounded with unconditional love with others who haven't.

[PODdem]

If it is any consolation to Clinton supporters at least on Nov 5 you will not feel like a complete asshole if McCain wins the election. I suspect Barack just might get the nomination but when and if he loses at least you can say I told you so you dumb idiot.Win win situation.

[KoreanVet]

PODdem, where's the logic in saying that If Clinton gets the nomination, she will beat McCain but if Obama gets the nomination he will lose to McCain, be a little more specific.

[kennedy]

PODdem:


If Obama does get to go up against Mc Cain the REP will destroy him. Being the most liberal senator for 2007 alone will get Obama blown out of the water. The REP will swift boat Obama over and over and over again. It is going to be a sad day over and over and over again for the DEMS. That is what is so scary for those of us old enough to have lived through numerous other election cycles. Being a liberal is the number 1# attack the REP beat the DEMS aside the head with time and time again. And the only DEM that it did not work against since Reagan has been President Clinton.

Allot of DEMS will refuse to vote for Obama for various reasons: his inexperience, his most liberal senator in 2007 status, his unelectableness, his race baiting, lying and calling the Clintons racists, his association with corrupt Rezko, his weak voting record, his non votes on numerous bills and on and on and on.

And after the medias love affair ends, god only knows what is going to hit the fan about Obama. Obama can't win.

[tatin]

Wait a minute here. Something about his ad isn't right. Obama's mother died in a Honolulu hospital. She was living in Hawaii. Hawaii has had near universal healthcare since 1974. Why would she have been worried about how to pay her medical bills? And how would Obama know anyway. He didn't visit her in the hospital when she had ovarian cancer. He's said in interviews that 'he didn't think it would take her so quickly and one of his biggest regrets is not getting to Hawaii in time to see her alive one more time". This ad needs a little fact checking.

[FreedomsRoad]

I'm from Hawaii and I've never heard of this "near universal healthcare" maybe I didn't get the memo....

[Keo]

Hawaii is, indeed, closer to having "universal" health care than any other state in the nation. EVERY F/T employed person has health care insurance. Virtually every child is covered by some combination of State+Federal programming. Retired State and City/County workers throughout Hawaii are ALL covered. Most low-income and unemployed qualify for the public/private "QUEST" programs. Hawaii doesn't have 100% coverage, but it's close.

[musetta]

Hawaii does indeed have near universal healthcare.

To use your dying mother in a lie to gain votes is the most despicable thing I've ever witnessed in a political ad.

[PortiaElizabeth]

Oh, you want facts?
I'm afraid he doesn't do facts very well.
His book claims he was conceived because of his parents' passion over the marches in Selma, Alabama. Trouble with that story is that he was born in 1961 and the Selma marches happened 4 years later.

[m4me08]

I read the book. WTH are you talking about? Literacy, try it.

[batgirlevi]

Liar. The woman in the first story was the one worried about the bills from her illness. Not his mom. You were chomping at the bit to jump in and spin like a good little republican. Blech!

Rethugs are nothing but liars at every turn!

[Safire]

Back off! Is nothing sacred? Jeez!!!!

[awb]

tatin:
were you there?

losing one's mother is a personal tragedy - one that you never forget

I am sure Sen Obama vividly remembers what happened

you sir, are out of line here - pick another topic to make your point

[baghdadjoe]

Hillary Clinton has had over 12 years to work on health care.

Where are the results??

[moana]

She wasn't giving Bill what he wanted, that's for sure.

[kennedy]

Nobody has worked harder or longer to improve health care than Hillary Clinton. In Arkansas she improved rural health care. In D.C. she
created the SCHIP Children's Health Insurance program which now covers six million children.

And if it weren't for republicans like you who spent over 50 million to stop health care for everyone, every American would have healthcare now. How many people like my aunt have died because they had no health care? Shame on you.

[Svenson]

Obama call himself a black man to win black votes and ignored his mother's heritage.

Now, to win votes he use his mother... to bring sympathy..­.

turth is his health plan is NOT universal and he is lying.....­.

He is just another snaky politician

[Ping]

I bet it sucks to be schooled by the inexperienced and naive Junior Senator from Illinois. You are very close in your analysis though. He is killing 2 birds with one stone it's an outstanding play by Obama.

[kcal2000]

Svenson, Obama doesn't need to call himself a "black man" to win "black votes". It's obvious. Obama has NEVER ignored his mother's heritage. He speaks of mothere and grandparents in his books, and has several pictures of them circulating online.

He has always talked about his mixed heritage. In his stomp speech he uses the line "father from Kenya mother from Kansas".

I believe his "mixed" heritage helps him relate to a cross section of Americans.

[nihilon x]

Yes, because nothing says presidential like brown and black skin.

[anghiari]

nihilonX - nothing says stupid like a guy with a computer and a fifth grade education.

[VOTER]

You are DUMB!

[awb]

read the book "Dreams from my Father" written in 1996--

Obama has overcome a prejudice from white people who see him as black and black people who see him as white -- his life was public a long time ago

His mother is/was will always be his mother