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

[suntzu]

It's funny how Krugman claims in today's column that most of the venom is coming from Obama supporters. If he could only read this thread! I am not saying there is no venom from the Obama supporters but if Krugman thinks Hillary supporters are models of civility and reasonableness, he is kidding himself.

[Redmom]

I've been watching the forums and blogs on just about everywhere. It was nice to drop in share my excitement over Obama. But, with each state Clinton has lost the vileness against Obama has gotten so shrill that it is not worth it.

The dirty politics from the Clintons will ruin this race.

[Lalo]

i'm not convinced.
1)How exactly are we going to "fix" Washington? Where's the plan? Nothing on the website.
2) The propoer name for this health plan is "Lower Cost healthcare". Nowhere near universal healthcare

[qwr]

I happen to agree with you, but this is true of Clinton's and Edwards' plan as well. But no one is putting a truly "universal" plan forward, and I'm not sure it's possible.

[dotmafia]

Of course you're not convinced. You've already made up your mind anyway, so why bother?
_

[Arleang]

The way to fix Washington is to greatly inhibit the influence of lobbyists and greatly expand response to citizen needs.

The second way to make "lower cost healthcare" or "universal healthcare" (your choice) possible is to free up more money to spend on Americans. We are hemorrhaging millions overseas; we need bandages applied here.

[Trittydi]

Agreed. The real crisis is the American family - not the Robber Barons that receive copious and obscene welfare from the US government daily.

*

[sarah99]

It doesn't matter what kind of plan Hillary has or how detailed and wonderful, if she can't get anything passed from being so divisive, so partisan, so unwilling to work and compromise.

[Trittydi]

Certainly division and partisanship, unwillingness to work and/or compromise seem likely to dominate Washington if Hillary is elected.

However - this will be the role re-pig-licans will step in to fill - not Hillary.

*

[holtwest]

He is not big on details...­someone might ask him to defend his position. It's a great strategy for the primaries.

[anghiari]

As he told steve kroft on 60 minutes last night. When he first started and became quite specific about the details of his programs, the media criticized him as being TOO PROFESSORI­AL...so when he cooled it on the details and decided to give the people his vision...m­ore criticism ...can't win...so he decided he would do what he felt from the heart. I can only assume those who keep screaming for more specificity can't read...it is all on his website. so either the head banging about too vague means you missed COMPREHENSION CLASSES TOO OR you are just being Aholes for the fun of it.

[RusStyles]

IF you listen to the main message of the ad, it's not about hismos death; it's about being able to work with both sides to make it happen.

[Ping]

There is a powerful subliminal message being sent in that ad though. I have to admit.

[isi]

Just listened to the book excerpt above.

What a beautiful tribute he made to his mother.

[useyourbrain]

Every great actor knows that you don't cry on stage, you make the audience cry for you. Boohoobama. Next he'll do an ad about his kitty cat or dog died.

Imagine what you Obamatons, and the MSM, would do if HRC put out a video like this.

[marcusdean]

Are you saying that Obama does not sincerely grieve his mother's passing of cancer at an unfortunately young age? Take a step back, man, because that is downright mean.

[VOTER]

"Imagine what you Obamatons, and the MSM would do if HRC put out a video like this."

Do you mean one about HOPE?

[greenbrier]

She already has. Lucky for her, her mom's still alive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TAPYmVGbdg

[RusStyles]

Very sensibleand moving ad, without being sappy or maudlin. But, I know there wil be critics; there always are...But, please...c­an you leave out the ignorant "pimp" comments

[queertodaydotcom]

Using personal stories to relate to other people when you are running for office is perfectly acceptable. I want to to know about my president's life story.

[Seafarer61]

It always makes me feel uncomfortable that someone would use their own family when making these kind of campaign ads. It comes across as if the guy is saying "only when it affected MY mother did this issue become important.­"

My mom died of breast cancer when she was 56. I would never in a million years use her death to promote my own agenda. There are far too many other women out there whose deaths can be seen as equally compelling but that is my own .02, not something I find a terrible fault with Obama. He is free to use his mother's death as he wishes to reach the highest office in the land.

[Genifur2]

Firstly, sometimes things don't become important to you UNTIL it happens. She died young. She had inadequate healthcare. Most young people and healthy people don't realize how important health care is UNTIL something happens. It's difficult to talk in the abstract to them or anybody until you attach a personal story. Then they get! It's called advertising 101. I guess you've never seen this before so this must be new to you.

McCain used his adopted daughter in mass mailings in South Carolina? She's only 16. Hiliary Clinton has a commercial where she discusses her fathers slow death. I guess she was just using his death to promote her agenda?

It's nice to know you were born enlightened. Can I call you Budda?

[kellybelle]

My mother died of cancer when she was 63 and I frequently use her life and untimely death to inspire others. I find Senator Obama's approach more genuine than just saying "I feel your pain."

[MsLiz]

Seafarer81 said:

It comes across as if the guy is saying "only when it affected MY mother did this issue become important.­"

Obama said that he heard many of these stories on the campaign trail. He clearly was not saying what you concluded.

[Witkacy]

It's offensive ONLY if one is totally uncharitable and assumes Obama to be some sort of pod-person, a simulacrum of a man, who once had a mother, and would not deign to summon up her memory but for a poltical campaign--which is such a bizarre stretch that no sane person could really believe it.

And even putting that aside: Is the presidency of the United States so absolutely foreign from personal concerns re health care?? And if you run for office, is it necessary to behave - Cheney-like - as if you're somehow more of an officious shell than a flesh-and-blood person?

[VOTER]

You mean about HOPE?

[UNR]

Yeah, but you don't have a problem with Hillary breaking down in tears and pleading with her female roundtable, "It's personal for me, it really is...", do you?

[MadamRoma]

Really really sleazy, I remember Obama supporters jumping Edwards for just speaking about his son's death. You Obama supporters are a sleazy bunch, really really sleazy, I would not want you living next door to me.

[ConcernAmerican]

Obama will do and say anything to win including pimping out death of his mother. That is very low in my opinion. That says a lot about the man. Hillary can use the death of Virginia Clinton, her mother-in-law who died of breast cancer if my memory serves me right; but she wouldn't do it. That is showing RESPECT for the memory of her mother-in-law.

[Give Peace A Chance]

What a horrible thing to think and say. Shame on you.

[ObamaSeeChange]

First of all I don't like being painted with all Obama supporters by your hateful assault but I assume your real point was to diminish Senator Obama by linking him to some unthoughtful supporter. I really think it is a contest of who is sleaziest between that person and you for denigrating Senator Obama's attempt to show his relevant concern for universal health care. Quite frankly I wouldn't want either of you living next door to me.

[gallonjug]

Ok then, we have a deal.

[RusStyles]

You're a card-carrying, KKK-Approved Obama-hater. Why even read and comment? Isn't there a pro-Hillary site out there somewhere? I think it's www.hillaryclinton.com...Great spot to commiserate with your fellow O-haters..­.Like the Concerned One.

[JackWOrf]

The annoying thing about the Obama Cult is that anybody who criticizes Obama is a "racist". Obama is a chameleon who talks to whites like he is a whiteman and talks to blacks like he is a blackman. Have you noticed that?

As soon as Obama gets in front of a black audience he immediately starts talking like Dr. Martin Luther King. Amazing.

But in front of white people, he is Mr. University of Chicago Law Professor. What a political chameleon. Almost as good as Bush.

Did you ever notice how "twangy" Bush gets when he talks to his cracker base? Same thing.

[knixphan]

wow. so apparently you know each and every Obama supporter, in all 50 states, eh?

[JackWOrf]

What is this DELUSION that Obama has of taking all 50 states???? He has won a couple caucuses in red states where the Democrat population is so minute that they don't even have elections. Big whoppee.

Most of the red states think that McCain is too liberal. But Obama would have us believe that Conservative America is going to fall madly in love with him because he is such a wonderful "uniter, not a divider".

Fact is, Obama has managed to TOTALLY POLARIZE the left wing of the Democratic Party. If he can't even unite them, how is he going to unite the entire nation?

How absurd. And last night he was dissing Florida. That's real bright. The 4th largest state and a critical state to win the election and he is further dissing Florida. How he intends to win the election, if he gets the nomination, is a complete mystery to me.

Obama has won almost NONE of the states that are critical for Democrats to win. Winning stupid red state primaries and caucuses does not indicate that you have a prayer of carrying them in November.

Yes, a black liberal from Harvard, with an African/Moslem name, and you think that red America is going to go gah-gah for him? Sorry. I don't think so.

His only prayer is to win BIG in the big states like California, NY and Florida. And so far, he got clobbered in all 3. Winning caucuses of Democrats in Outer Mongolia aint gonna cut it in November.

[evahartselftlanguages]

TO: Senator Barack Obama February 11, 2008


I got out of the Army way back in Oct 1970. I worked and then ran into a number of evil,corrupt jobs. I discovered scarce food,jobs,shelter resources in U.S. Even Elliot Liebow,Jewish Anthropologist, confirms my scarce food,jobs lawsuit of 97 of which all Courts,my reps did nothing. Mr. Liebow writes in his '93 book,"Closing down shelters in Wash DC and in cities around the country is criminal,s­elf-defeat­ing, and dumb. Welfare gives meager money. It's a Government of All Americans. Mr. Liebow's legal counsel is Michael Schuchat and Mr. Schuchat is legal counsel also to the American Anthropological Asso.,Wash D.C. The Courts,my reps did nothing.

However, while I was convalescing from a sickness I gave my coffee and cigarette money to the James Robison Christian Org. in Forth Worth, Texas to help starving children in Africa. Because no one would help me with needed money for job faxes for they don't give you much money on GA and there's Care not Cash by Mayor Gavin Newsom,Sfc­,phones,ne­wspaper I could not continue to help starving children in Africa. Disgusting­.!

We need a President who upholds Human Rights and Health Rights that we are entitled too. Three forms of city government were put in because in past as cities grew people demanded healthcare,fire and police protection­,playgroun­ds, and libraries. Healthcare is a Right of Democracy and not socialism.

Psalm 41 states,"I will heal him on his sickbed and cure all his ailments if he is kind to the poor." God and Jesus are not socialists.

Eva Hart Christian Army 62-70 670 Eddy St. Sfc 94109 Rec job Sec of Def 64

[ConcernAmerican]

Never expect obama to answer your call on that, you have better chance with Hillary Clinton, she has been doing a lot for veterans, national guards and their families. Obama will only take it if there's something for him to gain, other than that forget it.

[kingdem]

Get a clue...

The only canidate who capitalizes on GAIN is Hillary. Her and Bill's grasp for power know's no boundaries and leaves in it's wake a fractured democratic party.

Billary needs to start preparing the concession speach now! For the good of the party she cannot win this war.

And ConernAmerica you better brush up on Obama's agenda's. You keep spreading lies about the future president of the United States. Bad mojo man! I wouldn't want you to be ignorant or wrong in November when it's time for you to cast your vote for Mccain or Obama...

And I know I know...you will NEVER vote for Obama...bu­t you'll come around. We have faith...

YES YOU CAN!

HA!

[ConcernAmerican]

Bill Clinton is busy helping Africa right now with his non-profit organization, buying medicine for AIDS sufferers. Ask yourself, Obama and Oprah are both Africans, how come they're not helping their own people suffering from AIDS?

[veracal]

How do you know that they're not? Incredibly ignorant comment.

[kingdem]

Yeah well Obama is working hard to create peace in Kenya and prevent another atrocity in an African Nation. He is very active in AIDS programs in Africa...

But helping to curb a potential genocide..­.Condolesa Rice called HIM to communicate with Kenya, NOT THE DIVISIVE SENATOR CLINTON...­.

Watch yourself ConcernAme­rican...yo­u keep spreading all these LIES on your comments you will be labeled for the LIAR you are!

[useyourbrain]

I guess Clinton does this because he is racist and always uses the race card. I guess he only did this cause he knew HRC would be running for President. In fact, the Clintons probably started AIDS so it could decimate so many people of color. Distant Clinton relatives spread the black plague way back when since they knew they both would run for President some day. Isn't it perfectly clear to you Hillary lovers.

[Unsui]

Obama and Oprah are AMERICANS you idiot. Their "own" people are you and me.

[FreedomsRoad]

You are also an African.

[libertad]

I'm enthusiastically voting for Obama, as he is the most capable and progressive candidate remaining. I would be even more enthusiastic if he'd back HR 676 and lead the charge for single-payer health care. Obama's health care plan (Clinton's much more so) is a gift to the unscrupulous insurance companies.

[knixphan]

yes! - let's push congress to push him on single-payer once he's in office. He's pushable!

[JUSTME]

I read this blog every day, yet I am still amazed at the level of racism and ignorant bigotry on the part of Hillary's supporters. Billary certainly knew who they were playing to before that South Carolina primary.

In the South, swearing is an art form. But the absolutely baddest word to use about someone is "nasty." "Nasty" is lower than low, with no hope of redemption.

Why is Hillary supported by so many nasty people. You'd think she'd be ashamed of this by now.

Nasty.

[Trittydi]

By whatever criteria you've come to this conclusion, it would be a mistake to assume that this is the norm for Hillary supporters.

I supported Edwards and have not yet decided who I feel I can most support of the two remaining. However - I know many fine people that support both these candidates. As democrats - we really did have an embarrassment of riches. A very fine field of candidates.

It must really suck to have to pick a re-PIG-lican candidate.

*

[holtwest]

Capable? Based on what?

[ConcernAmerican]

How many independent and republicans will vote for a black man over a white man in general election?

Take your pick.

Democratic base 50% at least will vote McCain or stay at home, majority of Latinos and Asians will vote for McCain.

Obama should put in his AD campaign his father from kenya. He hates the white folks, now suddenly he bring up his own mother? He doesn't even talk about his grandparents living in Hawaii and spent their own money to send him to a prestigious private school.

[Genifur2]

It's much better when you take off your white sheet before you type.

[ConcernAmerican]

You're calling me a racist now? Don't you know Obama is a RACIST? Read his two books, he hates white folks! You're such a fool the black man you're supporting is RACIST to the nth degree. I bet you don't mind at all his religious mentor Jim Wright travelled to Libya and talked with Khadaffy together with Louis Farrakhan. The problem with you Obama supporters you're too blind to see the bullshit of Obama. The likes of you DESERVE to be fooled by Obama.

[NoRepresentation]

Right because he only wins in black states like Idaho and Utah right?

[ConcernAmerican]

Idaho is a RED state, Utah is another RED STATE. This is the primary, democrats in those states cast their vote for party nomination, in general election above-mentioned states goes RED.

UTAH is MORMON state, do you think they'll vote for a man who is a Muslim? Coer d'Alene, Idaho is the HQ of Aryan Nation. Have you seen those skinheads wearing Hitlet boots? You've no idea what is Idaho.

[suntzu]

One commenter slams Obama for bringing up his mother and another slams him for not bringing up his grandparents.

Forget that during this campaign Hillary has had an ex-president husband yelling red-faced at a reporter, and well, you know the rest.

If it is not OK for Obama to mention his dead mother why is it OK for Hillary to drag Bill into the campaign?

[holtwest]

Wha...? We should all be red-faced yelling at reporters.

[wijg]

"He hates the white folks"...

How do you know? Prove it.

[PortiaElizabeth]

I hate to defend a ranter, but Obama himself in his first book talks of his hatred for white people and brown people. There's so much of anger there that I wonder if it's been resolved. It surprised the heck out of me since he was raised by white grandparents, and now talks of unity.
But I don't think anyone should take my word for it. If you haven't already, go read his books for yourself.

[kellybelle]

When has Obama ever said he hates white people? I find your "us and them" mentality divisive and sophomoric. If you read "Dreams from My Father" you will see that he loves both sides of his family and frequently returns to Hawaii to visit family. And what's wrong with private school. I went. But of course, I'm Black AND female so I bet I took your spot. Thanks Affirmative Action!
Sheesh

[PortiaElizabeth]

But I did read that book and found more than one mentions of his hating whites. I'd like to think he worked through that by now.

[kingdem]

Huff Post if MSNBC can fire Shuster can we please remove ConcernAmerica's privelage to comment.
PLEASE!!!!

He needs time to grow up and join the 21st century!

Racist scumbag, perpetuate lies, blind troll!!

You give Billary a BAD NAME!!


OBAMA 08

[holtwest]

It's not the white part of him he hates...

[SubparDude]

:
I am 60 and white and male.

This young man has It.

May we be so lucky to elect him.

G'Obama!
:

[holtwest]

Based on what? Didn't you hear? This election is about the young people. You don't matter.

[Mattatat]

To those that thought Shuster's comments were OK, what do you think about Obama "pimping out" his dead mother like this?

[libertad]

Shuster's comment was offensive, as was yours.

[authoritarianbootlicker]

You freaking idiot! First David Shuster and now you. How can you make these remarks about loved ones?

[gala1]

I think we have to eliminate words like pimping from the election .


They are mere inferential value judgments and have nothing to do with the reality we need to start facing.

Although I prefer to vote for Hillary, I am touched that any politician would publicly celebrate his mother in such a graceful way.


But I don't vote for the sentimentality of rhetoric. I vote for the most qualified and experienced candidate.
We all should know better than not to.

gala

[Leonard]

What a beautiful woman...I see her in him..

I so hope you young folks give us this man as Pres. Please get out and vote ...You can do it.
We need you....ple­ase vote and put Obama in the Whitehouse­...

[joselopez]

Very touching tribute to his mom. Even macho guys can admit that.

[Pippilangstrumpf]

I do not have health insurance. The underwriters will not approve my application because of a previous condition that no longer exists and has not existed for over 4 years and will never exist again. I used to think that the only people who went without health insurance were people who couldn't afford to pay monthly premiums.
Health insurance is top on my list of 'political' concerns, but I don't believe anyone in Washington anymore. Not even Obama.

[qwr]

You know, the more I research this topic, the more I'm starting to be pessimistic. Both plans will force insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions. But I'm starting to believe that the resulting "insurance," whether mandated or not, will be a kind of bottom-line insurance that could still lead to bankruptcy in the case of a serious illness. I support Obama, but I think the doctors, the hospitals, and the insurance companies are so entrenched that this thing will take some time. What we must battle is the idea in the press of "universal healthcare" or even "universal coverage," that we will have a European-style system. This is not true.

[ObamaSeeChange]

It's important to take a first step which must be politically feasible then we can enhance up from there.

[Lalo]

Clinton's plan puts caps on premiums, I thought?

[Trollstakeyourmeds]

I'm sorry for your situation. I am self-insured and had to increase my deductible from 5,000.00 to 10,000.00 to even afford the premiums. I truly believe that this is the number one issue we should be discussing. I'm glad it's getting some attention.