About Me

Name: Ron Maestri
Email: contact@ronmaestri.com Biography
Loading...

Create Your Own Blog Find Other Townhall Blogs

Comments

Blog Roll

 

...and The Plot Thickens.

Posted by Ron Maestri on Thursday, September 04, 2008 10:22:08 AM
I have to admit I was a bit miffed by John McCain's choice of running mate in Sarah Palin. Who? What? Where? and even more importantly, Why? So, I decided to wait it out and see. Now, almost a week after his announcement, I'm convinced. His choice shows us exactly the type of president John McCain would be if elected. He thinks outside the box. Of course it was risky, but never afraid to stare fear straight in the face, Mr. McCain proved himself to be a very smart leader. We weren't hearing Obama chants after the DNC. We were booking flights to Alaska and spending all of our media time (liberal and conservative) talking about this person with 5 kids still breast feeding. She's everything Hillary could have been to Barack Obama, had he been willing to stare fear straight in the face. That's a big negatory. He was afraid of Hillary and especially Bill, so rather than fight, he switched to one of the biggest Washington insiders around, completely contrary to his message and his brand. Joe Biden is no friend to Israel, either. He made some ridiculous comment to their leadership in 2005 that "Israel needs to accept a nuclear Iran."
 
During the DNC very intuitive directors were cutting back and forth between Hillary's speech and Michelle Obama's expressions, which were fear and an "I knew she'd tout herself instead of Barack" facial expressions (I could almost see the thought bubbles overhead) to one of relief after an incredible show of strength and support by Mrs. Clinton for her husband. The next night when the former president spoke, once again those fears were laid to rest because say what you want, the Clintons know how to make things right, and they most certainly did. I always thought he was a good president and both their speeches were stellar.
 
I'd bet my parents (win or lose, take them, please) that Barack and Michelle secretly regretted passing over Hillary as his VP. I still firmly believe it would have been game, set and match for him, and I would have cheered him for taking such a bold risk for choosing her...and vote for both. Nope, Mr. Obama's fear of failure and Mt. Sinai ego got the best of him, and he went with a loud mouth who on "60 Minutes" this past Sunday, spent the entire interview backpeddling his gaffs, like plagiarizing a speech that took him out of a presidential election. Mr. Biden needs to check his own ego at the door when he debates Ms. Palin, or she'll probably kick the crap out of him and send him back to scrotum...I mean, Scranton, PA., which he has suddenly embraced as his home. Sorry Delaware, you're just not big enough. Biden is now longer from you.
 
John McCain showed us strength and courage. Barack Obama showed us weakness and fear. In a conversation with my sister who is 5 years younger and a staunch democrat living in Colorado, she referred to Sarah Palin as too inexperienced. I replied, "You mean, like Barack Obama?" It was the first time I ever heard my sister speechless. I actually thought the phone cut off and the signal had faded.
 
I wonder what Rachel Maddow must be thinking right about now. I'm sure she's ferklempt because all the kings horses and all the kings men may not be able to put Barack Obama back together again. She should be spending her off time from all the Obama focus (no-one sweems to care as much about him these days as they do this governor from Alaska) and learn proper attire and make-up tricks, like forgoing low cut or insisting the make-up artist continue past her neck. The CU poses don't work well, either. I hear through the grape vine she's considering whether or not to wear glasses on her new MSNBC show. I'd go with a bag.
 
The saddest part to this whole thing is that Hillary's views are more in line with how I think. She's pro-choice, pro-universal healthcare, pro-gay marriage. Ms. Palin's creationism argument is laughable and pictures of her seated on a dead bear in her governor's office are repulsive. Her stance on abortion is equally absurd, but hey, that Barack certainly can be a leader, can't he?
 
So now let's look at the campaign today and see how things have radically changed on both sides with the choice of Sarah Palin. Those 18,000,000 cracks in the ceiling might just band together because she's a woman (don't laugh, what percentage of blacks are supporting Barack?) and the greatest blunder of the 21st century, his failure to go with the obvious, may be scrutinized for years to come during the McCain/Palin Administration.
 
...And the plot thickens.
 
Ron Maestri
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Keith Olbermann Must GO!

Posted by Ron Maestri on Monday, July 28, 2008 10:29:18 PM
I forced myself to watch "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" Monday night because I thought I might have been a bit unfair to him in some of my previous postings. I'm a firm believer in evaluating fairly both points of view before making choices as do I'd guess most Americans, so I gave him another look.
 
I don't know any other way to say it except to just come right out and say, this man is embarrassing! Plain and simple. The entire show, not part, not most, THE ENTIRE SHOW WAS PRO-OBAMA, PRO-DEMOCRAT. Not once did he have ANY guest or point of view supporting the Republican perspective. For this show to air on a respected news network like MSNBC is appalling, and frankly, embarassing.
 
What do we think about the new John McCain ad chastising Barack Obama for his failure to visit ailing troops in Germany, choosing instead to play basketball? Let's talk to our first guest, the Obama Campaign Communications Director.
 
How bad is the McCain Campaign running these days with no clear strategy? Let's talk to our next guest, Rachel Maddow from Air America who wears "Democrat" on her sleeve and probably has a matching tattoo somewhere on her body.
 
How stupid is George W. Bush? Let's poke fun with quotes from his former Treasury Secretary, giving the audience the illusion of being fair to both sides. Forget the bad elevator audio, this stuff is good.
 
And what is it about Rupert Murdoch that Keith Olbermann has it out for? I watched with my mouth open a few weeks ago when Keith declared like a child "Ha ha Mr. Murdoch, see, I am successful and very, very rich. Nah." (I swear I saw him stick out his tongue afterwards.) Then, last night, it happened again when he roasted the Fox Business Network for its low audience levels as being less than 8000 people in daytime and "at this rate, it would catch up to CNBC in 2077." Of course Mr. Olbermann left out the part that CNBC's contract for DOW Jones probably wouldn't get renewed because News Corp. now owns them which would have a predictable impact on their numbers going forward, and that CNBC is carried throughout the world with greater penetration than Fox Business, on-air less than a year. If there ever was an apple to orange comparison, this was it. I too can read the ratings, Keith. I can make any show #1. I'm guessing Mr. Murdoch probably fired him from one of his sports networks or refused to hire him because of his reputation as being as completely unstable, which is why he left KCBS in L.A. (or was most likely asked to leave) and ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut. I know why Keith Olbermann isn't allowed to drive. He shouldn't be able to drive this train, either. make
 
Speaking of numbers and an audience, the point is to attract NEW VIEWERS and build an audience. There are already die hard Olbermann liberals watching the show (although I'd guess not for very long), but you can't grow unless you grow. That means broadening your horizons. Look left AND right. Let me be the judge, not you. Push me and I do the opposite. We all touched the fire when our parents told us we shouldn't, remember?  Like guests on CNBC, Keith Olbermann should be required to provide full disclosure because he's obviously a Democratic supporter of zealots like Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), (whom Mr. Olbermann referred to on Monday's show) and whose own bill of impeachment was struck down by members of his own party as being too radically liberal.
 
MSNBC is a great network. "Morning Joe" is my favorite morning program, besting "Fox & Friends" for news value hands down. "Fox & Friends" has 3 commercial breaks to every one on "Morning Joe" and F&F can't even have a meaningful conversation with any guest without rushing them through it and either ending it abruptly or splitting the interview in 2 so they can tease, tease, tease and go to more commercials. They tease more than they report. But say what you want, Fox News Channel is fair and balanced and, for the most part, so is "Morning Joe" on MSNBC. Joe Scarborough, a Republican is very fair to both sides, sometimes even being a little more critical of the Republicans than most, but I respect him because he's honest and that's all I ever expect. Pat Buchanan, a Republican is fair. Andrea Mitchell, a great reporter, is fair. They step out of their skins to provide accurate analysis pro/con for/against both sides so independent thinkers like myself can make intelligent choices without being pushed. All in all, MSNBC is a great network and certainly deserves the moniker as "America's Fastest Growing News Network". Their anchors and hosts throughout the rest of the day seem to be fair, and I trust them to deliver the facts letting me decide, with opinion they don't hide under the guise of news.
 
I don't trust Keith Olbermann.
 
He's selling, pushing and force feeding one point-of-view down my throat for an entire hour.  I kept asking myself, "What's in it for him?" My guess is that his cume rating is very low and his demo and household ratings are falling, as well. He's supposed to be counter-programming "The O'Reilly Factor" in primetime and not doing a good job of it. The only thing missing from his show was a lower 1/3 disclaimer throughout stating, "The following program is a paid advertisement for the Democratic Party." and V/O from Barack Obama saying, "I'm Barack Obama and I approved this message."
 
I'm predicting that the reason Barack Obama isn't as far ahead in the polls as he should be is because of "newscasters" like Keith Olbermann, who has the gall to 'humbly' refer to himself as such, keep pushing him on us. The writing is on the wall with the Desi Arnaz/CBS factor as my best example. "The more CBS told me not to hire William Frawley as Fred Mertz, the more I liked him", said Mr. Arnaz to Johnny Carson in one of his final interviews. I'm no newscaster, but I sure as hell know what one looks like. Keith Olbermann is no newscaster and Dan Quayle was no Jack Kennedy.
 
What was #1 on the Keith Olbermann Countdown Monday night? His foolish appearance on "The Soup" airing on E! It wasn't funny the first time and it sure wasn't funny played back over and over again by Mr. Olbermann, who was ogling himself. Here's another news flash: Keith Olbermann is not funny. I'd walk out of that comedy club faster than a speeding bullet if he were on the roster. My head hurts from rolling my eyes so much. Go back to Bristol, Keith. You're bad.
 
This show must go. I'd replace it with re-runs of "Captain Kangaroo" to save whatever is left of an audience, who I'll bet are beginning to lose interest in him too. There's only so much sell and hype one can stand on a day by day basis. Hell, I'll do it. I can beat Bill O'Reilly with my eyes closed and I could sure do a helluva lot better than Keith Olbermann, whose countdown to departure is the only thing NBC execs should be contemplating right this very moment.
 
 
Ron Maestri
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (2) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

"I Believe It Was Peace For Our Time."

Posted by Ron Maestri on Monday, July 28, 2008 3:59:04 PM
Kudos to Brian Williams and his "Nightly News" staff for snaring an exclusive interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran while overseas with his friend and mine, Barack Obama. NBC should be proud of Mr. Williams, who wasted no time gushing about his prize throughout the day on MSNBC. Asked to set up the story and draw a conclusion, Mr. Williams let the cat out of the bag and proclaimed what he single-handedly achieved by getting the Iranian President to agree to freezing his countries' nuclear enrichment, "I believe it was peace for our time", said Mr. Williams.
 
Clearly there was absolutely no political influence intended by the Iranians, who invented the game of chess, to influence the presidential election against John McCain (a strong national defense Republican) by granting the exclusive with a member of the liberal media. Oh, did I mention Barack Obama is also a liberal? They'd rather switch than fight.
 
Just a coincidence, I'm sure. We can certainly trust those Iranians. It's not in their nature to say one thing and do another.
 
Alright, alright. Enough praise. Let's get right to the interview, a first of its' kind moment as history repeats itself, thanks to Brian Williams.
 
(Applause sign)
 
Brian Williams: "Mr. President, will you agree to suspend your countries' nuclear enrichment?"
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: (Farsi)
Translator: "We want peace. We're a wonderful country. Walk around. See the sights. Feed the animals. Ride our women."
Brian Williams: "You've said you think Israel should be wiped off the map"
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: (Farsi)
Translator: "L'chaim".
Brian Williams: "Can we really trust you?"
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: (Farts)
Translator: "The President invites you to sign the agreement he has prepared during his recent visit to Munich, as proof he won't invade Poland, Mr. Chamberlain.""
Brian Williams: "But I'm Brian Williams."
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Translator in unison: "Heil!"
 
Good job, Brian. Keep it up. Better get ready for that audience with The Queen.
 
Ron Maestri
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

An Open Letter to the National Media

Posted by Ron Maestri on Friday, July 18, 2008 9:34:16 AM
When I first registered to vote over 20 years ago, I registered as a Democrat. I guess it was primarily because I thought since most people in my inner circle were of the same affiliation, that it was the right thing to do. I had no clue what the differences were between Republican and Democrat (as I suspect as is the case with most Americans today), except that Republicans gave me the impression they were a bunch of stodgy old guys representing the same party as Richard Nixon, who we all know was corrupt. Then Came Jimmy Carter, who single handedly botched the Iran Hostage Crisis and played into their impressions of us as being weak by neglecting to be more forceful than the pacifist in him ever would allow. This along with long lines at the pumps for gasoline rationing and a national 55 mph speed limit began the thoughts of party change in my mind. It was immediately after Ronald Reagan's inauguration and the subsequent release of our hostages from Iran that I immediately switched to Republican. Say what you want about those stodgy old guys, they are strong on defense and Reagan proved it. What Jimmy Carter couldn't do in all the months our hostages were held captive, Ronald Reagan achieved in 30 seconds after becoming our President. I'd have given anything to be a fly on the wall during that conversation with Ayatollah.
 
When George Bush ended the Gulf War (which I strongly supported) right before nabbing Saddam Insane, I switched again to Democrat. I don't get along with whimps and I believe Bush to be one after that mistake. Watching Saddam use this as a propaganda tool made me cringe and dislike George Bush and the Republican party.
 
Bill Clinton did well for me and I even voted for Al Gore in 2000. I was beyond pissed off when George W. stole the election, but God is my witness, I said to a close friend, "There's a bigger reason why this happened. I just know it."
 
On September 11, 2001, unfortuneately I was proved correct. It was a good thing a Republican was seated in the Oval Office because he took the right action which disproved any thoughts of weakness by terrorists and bin Laden himself. I'm sure it shocked them by our response. Say what you want about George W. Bush, but he was a helluva lot better than Al Gore ever would have been during all this(we'd still be begging for permission at the UN) or, dare I say it, Jimmy Carter. Did I think Bush could've handled Tora Bora better? Of course. Did I think The War in Iraq was necessary? Definitely. I still believe weapons of mass destruction were delivered to Syria under cover. This was reported by Israel, not by our own intelligence.
 
Now living in New York (again) and faced with the prospect of registering to vote here, I chose instead to become an Independent. I have found myself to be a social liberal and a fiscal conservative with strong national defense opinions. Since that represents a little of both, I went smack dab in the middle as an Independent. But something happened when I did. Suddenly I found myself stepping away from the tendency to defend positions on either the left or the right and to look at everything from an open minded frame of reference, you know, like the judges in our legal ought to do? Now, instead of defending Democrats when I was a registered Democrat or Republicans when I was a registered Republican, I have a free, unbiased perspective. Honestly, I still don't know who I will vote for in November.
 
Unfortunately, it's easier to see more clearly when news networks like MSNBC devote so much more time to Barack Obama's campaign clearly in an attempt to to assist the candidate in getting elected more so than John McCain's, who they obviously dislike. Every show's main topic is always Barack Obama with John McCain as a strained aside. But here's a news flash for those newsies everywhere (not just MSNBC but all of them), instead of gulping down what you're subliminally force feeding me, I want to go in the opposite direction. The best way I can describe this comes from an interview with Desi Arnaz on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson when both were alive. He was telling of how he came to choose William Frawley as Fred on "I Love Lucy". He said that the more that CBS executives resisted that possible choice, the more he liked him. Bingo. If MSNBC and all the major networks would just stay middle of the road presenting the facts (and scheduling their guest appearances) that way, I'd be less likely to dislike one candidate over another, not because of something the candidates themselves may have said, but because I don't appreciate being force fed. For proof of this, watch "Countdown with Keith Olberman" for a week on MSNBC. He's a classic example of what I'm saying here. Now, don't get me wrong. I would love to work for MSNBC. I even sent Steve Capus, NBC News President an e-mail about my own show "Ronn & Summer" (www.ronmaestri.com) as a possible late night show for the network and I think Chuck Todd, Andrea Mitchell, Pat Buchanan, David Gregory and Joe Scarborough are the exceptions. Some of the harshest criticism I've ever heard about John McCain's campaign has come from Joe Scarborough (Republican) on "Morning Joe", but I appreciate his candor and his honesty. He clearly has no hidden agenda, which is more than I can say for most other anchors on MSNBC.
 
What about Fox News Channel? Yes, they seem to be more fair and balanced as they claim, but with the Jesse Jackson recent snafu off air and on mike, Fox was quick to release this to anyone who wanted it. Even though they refused to release his "N-word" comment, they still were quick to release the details. I wonder if Fox would have been so quick to release a damaging snafu by John McCain if the tables were turned. Honestly, I seriously doubt they would have.
 
In closing, I offer some friendly advice to all news channels and national press. You're journalists. You're professionals with college degrees. What would your professors say about you right now based on your choices. Would they approve or disapprove?
 
Let people like me and millions of other Americans make their own informed choices, and keep things balanced and in perspective, please.
 
Respectfully,
 
Ron Maestri
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Reality Check.

Posted by Ron Maestri on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 7:33:16 AM
I really wish these news people would do their jobs properly instead of hiding behind their own hidden agendas to get Barack Obama elected, no matter what he says. Their questions are shallow and they're clearly biased against McCain.
 
MSNBC's Chris Matthews is a joke. His show doesn't play hardball. It doesn't even play ball. His topic is always pontification about how Obama could make things better and any guests he invites on always represent either Obama's campaign or democratic strategists. Watch him for a week and you'll see how unbalanced the whole thing is.
 
NBC obviously sets the guidelines for "Morning Joe" by always having the spokesman from the Obama Campaign on during the 7AM hour, and if they're lucky, the McCain camp gets to have their say in the 8AM hour. Here's a reality check: 7AM has a much higher HUT level (households using television) during the week than 8AM. It makes sense since most people shower/get ready/leave for work by 8AM. So, let's call it for what it is.
 
MSNBC's Keith Olberman should issue disclaimers at the beginning of his shows "Attention: This show is slanted left. We hate the right and we are proud of it. Want unbiased? Go somewhere else."
 
And why are they all so quick to defend Obama's waffling on the war in Iraq? "Well, he still will bring troops home in 16 months." Reality check: your candidate clarified his position by saying he'd first consult with generals on the ground." Well, alright, then in 16 months if his generals tell him we should stay, then what? WHY AREN'T THESE QUESTIONS BEING ASKED?
 
We keep hearing how it was all Bush's fault we're in the economic mess we're in right now. Reality check: a democratically controlled congress has refused his pleas to drill domestically for more oil and have refused to make permanent his tax cuts.
 
Polls show most Americans believe themselves to be democrats, rather than republicans. Reality check: have you met average Americans? They have no idea what the differences are. They plan to walk blindly to the polls to vote for change without bothering to comprehend the ramifications. These are the same people who blindly signed for mortgages they couldn't afford because they didn't read the fine print, and are now in foreclosure. Obama votes 90+ times in the Senate to increase taxes on people earning over $32,000 /year. That means less money for those schmucks who think they're democrats.
 
Obama is a ho. He'll say/do anything to get himself elected. He said today that if John McCain wants to have a debate about the economy, I'll do it anytime. Reality check: John McCain has been trying to debate Barack Obama, but he keeps turning it down. He's too busy pandering to everyone about everything with his larger than life scripted speeches and he has an ego larger than the stadium he's decided to hold his convention in. How elitest is that? The whole mother, grandmother, food stamps garbage is a load of crap.
 
If news people would just set their own agendas aside and stay neutral like they're Columbia educators taught them to be, independents like me could cull the facts and make our own informed choice for president without being force fed, which causes resistance.
 
"Resistance is futile."
 
Ron Maestri
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Joe Scarborough ROCKS!

Posted by Ron Maestri on Saturday, July 05, 2008 5:37:18 AM
It's such a pleasure waking up each weekday morning with "Morning Joe" on MSNBC. He's light, personable and very, very fair to parties on both sides of the aisle.
 
The other night on "Race For The White House" on MSNBC, Joe filled in for David Gregory and pulled no punches during Obama's recent backpeddle about the Iraq war. He played back the comments from answers to Charles Gibson's interview 6 months ago on ABC where he committed to returning our troops "no later than 16 months, no matter what." Fast forward to the present, and there is our candidate of change, changing his tune. Every single member of Joe's panel shook their heads about this one except for left wing Wendy whats-her-name dancer, choreographer, host, voice-over and legend in her own mind on AirAmerica (each guest writes their own intro). "That's not what he said. You're misinterpreting."
 
Joe: "I'm not misinterpreting anything. I'm listening to plain English."
 
Wendy: "Yes you are. You missed what he was saying entirely."
 
Joe: "Play it back."
 
(playback)
 
Wendy: "Well, that's not what he really meant".
 
How embarassing. Honey, it's a duck.
 
It's a real shame when those on the far left and also on the far right allow their own feelings to misguide the facts. Let's review: SHUT UP, and LISTEN. I had the same issue for all senators questioning General David Patreaus when he was invited to update Congress about the war in Iraq. They all gave their stupid speeches in advance of asking one question or bothering to let the General do what he was invited there to do in the first place: give us his assessment of how things were really going on the ground. I'd call that bass-ackwards. Pandering for votes, members of both parties were each guilty. Obviously, Miss Wendy, an extremist on the left, was as well responding to Obama's before and after on Iraq. Get your nails done, babe.
 
Joe Scarborough, clearly a centrist (and former republican congressman), calm, collected, with only the facts on his side, represents the majority point of view. Why isn't HE running for president?
 
Now, let me say that any candidate unwilling to change their perspective on anything is pig headed and out of touch because life changes. Those unwilling to change are called MY PARENTS. So, change is good. I have absolutely no problem with Obama's willingness to change. I'm actually encouraged by it. What I hate is politicians who refuse to see the light no matter how bright because they're more worried about pleasing their own party and keeping their cushy jobs than what they should be focused on: US.
 
What I do have a problem with, however, is Obama's mamby-pamby answer to the reason for his change. Here's a hint from marketing 101: if you try to reach everyone, your message gets diluted.
 
I'm sending my reel to AirAmerica. Clearly, they need me.
 
Ron Maestri
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Ron World.

Posted by Ron Maestri on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 7:40:40 AM
It's makes me crazy when news anchors and other high profile TV personalities blatantly lie to placate their audience. Case in point: "Fox and Friends" co-anchor Brian whats-his-name's comment several weeks ago that "he couldn't wait to receive his stimulus check from the IRS" was a lie. Stimulus checks were sent only to those Americans earning less than $75,000 per year. Fox fact: Brian earns over $1,000,000 per year as "Fox and Friends" featured regular host; has his own chauffer driven town car to and from work every morning along with a hefty clothing budget. Now, either Brian needs to fire his agent or he's blatantly lieing. I choose the latter because I happen to know better.
 
Not long afterward on the same network (Fox News Channel), featured host E.D. Hill sniped "These high gas prices are killing me". Fox fact: anyone with their name in the title of the show earns over $1,000,000 per year as does Ms. Hill; has her own chauffer driven town car to and from work every morning along with a hefty clothing budget. Now, either E.D. needs to fire her agent or she's blatantly lieing. Again, I choose the latter because I happen to know better.
 
Today on MSNBC, Mika whats-her-name complained about higher Starbucks prices. They were just killing her. If Mika earns less than $1,000,000 per year; doesn't have her own chauffer driven town car taking her to and from work every morning and doesn't have a hefty clothing budget, she needs to get a new agent or move over to Fox. I think we're all beginning to know better.
 
It's insulting to think how stupid they think we really are when they lie to us.
 
When I had the honor of working as a show host for QVC several years ago, the one golden rule I took from there (and appreciated most) was, never lie. If you didn't love something, then don't say you do. Only present its' strengths. Always be honest. Let's review: honesty represents the highest possible integrity any company can demonstrate. Believe me, coming from the world of infomercials, this really meant something. This might explain why more than 10% of the available quantity are pre-sold each midnight right before QVC formally presents it's Today's Special Value. The audience trusts their intergrity. That's what honesty buys you. An audience of trust.
 
Perhaps our news friends could learn something from all this.
 
Ron Maestri
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

How McCain Can Win.

Posted by Ron Maestri on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 3:33:56 AM
I've come to the conclusion that if the election were tomorrow, Barack Obama would cinch it. Clearly, he has taken this campaign to all new heights by continuing to keep John McCain on the defensive. This coupled with the fact that NBC and MSNBC are so tilted towards him (Chris Matthews isn't a journalist. He's color commentator for the Obama campaign every night on MSNBC: The Barack Obama Channel), that there's only one simple solution for Mr. McCain to go from defensive to offensive: NAME YOUR VP NOW.
Think about it. We already know who John McCain is, so why not demonstrate change by never really saying it. By naming your VP now, you'd be breaking from tradition and literally changing all the rules. All the news, including NBC and MSNBC would have no other choice but to focus on you, your maverick idea and your nominee. MSNBC and NBC are so desperate for anything democratic, they're still talking about Hillary when the rest of us (and her) have clearly moved on. I'd give anything to see Mr. Matthews' jaw drop at that one. It might even make him speechless.
 
All the pressure from right wing conservatives would disappear and you have re-written the rules with one simple stroke.
 
Here are some more tips:
 
Whether you care to admit it or not, you're a salesman. We all are, no matter what profession we're in. So sell us. The first rule of selling on television is to speak to one person, not a group of us or ever refer to us as folks. There isn't a crowd of people watching you on TV. Even if there were, you're still talking to one person: ME. Speak to me by looking into the camera and saying, "You". Use "fellow Americans" sparingly, and since obviously you're shy in front of big crowds (sorry, but your economic speech the other night still couldn't hide the fact that you had less than 100 people in the room even though you were careful never to let us see them), turn the negative into a positive (another selling tip on TV). "I'm not into big crowds or grandstanding like my rock star wannabe opponent. I'm more of a one-on-one kind of guy. I speak to you because I care about you and your family.
 
A lot more eye contact one-on-one to the camera would be a much more beneficial. When you're on camera no matter how many or how few are in your studio audience, WE'RE THE AUDIENCE, not them. Even Barack Obama hasn't figured this one out yet, but trust me, he will.
 
Never forget to keep me watching. I dozed off 3 times during your last speech. If I'm not watching, I can't hear the message, can I? Barack Obama doesn't do that to me.
 
Tear apart his plan, piece by piece. Do the same with his voting record. A few jabs about the on again, off again flag pin would be cute.
 
Finally, and this is VERY IMPORTANT. After ever single line, make sure what you're answering the questions we're all asking you, "Why should I care?" and more specifically, "What does this mean for me?" In the world of selling on TV, we call that features and benefits.
 
(Feature) "My tax plan means lower taxes"   
(Benefit) "That means when I'm elected, you'll have more money to spend at the grocery store."
Even go one step further for the benefit of the benefit:
(Benefit of the Benefit) "More money for gas. More money for the kids and the quality time we all seem to lose sight of when things get too tight."
 
You get the idea. Take everything one step further, hearing me ask you, "Why should I care?" and "What does this mean for me?"
I feel compelled to help the underdog, especially considering my last party affiliation was republican before registering as an independent and I have a great deal of respect for John McCain. I'm still leery about Barack Obama, and NBC's embarrassing tilt towards his direction doesn't help much either. Anyone catch "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" soon after Mr. Obama's win of the party nomination? Practically the entire show was dedicated to him, and then a few days later, a brief segment was dedicated to John McCain, with the rest available on their website, a navigational nightmare no doubt.
 
Honestly, Barack Obama is beginning to work for me. His 50-state plan was nothing short of brilliant, even though I'd guess it was just a head fake. Take my advice and the ball, Mr. McCain. You can be the star. It's independents like me who can make or break you and right now I'm openly saying, "Hey, I'm still undecided. Yes YOU CAN!"
 
Respectfully,
 
RSM.
 
P.S. Get your wife to dress you as fabulous as she does for herself. You're looking a bit frumpy. And no, I'm not suggesting wearing a leather blazer.
 
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

I've been Telling You So!

Posted by Ron Maestri on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:41:38 AM
As fans of my blog from yesterday (June 9, 2008 7:30AM) already knew before John McCain made the exact same statement last night on "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams", Barack Obama is basically this centuries' Jimmy Carter. Those closest to me also know I've been saying the same thing throughout the entire nominating process. How did I come to that conclusion so early? Because I lived through the Carter debacle called an administration. I watched as some southern peanut farmer who no-one knew except for those in his home state of Georgia (if you have a chance, miss it) say the same things Obama is saying now to get himself elected. Nothing. Pure soundbites. ("I need more soundbites, dammit. They're eating this stuff up!") "I promise to change." "The American people deserve more." "I'll fight for the average American." For those not around during the mid 70's, Carter easily won the White House against a corrupt republican administration just changed to Gerald Ford, who did his best to help the country move on from Nixon and Watergate. Most Americans never forgave him for forgiving Nixon, and now a big fat "I told you so" is in order. Instead of re-electing Ford, truly a great American cut short in his prime as our nation's leader, we chose Mr. Ignorant who caused huge lines at the gas pumps, 21% interest rates, opinions about nuclear proliferation from his pre-teen daughter Amy (he actually quoted her during a last straw debate with Ronald Reagan), a much weaker dollar than we have now and my biggest pet peave of them all, buckling under when our Americans were held hostage by the Iranians. They laughed at how weak we were (sanctions, sanctions, sanctions) and even released them immediately after Reagan took office. (I'll bet that phone conversation was to the point.) Even to this day, Jimmy Carter is still a walking moron. I say we wrap him in plastic and ship him COD to the Bronx. I'd stand in that line to give him a real cheer.
 
Now, if Mr. McCain or someone from his camp happen to be one of those who perhaps read yesterday's blog and got the idea of mentioning Jimmy Carter's name, kudos to you. Here are some more helpful hints:
 
1. What were you doing for the 4 months of democratic infighting? You should have had your plan well developed and well organized and all your necessary fund raising completed. Lose the ego. It's your greatest enemy. Yes, we respect who you are, now move on and prove it a lot more. Yesterday, Barack Obama gave an incredible speech about the economy, then your camp came out and said, "We'll have one on Tuesday". TUESDAY? Why haven't you already come up with one? You were a POW in Vietnam and you served your country well. We get it. Move along little doggy.
 
2. Two words: ROTATE EQUALLY. The amount of airtime you've purchased which your campaign seems hell bent on dedicating to one commercial is foolish. Create more. One about the economy. One about the environment. One about what you plan to do for me. Then, add them to the mix and tell your stations to ROTATE EQUALLY. Hit your opponent from all different directions. Watch boxing.
 
3. Why don't you have an infomercial? I offered to produce one for Hillary and now I'm extending the same invitation to you. Infomercials are 30 minute commercials which explain with information. They are much more cost effective than short form spots (:30 and :60) and answer the most basic questions we all still have. It can also be uplinked to your website and made available to the national media who would eat it up. That's called FREE PUBLICITY. Right now they're all still talking about Obama and Hillary. Why aren't they talking about you. It's not about them. It's always about you. If you're not willing to accept responsibilities for your mistakes, then you make 2 each time.
 
4. Whiten your teeth
 
5. USE THE INTERNET. Every message, every spot, every infomercial, everything should be uploaded. Let's not forget to work the room, and it's not just filled with conservative evangelicals.
 
6. If you spend any money or waste any time in California, you've been checkmated.
 
7. WATCH THE NEWS! WATCH THE NEWS! WATCH THE NEWS!
 
As an independent, I feel compelled to offer advice to the other side as well.
 
1. Mr. Obama, your economy speech yesterday was RIGHT ON! You said all the right things all of us have been dying for you to finally say. What took you so long? KEEP IT UP! Read everything I've said to John McCain, and use it, which clearly you're doing. Now get out there and say those things up close and personal in all the states you lost.
 
2. The Reverand Wright BS isn't over. Make it end by saying more about who you are and your beliefs. Why didn't Romney win their nomination? Exactly.
 
3. Don't choose Hillary. Her biggest mistake all along was Bill. Don't make him yours. When you meet with him and he asks why not, show him Vanity Fair. Playback his foolish comment in South Carolina. Then laugh. He's an albatross, and the real shame is that he has absoluterly nothing to do with her worthiness, but it was her bed and she chose to lie in it. Pun intended.
 
That's all for now.
 
I hate humidity.
 
Ron
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive
« Previous1Next »