Barack promises rescue plan to middle-class Americans in 4-mln-dlr infomercial

Washington, Oct 30 : In what is being described as the 'final summation' of Barack Obama's campaign, the Democratic presidential nominee promised "a rescue plan in tough times" to the middle-class Americans in his 30-minute video aired simultaneously on at least seven news channels.

The "infomercial", which is said to have cost the Democrats around four million dollars, blended views of Obama speaking in a setting that resembled the Oval Office, at the Democratic National Convention and elsewhere. It also included scenes of Americans discussing their economic and health care troubles and testimonials to the Democratic presidential candidate by politicians and business executives.

It also showed Obama's wife, Michelle, and his two daughters as well as past photos of his black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, and ended with a live transmission of Obama speaking at a campaign rally in Florida, one of several states where Obama is trying to capture traditionally Republican territory.

"We will win this election. The time for change has come. I will not be a perfect president. But, I can promise you this - I will always tell you what I think and where I stand," cbsnews.com quoted Obama as saying in the commercial as he reached for victory in his 21-month quest for the presidency.

Obama asked voters to "choose hope over fear and unity over division" in Tuesday's election.

On the other hand, in a reaction to Obama's publicity gimmick, Republican John McCain derided the event as a "gauzy, feel-good commercial paid for with broken promises". McCain also criticized Obama for having signed a pledge to accept federal funds for the fall campaign and then breaking his word.

ANI