The national spotlight continues to shine on North Carolina today over a state Republican Party ad highlighting Barack Obama's relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. But voters in the Tar Heel State haven't been getting just one side of the story; the Obama camp has released several TV ads there ahead of the state's May 6 primary.
"Turn It Off" places Obama in an elementary school classroom, where he talks about the importance of education and parental involvement. "For me the American dream began in a room like this," Obama says, playing up his humble beginnings. "My family didn’t have much money, but education made everything possible."
He goes on to outline "The Obama Plan" for improving education but then moves beyond the typical political message to offer something of a lecture to parents. "The truth is government can’t do it all. As parents we need to turn off the TV, read to our kids, give them that thirst to learn."
Several spots that have aired in other states are also running in North Carolina, including:
"Billy": Addresses the relationship between legislators and lobbyists in Washington and presents the Illinois senator as an outsider who would change the system.
"Join" (subscription): Obama tells cheering crowds that they can help him bring change to America and to the world.
"Need" (subscription): Obama criticizes corporate salaries and says he will fix the tax code so that only those who need tax breaks get them.