ProPublica

Journalism in the Public Interest

Message Machine

Reverse-Engineering the 2012 Campaign

This is bad:

 

5 email variations

41

recipients



Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X or more today:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America here -- [url] -- by signing up for Quick Donate here -- [url] -- or click here -- [url] -- to enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received and the timing of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rules -- [url] -- and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible

29

recipients

Obama - Biden

We just found out how much more money Mitt Romney and the Republicans have in the bank: $X million.

I hope that sounds like a lot to you, because it is. And it doesn't even include outside groups.

That is a massive advantage to have with such a short time left. We have the power to decide whether that will be the determining factor in this election but only if everyone gets on board and does their part.

Help close that cash-on-hand gap so our voices don't get drowned out in a tidal wave of negative ads chip in $X or more now.

I know this campaign has asked a lot of you. That's why it's so important that you step up now, when this race is so close.

A $X million disadvantage means we could have to fight back against an estimated 780 30-second ads in a battleground state like Colorado. With only 11 days left, that's a devastating prospect.

Thanks to more than 4 million other grassroots donors, we're close, but we really need to close this gap and close it immediately.

So, please don't wait any longer. Donate $X or more right now to keep this campaign strong straight up until the last vote is cast on November 6th:

[url]

Julianna

Julianna Smoot Deputy Campaign Manager Obama for America

P.S. Any donation you make today will automatically enter you to win a trip to Chicago for Election Night. You and a guest will meet President Obama and get front-row seats to history. You should really enter.

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America

by signing up for Quick Donate

or click hereto enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received

or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rulesand additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.

17

recipients



Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X today.

You're one of the campaign's most committed supporters. Because you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately. It matters more today than it will later:

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

Or donate another amount:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America

by signing up for Quick Donate

or click hereto enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received

or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rulesand additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601. Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible

3

recipients



Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

You're someone who stepped up to support this campaign in 2008, and you better believe we're counting on you this year, too. Time's running out -- please help us out with a donation of $X or more today:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, Theo.

Joe

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America

by signing up for Quick Donate

or click hereto enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received

or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rulesand additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601. Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible

2

recipients



Look Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than our side.

That's a problem, folks. In an election that's as close as they come and with Election Day almost here we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in to help in races across the country today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X to the Obama Victory Fund today.

You're one of our most committed supporters. Because you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately. It matters more today than it will later:

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

Or donate another amount:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, F.

Joe

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to the Obama Victory Fund here, by signing up for Quick Donate here, or click here to enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received and the timing of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rules and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

PAID FOR BY OBAMA VICTORY FUND 2012, A JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE AUTHORIZED BY OBAMA FOR AMERICA, THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE, AND THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTIES IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CO, FL, IA, NV, NH, NC, OH, PA, VA, AND WI. Contributions or gifts to Obama Victory Fund 2012 are not tax deductible.

The first $X from a contributor to Obama Victory Fund 2012 will be allocated to Obama for America, designated for the general election. The next $X from a contributor will be allocated to the Democratic National Committee. Any additional amount s from a contributor will be divided among the State Democratic Party Committees as follows, up to $X per committee and subject to the biennial aggregate limits: OH 24% , FL 15% ; WI 12% ; IA 10% ; NV 10% ; VA 9% ; CO 7% ; NC 7% ; PA 3% ; and NH 3% . A contributor may designate a contribution for a particular participant. This allocation formula may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution. Contributions will be used in connection with a Federal election, may be spent on any activities of the participants as each committee determines in its sole discretion, and will not be earmarked for any particular candidate

Subject: This is dangerous:

From: [email protected]

Sent: Oct. 27, 2012, 5:27 a.m.




Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X or more today:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America here -- [url] -- by signing up for Quick Donate here -- [url] -- or click here -- [url] -- to enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received and the timing of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rules -- [url] -- and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible

 

Compare variations

Subject: This is dangerous:

From: [email protected]

Sent: Oct. 27, 2012, 5:27 a.m.




Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X or more today:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America here -- [url] -- by signing up for Quick Donate here -- [url] -- or click here -- [url] -- to enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received and the timing of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rules -- [url] -- and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible



Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X or more today:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America here -- [url] -- by signing up for Quick Donate here -- [url] -- or click here -- [url] -- to enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received and the timing of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rules -- [url] -- and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible

Obama - Biden

We just found out how much more money Mitt Romney and the Republicans have in the bank: $X million.

I hope that sounds like a lot to you, because it is. And it doesn't even include outside groups.

That is a massive advantage to have with such a short time left. We have the power to decide whether that will be the determining factor in this election but only if everyone gets on board and does their part.

Help close that cash-on-hand gap so our voices don't get drowned out in a tidal wave of negative ads chip in $X or more now.

I know this campaign has asked a lot of you. That's why it's so important that you step up now, when this race is so close.

A $X million disadvantage means we could have to fight back against an estimated 780 30-second ads in a battleground state like Colorado. With only 11 days left, that's a devastating prospect.

Thanks to more than 4 million other grassroots donors, we're close, but we really need to close this gap and close it immediately.

So, please don't wait any longer. Donate $X or more right now to keep this campaign strong straight up until the last vote is cast on November 6th:

[url]

Julianna

Julianna Smoot Deputy Campaign Manager Obama for America

P.S. Any donation you make today will automatically enter you to win a trip to Chicago for Election Night. You and a guest will meet President Obama and get front-row seats to history. You should really enter.

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America

by signing up for Quick Donate

or click hereto enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received

or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rulesand additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.



Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X today.

You're one of the campaign's most committed supporters. Because you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately. It matters more today than it will later:

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

Or donate another amount:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America

by signing up for Quick Donate

or click hereto enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received

or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rulesand additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601. Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible



Look -- Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than we do.

That's a problem, folks. In a race that's as close as they come -- and with Election Day almost here -- we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

You're someone who stepped up to support this campaign in 2008, and you better believe we're counting on you this year, too. Time's running out -- please help us out with a donation of $X or more today:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night -- you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, Theo.

Joe

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America

by signing up for Quick Donate

or click hereto enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received

or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rulesand additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601. Paid for by Obama for America

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible



Look Barack and I need you.

We recently found out that, as we head into the final push, Mitt Romney and the Republicans have $X million more in the bank than our side.

That's a problem, folks. In an election that's as close as they come and with Election Day almost here we're not willing to lose this in the end.

The good news is we've got you. And if you chip in to help in races across the country today, we can close that gap more quickly than you think.

Please help us out with a donation of $X to the Obama Victory Fund today.

You're one of our most committed supporters. Because you've saved your payment information, your donation will go through immediately. It matters more today than it will later:

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

QUICK DONATE: $X

Or donate another amount:

[url]

When you do, you'll be automatically entered to come out to Chicago for Election Night you and a guest will meet Barack and watch his speech from right up front.

Don't pass this one up, F.

Joe

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by October 29, 2012. You may enter by contributing to the Obama Victory Fund here, by signing up for Quick Donate here, or click here to enter without contributing or signing up for Quick Donate. Two 2 winners will each receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by Sponsor; hotel accommodations for winner and a guest; tickets for winner and a guest to an event of Sponsor; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama approximate retail value of all prizes $X . Odds of winning depend on number of entries received and the timing of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older or age of majority under applicable law . Promotion subject to Official Rules and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

PAID FOR BY OBAMA VICTORY FUND 2012, A JOINT FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE AUTHORIZED BY OBAMA FOR AMERICA, THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE, AND THE STATE DEMOCRATIC PARTIES IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CO, FL, IA, NV, NH, NC, OH, PA, VA, AND WI. Contributions or gifts to Obama Victory Fund 2012 are not tax deductible.

The first $X from a contributor to Obama Victory Fund 2012 will be allocated to Obama for America, designated for the general election. The next $X from a contributor will be allocated to the Democratic National Committee. Any additional amount s from a contributor will be divided among the State Democratic Party Committees as follows, up to $X per committee and subject to the biennial aggregate limits: OH 24% , FL 15% ; WI 12% ; IA 10% ; NV 10% ; VA 9% ; CO 7% ; NC 7% ; PA 3% ; and NH 3% . A contributor may designate a contribution for a particular participant. This allocation formula may change if following it would result in an excessive contribution. Contributions will be used in connection with a Federal election, may be spent on any activities of the participants as each committee determines in its sole discretion, and will not be earmarked for any particular candidate