1. World Vision has appealed for help from the public, either by way of direct donations or through the joint campaign with Inventec.
2. Obama indicated during the presidential election campaign that his administration would pursue such direct contacts.
3. Obama has made a direct appeal to blacks here after rarely mentioning race throughout the campaign.
4. The format has allowed both Obama and McCain to rehash campaign talking points while largely avoiding direct answers to questions.
5. Obama has acted on his campaign statements that he would open direct talks with Iran.