Reply #7: Here's the transcript of Obama's segment so you (and I) don't have to watch it:

[NYCGirl]

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/04/democratarchuleta_08.php

Tomorrow night, according to CBS News's Maria Gavrilovic, Sen. Barack Obama will appear on American Idol's "Idol Gives Back" program via a taped piece.

Here's Obama:

Hello everybody. I’d like to say a few words not just as the father of two young girls who are big American Idol fans, but as someone who cares deeply about what tonight’s show is all about. Whether it’s across the street or around the world, Idol Gives Back is proving that when ordinary people come together, they can do extraordinary things. So I want to commend American Idol for the example they’re setting and the work they’re doing. And I hope that everyone who’s watching will make a contribution to Idol Gives Back, and help make this world a more just, more equal, and more hopeful place to live.

A Clinton spokesperson confirms that Clinton taped a similar segment.

And so did McCain.