2004 Presidential Campaign Blog

President George W. Bush Gives Thanks in Re-Election Acceptance Speech

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you all.  Thank you all for coming.  We had a long night -- and a great night.  (Applause.)  The voters turned out in record numbers and delivered an historic victory.  (Applause.)

Earlier today, Senator Kerry called with his congratulations.  We had a really good phone call, he was very gracious.  Senator Kerry waged a spirited campaign, and he and his supporters can be proud of their efforts.
(Applause.) Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their whole family all our best wishes.

America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence of my fellow citizens.  With that trust comes a duty to serve all Americans, and I will do my best to fulfill that duty every day as your President.  (Applause.)...

...The campaign has ended, and the United States of America goes forward with confidence and faith.  I see a great day coming for our country and I am eager for the work ahead.  God bless you, and may God bless America. (Applause.)

Full Text of Speech

John Kerry Address to Supporters at Fanueil Hall

Boston, MA - Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. You just have no idea how warming and how generous that welcome is, your love is, your affection, and I'm gratified by it.

Earlier today, I spoke to President Bush, and I offered him and Laura our congratulations on their victory. We had a good conversation and we talked about the danger of division in our country and the need – the desperate need – for unity, for finding the common ground, coming together...

...I'm proud of what we stood for in this campaign, and of what we accomplished. When we began, no one thought it was possible to even make this a close race. But we stood for real change, change that would make a real difference in the life of our nation, the lives of our families. And we defined that choice to America.

I'll never forget the wonderful people who came to our rallies, who stood in our rope lines, who put their hopes in our hands, who invested in each and every one of us. I saw in them the truth that America is not only great, but it is good.

So here -- so with a grateful heart -- I leave this campaign with a prayer that has even greater meaning to me now that I've come to know our vast country so much better. Thanks to all of you and what a privilege it has been. And that prayer is very simple: God bless America. Thank you.
Full Text

John Edwards "Fresh Start for America" Rally

On Monday, November 1, 2004, Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards returned to Minnesota for a “Fresh Start for America” rally in the Hutton Arena at Hamline University in St. Paul.  Edwards discussed the Kerry-Edwards plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class with Minnesota voters and rallied Minnesotans to get out the vote for Election Day.

"Your Stories" New Kerry-Edwards 2004 Online Video

Millions to See New Online Video as Part of Unprecedented Last-Minute Internet Push

Washington, DC – Taking one last opportunity to remind voters of the clear choice in this election, the Kerry-Edwards campaign today announced the new video “Your Stories,” and launched a comprehensive online effort to ensure an unprecedented number of individuals view it in the closing hours of the 2004 campaign. Through Banner Ads, Blogs and the Johnkerry.com email list, the video will be viewed by an estimated over 8 million individuals. 

“Your Stories” features John Kerry on the campaign trail talking about the people he met along the way and the people he will fight for in the White House.

This morning, the video is being emailed to Kerry’s online supporters, as a special thank you for their support throughout the campaign. These are the millions of individuals that helped Kerry raise over $80 million dollars online, have contacted more than half a million volunteers through Johnkerry.com’s online Phone Corps, participated in thousands of canvasses across the country and tomorrow, will be a vital part of John Kerry’s Get-Out-The-Vote effort. 

“Your Stories” can be viewed at www.johnkerry.com

“Your Stories” Script:

JOHN KERRY: It has been a great privilege to run for President. Your stories have become the work of my life. I’m here to put America back to work and live up to the values of our country.

I intend to fight for the middle class. I intend to fight for the people who are getting squeezed. I intend to invest in companies that make jobs here. We deserve a President of the United States who fights as hard for your jobs as he fights for his own job. It’s time for healthcare for all Americans that’s affordable and achievable.

We’re going to put the people back in the driver’s seat. Our true strength in the world comes from ideals, faith, fairness, the truth.

I will understand that the United States of America never goes to war because we want to, we only go to war because we have to. We need a new direction in Iraq, and I can run a more effective war on terror.

I will make America safer and stronger. I’ll never hesitate to use whatever force is necessary to protect the security of the United States of America. We know that we can make this country stronger here at home because we know we can restore America’s reputation in the world. This is a future for us if we have a President who wants to believe in the possibilities of America.

We can do better and we will do better.

NARRATOR: Tomorrow, November 2nd, vote for a new direction for America.  John Kerry for President