2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Tom Vilsack "Courage To Create Change" Announcement Video

Tom Vilsack "Courage To Create Change" Announcement Photos

Tom Vilsack "Courage To Create Change" Announcement Speech

Tom Vilsack announced his candidacy for President of the United States at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

"Christie, thank you. It sure feels good to be home. I want to thank Christie, Jess, and Doug for their love, support, and inspiration. Without them I would not be here today. As a family we are committed to this campaign and this effort - you can be sure of that.  And I want to thank all of you for being here and for your friendship and support for so many years.  My life was profoundly changed and made better when you welcomed me into your community 30 years ago.

Three weeks ago, Americans courageously voted to create change. We sent a clear message that we wanted our country led in a new and better direction. But our job is not done. We have more work to do.

Today in the White House, we have a president whose first reflex is to divide and conquer...who preys on insecurities and fears for partisan gain...who has tried to rob us of the very asset that has made the United States the greatest country on earth:  Our sense of community, optimism and can-do spirit.

In the last election, Americans were not fooled by political tricks or gimmicks. We said in one voice, from all regions of the country, for our children and grandchildren:  Tomorrow does matter.

That is why I am here today -- to bring even bolder change and build an even stronger future for our great nation.

Let us face facts. 

The world today is filled with real threats and real problems. Our way of life is at risk from terrorism throughout the world.  Here at home, families struggle with skyrocketing healthcare costs and rising college tuition. For too many, home ownership is a fading dream.  For others, a secure retirement is an unfulfilled promise.  And for many neighborhoods and cities, crime is a daily threat and danger.

Let us also speak truth.

Our way of life and national security have been put at risk by fiscal irresponsibility and by our dependence upon foreign oil and the countries that provide it. In some cases, the governments of these countries take our money -- and yet despise us and harbor terrorists.

By any measure or standard we are less safe and less secure than we were 6 years ago. Our country needs bold leadership guided by the right values and the right experience. 

That is why I am here today.

For those of you meeting me for the first time, let me say a few words of introduction.

I have always been the underdog and long shot.  And I have always been inspired by stories of ordinary people who struggled, but ultimately succeeded.

I began life in an orphanage in the arms of a stranger. I was adopted into a loving but troubled home. During my early years, my mother battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction. My parents separated. I watched as my father balanced being a single parent while trying to keep his business alive. We struggled and adapted to a declining standard of living. I know what it is to feel alone and forgotten...as if you do not belong.

The deepest hole anyone can dig is addiction and dependency. My mother dug that hole, but she dug herself out. She relied on her faith, family and friends. In doing so she taught me a valuable lesson - that the courage to create change can overcome anything, and that community can give you the support and confidence to succeed.

My parents got back together.  And when they did, they taught me never to give up on people, family or community. Their values live here inside me and will always guide me in everything I do.

I have served as a mayor, state senator and two-term governor. I have worked every day in public life to bring people together to create change. 

In the past eight years, Iowa successfully changed farm fields into energy fields. We changed the traditional idea of agriculture and became the national leader in renewable fuel and energy production.  As a state, we became more economically, environmentally and energy secure. If you drive around Iowa today, you will see a changing landscape marked by new ethanol and bio-fuel production plants and wind farms.

We had the courage to create change in education, health care and government itself.  And by having the courage to create change, we provided greater security and opportunity to our people

That is why I am here today - to continue our work, and to bring the courage to create change to America.  It will take leadership to create this change.  But it also will take an active sense of community.

You do not have to be raised behind a white picket fence to understand the power of community. Some of America's strongest communities do not have any white picket fences or even yards for that matter.

In these communities, there are countless American success stories - immigrants from every continent who traveled here to farm fields, work in factories and pursue the American Dream. Many of these new Americans faced and overcame discrimination.  Our country must always remain a destination for those in pursuit of that dream, for a better life for their family and to live in freedom.

That too is why I am here.

America needs a president who builds and creates...who makes our country more secure... who is bold and has the courage to create change.

I will be that president.

So today, in front of the family and friends I love and here in the community I call home, I announce my candidacy to be the next President of the United States.

Let us have the courage to create the bold change we need.   Let us stop the endless debates and empty talk.

Together, with the courage to create change, let us develop a healthcare system that prevents illness, cures diseases and helps people live longer healthier lives -- without taking away every penny in their bank accounts after a lifetime of sacrifice and hard work.   

Together, with the courage to create change, let us fight for an education system that helps every child become as inquisitive and creative as God intended them to be. If we are to compete in a tough, global economy, Americans must remain the most innovative people on earth.   

Together, with the courage to create change, let us build a 21st Century economy of cutting-edge companies and technologies that lead us to energy security.  Energy security will revitalize rural America, re-establish our moral leadership on global warming and climate security and eliminate our addiction to foreign oil.   

Together, with the courage to create change let us embrace a new foreign policy that renews friendships, develops alliances and isolates enemies. In Iraq, we must act, take our troops out of harm's way and allow Iraqis to begin providing their own security.   

I am running for President because every America has the right to pursue the American Dream.

I am running for President because every community should contribute to our success. Americans who live in cities, barrios, suburbs and small towns all deserve a president who works for and remembers them.

Most of all, I am running for President to replace the anxiety of today with the hope of tomorrow and to guarantee every American their birthright:  Opportunity.

It will take courage to create this change.  But by restoring America's community, optimism and can-do spirit, we will succeed.  I ask for your support and your vote. Together let us have the courage to create change in America.

May God Bless our work and the United States of America."

Eugene McCarthy 1968 Announcement

Press Conference of Senator Eugene J. McCarthy in the Senate Caucus Room, Washington, D.C. on November 30, 1967.

"I am hopeful that this challenge which I am making--which I hope will be supported by other members of the Senate and other politicians--may alleviate at least in some degree of this sense of political helplessness and restore to many people a belief in the processes of American politics and of American government; that on the college campuses especially and also among adult, thoughtful Americans, it may come to the growing sense of alienation from politics which I think is currently reflected in a tendency to withdraw from political action, to talk of non-participation, to become cynical and to make threats of support for third parties or fourth parties or other irregular political movements. 

Let me say that-as I am sure I shall be charge-am not for peace at any price, but for an honorable, rational and political solution to this war; a solution which I believe will enhance our world position, encourage the respect of our Allies and our potential adversaries, which will permit us to get the necessary attention to other commitments--both at home and abroad, militarily and did not militarily--and leave us with resources and moral energy to deal effectively with a pressing domestic problems of the United States itself.  In this total effort, I believe we can restore to this nation a clear sense of purpose and of dedication to the achievement of our traditional purposes as a great nation in the twentieth century."

Full Speech Text

Senator Bill Frist Looks Ahead

Senator Bill Frist announced that he would not seek the Presidency with this statement.

"I wanted you to hear from me directly, before you heard it on the news.

Twelve years ago, I pledged to the people of Tennessee that I would serve two terms in the Senate - to serve as a true citizen legislator - and then return home. I said I’d come to the Senate with 20 years experience in healing, spend 12 years serving in Washington, then go right back to Tennessee to live where I grew up. And I will do just that.

That decision to self-limit my term was grounded then, and rests now, on a firm belief that change in public service and politics is healthy. That it fundamentally forces a perspective of purpose and a sharp focus on service and results. It reminds all participants that they just occupy a position for a period of time. And it liberates one to concentrate every day on serving those who are represented, not to preserve one’s own station.

I’ve known everyday for the last 12 years that I would spend two terms and no more in the legislative branch. The time for Karyn and me to leave Washington has arrived and we do so with great respect for the institution of the Senate and my colleagues, for our government, for our President, for our democracy, and for the principles of freedom and liberty upon which our country was founded.

People ask about the future for Karyn and me. What is next?

We are ready to return to Nashville and private life. We will seek the best opportunity to serve mankind. We will stay actively involved in formulating innovative solutions to the seemingly insurmountable problems that face Americans every day -- high cost of health care, energy dependence, the threat of radical Islam.

I may return to what I’ve done for most of my adult life: heal through medicine (the way I saw my dad serve since I was a little boy riding around with him, his black doctor’s bag tucked between us, as he’d travel the neighborhood making house calls).

I, of course, will immediately resume my regular medical mission trips as a doctor around the world to serve those in poverty, in famine, and in civil war. That is where my centeredness is fueled.

Politics is a noble occupation. Healing is a noble profession. Service to others underlies both. Karyn and I, and our three boys, now three young men, thank you for our opportunity to serve.

I look forward to continue working with you through VOLPAC. At the beginning of next year, we'll launch a revamped website and internet operation that refocuses our efforts in support of Republican candidates and centers our ongoing discussion on the challenges facing our country.

To keep the discussion going, I will also launch a national summit or series of summits focusing on important issues such as America’s dangerous dependence on foreign sources of energy and the high cost of health care.

More details to follow on these ideas and the exciting changes VOLPAC will make in the days ahead..."

Bill Frist, M.D.

Republican Party Of Iowa Sets Straw Poll Date

RPI ANNOUNCES STRAW POLL DATE

DES MOINES – Today the Republican Party of Iowa enthusiastically announces that the Iowa Republican Straw Poll will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 in Ames, Iowa on the Iowa State University campus.

“We are excited to announce the 2007 straw poll date today as we begin moving forward with the process of selecting our next President,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Ray Hoffmann.  “With just about nine months until the straw poll, Iowans are looking forward to getting to know the Presidential candidates.”

The Iowa Straw Poll is a longstanding tradition that gauges the organizational strength of Republican Presidential candidates ahead of the Iowa Caucuses.  In 1999, George W. Bush won the straw poll, going on to win the caucuses, the nomination and the presidency.

A date has not been set for the 2008 Iowa Caucuses. More details of the events surrounding the straw poll will be released later.

Tom Vilsack Set To Launch Announcement Tour

VILSACK CAMPAIGN TO LAUNCH FIVE STATE "COURAGE TO CREATE CHANGE" ANNOUNCEMENT TOUR

Des Moines, IA – Tom Vilsack will kick off a five-state tour by formally announcing his candidacy for President of the United States on Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 9:30 AM in the Iowa Wesleyan College Howe Center of Mt. Pleasant, IA.  The Governor and his family will travel from Iowa to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Nevada and South Carolina. 

The community of Mt. Pleasant will host a potluck supper on Wednesday, November 29th at Mount Pleasant Middle School.

United States Mint Unveils Design of Presidential $1 Coins

HISTORIC CHANGE ON THE WAY
United States Mint Unveils Design of New Circulating Presidential $1 Coins
Former Presidents to Be Featured on New $1 Coins, in Order of Service

Washington, DC  (November 20, 2006)  United States Mint Director Edmund C. Moy and other Federal officials provided a first glimpse of a new series of circulating Presidential $1 Coins at a design unveiling ceremony held today at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.  The $1 coins are being introduced as a result of the Presidential Coin Act of 2005, which requires the United States Mint to mint the dollar coins commemorating the service of former United States Presidents in the order in which they served.

Like the United States Mint’s successful 50 State Quarters® Program on which it was modeled, the Presidential $1 Coin Program features a systematically rotating design.    The first four $1 coins will commemorate George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

“The new Presidential $1 Coins are an educational and fun way to learn about former Presidents,” said Director Moy.  “Our research indicates that, like the 50 State Quarters coins, the Presidential $1 Coins will be popular with millions of Americans.”

According to a study commissioned by the United States Mint, about half of all Americans are interested in collecting the Presidential $1 Coins – but their appeal does not end with collecting.

“Congress recognized that the 50 State Quarters Program showed how a systematically changing design can help to pull a coin through the economy, and we’re hoping to build on that success,” Director Moy said.

Traditional Subjects, Unique Design

The designs of the coins are bold and dramatic, with traditional inscriptions moved to the edge to allow for larger images of the Presidents.  These include “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust,” the year of minting or issuance, and the mint mark, making these coins unique among today’s U.S. circulating coins.

The new Presidential $1 Coins are identical in color and size to the Sacagawea Golden Dollar Coins, and have the same distinctive rim and tactile features to assist the visually impaired.  Additionally, the new $1 coins carry the same electromagnetic signature as both the Sacagawea Golden Dollar coin and the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin, making them readily acceptable in vending machines that currently accept dollar coins.

The face of each coin will feature an image of a former President and the years of his term of office.  The reverse of the coin shows an image of the Statue of Liberty and the inscriptions “The United States of America” and “$1.”

Distributed through Banks and Other Financial Institutions

The United States Mint and the Federal Reserve System are working in partnership to make it easy for businesses and members of the general public to obtain the new coins as they are released.  The Presidential $1 Coins will be shipped to banks and other financial institutions in rolls, unmixed with other dollar coins.  For each new design, banks may pre-order the coins up to two weeks prior to the introduction so they will have supplies on hand on the release date.  The coins will be available in unmixed rolls for four weeks after the introduction of each design.  When each new Presidential $1 Coin is released, the special ordering process begins again.

Each President will be honored with a single $1 coin, regardless of the number of consecutive terms he served.  Grover Cleveland, the only United States President to serve non-consecutive terms, will be honored on two coins.  No living former or current President can be honored on a coin. 

For more information on the new Presidential $1 Coins, go to www.usmint.gov.

George Romney 1968 Announcement

Governor George Romney of Michigan announced his candidacy for President of the United States at the Veteran's Memorial Building in Detroit on November 18, 1967.

"I decided to fight for and win the Republican nomination and election as President of the United States.  I have made my decision with a great earnestness. 

The Republican Party has the faith in the individual, and voluntary cooperation, private competitive enterprise, free collective bargaining, and state and local government needed to apply these principles at home. A Republican President can work for a just peace in Vietnam unshackled by mistakes of the past. A Republican President can restore truth to government and regain the confidence of the people.

Because I believe that, working together, we can build a New America, I will work toward this goal with all my heart, mind, and new spirit. I pledge energy and honesty to the task."

Full Speech Text

John McCain Common Sense Conservatism

The formation of John McCain 2008 - The Exploratory Committee, is the first step toward measuring the depth of my support among America's voters.

As I begin the process of assessing a national campaign for the Presidency of the United States of America, I am turning to friends like you to ask for your personal help.

For me to have a good chance of success in what is sure to be a hard fought contest, my campaign must have strong, solid backing from voters all across America.

I seek your support for my Presidential effort today because I hope that like me, you understand that our country can no longer deny and turn a blind eye to the critical challenges we face. We must go beyond today's obstructive and divisive partisanship to confront and solve our nation's biggest problems.

As I outlined in a speech I gave last night, I believe that to keep America prosperous, strong and growing we, as a nation, must rethink, reform and reinvent the way we educate our children; train our workers; deliver health care services; provide for our citizens' retirement; stimulate research and development; harness new technologies; and protect our citizens and interests here and abroad. (To read and watch this speech please visit www.ExploreMcCain.com.)

We, as a nation, have been through the process of selecting a President many times. But, to use a phrase often associated with a President of my youth, this is no ordinary time.

I believe this truly is a time that we must put self-interest, partisanship and "politics as usual" aside. And that's because I believe that America is genuinely facing some of the gravest and most complex challenges in our history.

That's why we need to elect a leader with strong principles who will begin the presidency by listening - and I mean really listening - to the American people ... a President who will restore trust in the greatness of our democracy and hope for our future.

Everywhere I speak across this great land I try hard to remind Americans that we can no longer afford to play politics with the critical issues that confront our country today.

But beyond any specific policy or program, I believe the American people are looking for a renewed sense of community, a recognition that whatever our differences, we Americans are in this together, that citizenship means service to a cause greater than ourselves...

The 2008 Presidential race is going to be a pivotal moment in our history... Thank you for your continued friendship and loyal support.

Sincerely,

John McCain