2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dean Welcomes Obama Team To DNC

Dean Welcomes Obama Team to DNC
Thanks Senator Hillary Clinton for Historic Run, Ongoing Leadership

Washington, DC - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement, welcoming the Obama team as we transition to the general election campaign:

"Over the last three years, the DNC staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Democratic Party is strong in all 50 states and that we communicate our values to Americans across the country. The DNC and the Obama Campaign are now working together to continue this effort. I'm pleased to welcome Paul Tewes from the Obama Campaign who will help lead our team here at the DNC and ensure a smooth transition to our general election efforts.

"With the conclusion of the last primaries and caucuses Tuesday, we've marked the end of an extraordinary primary season and a long and hard fought race between two formidable and historic candidates who have made our Democratic Party proud. Our Party was very fortunate to have so many exceptional candidates in this race from the beginning. While the extended contest presented some challenges, those were significantly outweighed by the overwhelming enthusiasm and energy it generated across the country with more than 35 million people coming out to support our candidates.

"I congratulate both candidates, and thank them for their commitment not only to our Party but to our country we all love and serve. This has been a transformative election for the Democratic Party in no small part because of these two extraordinary candidates, the historic nature of both campaigns, and the passion, intellect and dedication they brought to the campaign trail every day.

"On behalf of the Democratic family, I congratulate Senator Obama on becoming our party's presumptive nominee and look forward to working with him and his team as we work to ensure that he is the next president of the United States. Democrats across America are so grateful to Senator Hillary Clinton for her leadership, her commitment to America and the Democratic Party. You have inspired millions of Americans to participate in our democracy and raised critical issues during the course of this campaign. We look forward to your ongoing leadership.

"This has been a hard fought race and there have been bitter disagreements along the way but the time for disagreements has ended. It's time to come together and unite our Party. Each and every one of us has the responsibility to help ensure that our party is unified and we will all work toward an Obama Administration that will bring change we can all believe in."

DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee Reaches Agreement On Seating Florida And Michigan Delegations

DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee Reaches Agreement on Seating Florida and Michigan Delegations
 
Washington, DC--Today, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Rules and Bylaws Committee Co-Chairs Alexis Herman and Jim Roosevelt issued the following joint statement:
 
"Today, after careful consideration and debate, the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee reached an agreement on the two challenges before the Committee on seating delegations from Florida and Michigan.  The Committee voted to seat the full Florida delegation with a half-vote each.  The RBC accepted the Michigan Leadership Plan as presented today by the Michigan Democratic Party with the exception that each delegate receives a half vote.  In addition, the Committee agreed that delegates from both states should be slated under Rules 5, 6, 7, and 12, outlining the candidate's right of approval.  With this decision, the revised total of delegate votes needed to secure the nomination is 2,118.
 
"This decision was not made easily or lightly but after listening to oral arguments made by the complainants, State Parties, and both presidential campaigns, we believe this to be the most fair and equitable solution allowed within the rules.  The Committee arrived at its decision with three basic principles in mind: One, that we must be fair to the voters in both states. Two, that we must be fair to both campaigns who abided by the rules in good faith and three, that we must be fair to the 48 states that followed the rules. 
 
"We believe today's decision is a step forward in unifying our Party as we work together to put a Democrat back in the White House so we can bring the Iraq War to a responsible end and get our economy back on track.  We want to thank all of today's presenters, members of the public - both those here today and the many others who have made their voices heard throughout the process, and supporters of both campaigns."

DNC Chairman Howard Dean's Remarks to the RBC Meeting

DNC Chairman Howard Dean's Remarks to the RBC Meeting

Washington, DC--Below are DNC Chairman Howard Dean's remarks to the Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting on May 31, 2008, as prepared for delivery:
 
"Thank you all for coming.
 
"This has been an extraordinary primary season. And we know it will be an historic election.
 
"The Democratic Party is going to nominate either the first woman or the first African American to be our party's nominee.   I believe that the person we choose will be elected president in November.
 
"Our party is so fortunate to have had such a strong field of Democratic candidates in this race.  I want to thank all of our candidates and especially the two outstanding individuals who are now in the race: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
 
"I know it has been a long and hard fought race.  Throughout the course of this campaign you two have helped transform our party. 
 
"You have proven that when we show up and talk about our values, Democrats can win everywhere.  You have helped to make our party stronger.  So thank you and thanks to your hardworking campaigns.
 
"While I will not try to gloss over the challenges of this extended primary I do want to take a step back and look at what our hard work has helped to accomplish. 
 
"From Mississippi to Montana, Ohio to Oregon.  Americans -- women, men, Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, young people, veterans, homemakers, educators, health care workers, students, retirees,  Democrats, Independents and even Republicans, of all shapes and sizes have come out to support our two outstanding candidates and the values we share.
 
"Over 35 million people have come out to support our candidates all across our country.
 
"In state after state women represented well over half of Democratic voters, sometimes 60 percent. 
 
"Young voters have tripled and in some cases quadrupled previous turnout - in fact 58 percent of voters under 30 now identify as a Democrat or lean Democratic, while only 33 percent associate with Republicans.
 
"Consider that in Ohio, twice as many people participated in the Democratic primary as in the Republican primary--2.2 million for Democrats compared to 1 million for Republicans--and thousands of Ohio Republicans switched parties to vote for a Democrat.
 
"In fact, in seven counties in Ohio--Putnam, Brown, Shelby, Belmont, Warren, Delaware, and Clarmont--the vote totals for our two Democratic candidates in the 2008 primary exceeded the votes for John Kerry in the general election in each of those counties.
 
"In Texas this year, more people voted in the Democratic primary than voted in the 2004 general election on the Democratic side in the state.
 
"So while I know it has been a long, tough campaign, it also made our candidates and our party stronger.
 
"And while the punditocracy in the media tried to tell the American people what to think and what to do, you stood up and spoke loudly to have your voices heard.  And you made us all listen.  And the race continues to the final contests in Puerto Rico, and on Tuesday in South Dakota and Montana.
 
"To each and every one of you who has voted and who will yet vote, I say not only thank you, but remind you that our work is just beginning.  We need your help.  We need you to stay involved in this election and get involved in the other races that are going on in your community and your state. 
 
"We need you to knock on doors, make calls, to talk to your neighbors about what's at stake in this election.  Together, state by state, door by door, vote by vote, we are going to take our country back and we cannot do it without you.
 
"I also want to thank all of you who showed up here on a Saturday to attend the Rules Committee meeting, those of you who are here inside the hall, watching from home or outside.  Cynics will look at today's proceedings and look only for conflict, they will not recognize your tremendous commitment to our country. 
 
"They will not realize that your energy, your passion for your candidates and your enthusiasm, demonstrate that our party is strong enough to have disagreements. 
 
"We are strong enough to struggle, and disagree, be angry, disappointed and still come together at the end of the day and be united.  The reason we are able to do this is because all of us, together in our passion and our emotion realize that this race is not about me, it's not about Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, the RBC or the reporters who are here to cover the event.  It's about restoring our great country.  
 
"Over the course of the primary there have been some tough disagreements and some ugly moments in this campaign. On the blogosphere, and the airwaves.  Emotions have run high and heated discussions have led at times to blatantly racist comments and, blatantly sexist comments particularly by some members of the media.  We know that those comments have no place in our society and certainly no place in our party.
 
"It has got to stop. We have got to come together and unite our party.  Every one of us has the responsibility to help ensure that our party is united.
 
"Part of that healing will begin with the discussion you will have today about Michigan and Florida. 
 
"I want to thank the members of the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee, led so ably by Jim Roosevelt and Alexis Herman. Thank you for the countless hours of hard work you've put in to set forward rules that have guided this process and in ensuring a fair process.
 
"As you work to find a resolution, I ask that you keep three key principles in mind to guide your discussion and deliberation:

Respect the voters of Florida and Michigan - not only those who turned out to vote, but also those who did not,
Respect our two candidates and their campaigns who followed the rules this body set forward over two years ago, and,
Respect the 48 states who did not violate the rules.
"Understandably, the compromise that you discuss here today will not make anyone completely satisfied.     
 
"Years ago a 'Democratic rules discussion' was almost an invitation for a food fight in a crowded room like this of Democratic activists.  We've moved beyond that - your actions today will put our party on a course of unity - a unity that will be on display in less than 90 days when we all meet again in Denver to showcase our nominee, the talent of the Democratic Party up and down the ticket and the values we share.  This is the unity that will guide our work in the coming months as we work hard towards Election Day to show up and ask Americans to put their trust in Democrats to restore our country.  This is the unity that we will show America when we inaugurate a Democratic president in January 2009 and the beginning of restoring our great country."

DNC Statement On The Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting

DNC Statement on RBC Meeting

Washington, DC - Today the DNC issued the following statement:

"Last night members of the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee received a 17 page memo that outlined a staff analysis of the Michigan and Florida challenges.  Included in the materials were copies of the challenges, and an overall timeline re-capping the process from the decision in 2004 to establish a Commission on Presidential Nomination Timing and Scheduling, through to current events. 

"The staff analysis is intentionally neutral; it does not make specific recommendations.  The analysis lays out a rules framework for each challenge, and the issues raised within each challenge.    
     
"The analysis maintains that the RBC did have proper authority and jurisdiction in imposing the 100% sanction.  The RBC had wide latitude in that decision.   

"The document also examines the 50% automatic sanction and how to implement such a sanction:  Under this scenario, one option would be to reduce the total number of delegates by half; the second option for consideration by the RBC would be to reduce the delegation's votes by half, so that each delegate gets a half vote. 

"We look forward to a thorough discussion of these issues at the Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting this Saturday, May 31st in Washington, DC."

Howard Dean Discusses Democratic Race, Primaries And John McCain On Sunday Shows

Howard Dean Discusses Democratic Race, Primaries and John McCain on Sunday Shows

Washington, DC -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean this morning discussed the Democratic race, his hope that Florida and Michigan delegates will be seated at the convention according to party rules, the Democratic win in this weekend's special election in Illinois, and the third Bush term promised by Senator John McCain.  The following are excerpts from Dean's appearances on CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer and ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos: 

ON SENATOR MCCAIN:

"We're going to beat John McCain. He's totally unsuited at this particular time to be president. He's wrong on the war in Iraq, wrong on the economy, wrong on health care." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

ON KEEPING THE PARTY UNITED:

"We will beat John McCain if we're united and, in order to be united, the loser of the race has to feel like they've been treated fairly within the rules. That's how you keep the party united.  So that's the number one thing.  We will follow the rules.  Both parties, both Michigan and Florida, have an opportunity to either have some sort of process that is within the rules or simply appeal to the credentials committee.  But we are going to follow the rules that were voted on by all 50 state a year and a half ago." [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

ON THE ILLINOIS 14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:

"There was a huge election yesterday in Illinois where we took Denny Hastert's seat back...This is going to be a Democratic year.  If we can take Denny Hastert's seat back in Congress, you know people really want a change." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

ON THE STRENGTH OF OUR PARTY:

"I'm very optimistic. I know the cable TV set wrings their hands, and the inside the beltway set talks about all the problems we have. What about the several tens of millions of people who have voted in this primary? People are so excited in Texas and Ohio. I had somebody from Texas yesterday tell me they thought this was the beginning of the rekindling of the Democratic Party in Texas because of what happened down there in terms of the turnout. So I look at this as a very good primary system so far for Democrats."  [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

ON FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN:

"Everyone, including me and I think both candidates, wants to find a way to seat Florida and Michigan, but is has to be done in such a way that you don't change the rules in the middle of the game."  [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

"I had a good series of conversations with Senator Nelson this week. Spoke with Senator Levin yesterday. These two senators are working very, very hard to try to solve their problems for their states. But, look, this is a big -- bigger issue than Florida and Michigan. We have a very close contest between two people who are likely to be elected President of the United States, whichever one wins the nomination. I have to run these rules so that the losing side feels they've been treated fairly." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

"When these states come before us with proposals, we're going to go to both campaigns and work with them. They're going to have to accept these, because we're going to need all their followers. We can't have half the Democratic Party walk out thinking there was some deal cooked, and that's why their person didn't win. So we're going to go to both campaigns and try to get them to agree to whatever Florida and Michigan propose as long as it's within the rules of the Democratic National Committee.  But first we've got to have a proposal, and both these senators are working very hard on this with task forces and talking with the governors and so forth and so on." [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

"Senator Nelson and I have had some discussions which could lead to something fruitful, which is that the Florida party would be able to raise money. They can take unlimited amount of money in Florida. I don't know if that's possible in Michigan or not, and there's some discussion of that too. But the two things I think are established is that the state is not going to pay for it because their governor, who is a McCain supporter, has said they won't pay for it. And the Democratic National Committee is not going to pay for it because right now our job is to tell the American people about Senator McCain's record on Iraq, and the deficits and so forth and convince the American people that our nominee is better than Senator McCain and that's what we're going to be using our resources for." [CBS's Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer, 3/9/08]

ON THE REMAINING PRIMARIES:

"Let's let the voters have their say, George. We've still got 611 delegates left to go. We've got about 350 uncommitted superdelegates. Let's let these folks have their say. When they have their say, I think this thing's going to be resolved without having to sit the candidates down and have them work it all out." [ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 3/9/08]

Dean Statement on Florida and Michigan

Dean Statement on Florida and Michigan

Washington, DC - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on Florida and Michigan:

"We're glad to hear that the Governors of Michigan and Florida are willing to lend their weight to help resolve this issue.  As we've said all along, we strongly encourage the Michigan and Florida state parties to follow the rules, so today's public overtures are good news. The rules, which were agreed to by the full DNC including representatives from Florida and Michigan over 18 months ago, allow for two options.  First, either state can choose to resubmit a plan and run a party process to select delegates to the convention; second, they can wait until this summer and appeal to the Convention Credentials Committee, which determines and resolves any outstanding questions about the seating of delegates.  We look forward to receiving their proposals should they decide to submit new delegate selection plans and will review those plans at that time.  The Democratic Nominee will be determined in accordance with party rules, and out of respect for the presidential campaigns and the states that did not violate party rules, we are not going to change the rules in the middle of the game.

"Through all the speculation, we should also remember the overwhelming enthusiasm and turnout that we have already seen, and respect the voters of the ten states who have yet to have their say.

"As we head towards November, our nominee must have the united support of a strong Democratic Party that's ready to fight and ready to beat John McCain.  After seven years of Republican rule, I am confident that we will elect a Democratic president who will fight for America's families in the White House.  Now we must hear from the voters in twelve states and territories who have yet to make their voices heard."

DNCC Names Executive Producers For 2008 Democratic National Convention In Denver

DNCC NAMES EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DENVER
Emmy Award Winning Producer Ricky Kirshner, Long-Time Party Strategist Mark Squier to Oversee Production of Convention Program

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that Emmy Award winning producer Ricky Kirshner and long-time Democratic Party strategist Mark Squier will serve as Executive Producers for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.  Together, Kirshner and Squier will craft and implement a program that supports the DNCC's commitment to bring down the Pepsi Center walls and make this Convention as inclusive, accessible and engaging as possible using new technology and other creative means. As Executive Producers, the pair will be responsible for the overall look and execution of the Convention program including the design, staging, lighting, audio and entertainment.

"Come August 2008, the world's spotlight will shine on Denver, the Rocky Mountain West and the Democratic Party," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "No one can make that light shine brighter than Ricky and Mark. Pairing Ricky's unparalleled production experience with Mark's strategic political insight will make an unbeatable team. I am confident they will put on the most spectacular show in Convention history as the world watches us nominate the next President of the United States."

Ricky Kirshner, an Emmy Award winner and one of the industry's leading production executives, has produced every Democratic National Convention since 1996. During the last 20 years, Kirshner has produced countless television specials, stadium spectaculars, political events and corporate gatherings.

"I am delighted to once again be a part of this historic event," said Kirshner, who founded and runs RK Productions. "Now, it's our job to make sure the millions of people watching from home and inside the Pepsi Center are informed, entertained and inspired by this four-day celebration."

After producing four NFL Opening Kick-Off shows, Kirshner was selected as an Executive Producer of the Emmy-nominated 2007 Super Bowl Half Time Show starring Prince - the most watched television program in the world.  This year, he won an Emmy, his third, for the 2006 broadcast of the 60th Annual Tony Awards. His production credits also include the Boston Pops Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular for CBS, the Vibe Awards for UPN, the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade on CBS and the GQ Men of the Year Awards for NBC.

"I am very much looking forward to creating a Convention program that helps communicate the voice and vision of our Party and our nominee," said Squier. "Our ultimate goal here is to put on a show that inspires the nation and builds just the right starting block for our nominee to begin the home-stretch sprint to the election."

Held from August 25-28, 2008, the Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors, including 15,000 members of the media, to the region.

Howard Dean Congratulates Al Gore On Receiving The Nobel Peace Prize

Dean Congratulates Former Vice President Al Gore on Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize

Washington, DC - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement congratulating former Vice President Al Gore for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize today for his work concerning global warming:

"I want to congratulate our former Vice President Al Gore for winning the Nobel Peace Prize today. No other person has worked harder or done more to draw much needed attention to the crisis of global climate change, one of the most critical issues facing our planet. Future generations will thank him for his work to save our way of life. But the fight is far from over. His example should motivate each one of us to commit ourselves to doing everything we can in our own lives to save our precious planet."

Statement Of DNC Chairman Howard Dean On The Sixth Anniversary Of 9/11

Statement of DNC Chairman Howard Dean on the Sixth Anniversary of 9/11

Washington, DC- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement commemorating the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks:

"On the sixth anniversary of September 11, we honor those who were killed in those tragic attacks, the family and friends who still grieve their loss, and the survivors who continue to suffer. On that day, our country and our world changed forever. Today, Democrats also renew our commitment to fighting the real war on terror. Six years after the attacks, we are not as safe as we should be. We remain committed to fighting al Qaeda where they are and implementing policies that make our country safer and more secure."

Dean Statement On The Death Of Lady Bird Johnson

Dean Statement on the Death of Lady Bird Johnson

Washington, DC – Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the death of Lady Bird Johnson:

“I'm deeply saddened by the passing of a great woman, Lady Bird Johnson,” Dean said. “With a calm demeanor and steady presence, Johnson was a source of strength, serving as first lady during a difficult period in our nation’s history. A champion of Democratic ideals, she advocated for Head Start and fought tirelessly to preserve America’s natural beauty, leading many to call her one of our country's first environmentalists. Johnson will be sorely missed, but her legacy will live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with Johnson’s family and friends.”