2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Excerpts Of Senator Obama’s Prepared Remarks For Tonight’s Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Excerpts of Senator Obama’s prepared remarks for tonight’s Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner

“When I’m your nominee, my opponent won’t be able to say that I supported this war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I support that Bush-Cheney diplomacy of not talking to leaders we don’t like.  And he won’t be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether it’s ok for America to use torture – because it’s never ok.  That’s why I’m in it.” 

“This party – of Jefferson and Jackson; of Roosevelt and Kennedy – has made the most difference in people’s lives when we’ve led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we’ve had leaders who could summon the entire nation to a common purpose – a higher purpose.  And I am running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States because that’s the party America needs us to be right now. “

“I don’t want to pit Blue America against Red America, I want to lead the United States of America.” 

“I’m running because of what Dr. King called “the fierce urgency of now.”  I’m running because I believe there’s such a thing as being too late.  And that hour is almost upon us.

I run for the presidency for the same reason I fought to bring jobs to the jobless and hope to the hopeless on the streets of Chicago; for the same reason I stood up for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer; for the same reason I’ve fought for Illinois families for over a decade. 

Because I will never forget that the only reason I’m standing here today is because someone, somewhere stood up when it was risky.  Stood up when it was hard.  Stood up when it wasn’t popular.  And because that someone stood up, a few more stood up.  And then a few thousand.  And then a few million.  And together, standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world. 

That’s why I run, Iowa – to give my children and yours the same chances someone gave me.

That’s why I run, Democrats – to keep the promise of America alive for those who still hunger for opportunity and thirst for equality.

That’s why I’m asking you to stand with me, to caucus for me, to stop settling for what the cynics tell us we must accept.  In this election – at this moment – let us reach for what we know is possible.  A nation healed.  A world repaired.  An America that believes again.”

Former POWS Support John McCain For President

FORMER POWS SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the endorsement of nearly 80 former prisoners of war. Among the former POWs declaring their support for John McCain are admirals, generals, Medal of Honor recipients, executives, professors, authors and doctors. The average length of captivity for this group exceeds six years.

"John McCain is a remarkable patriot and leader," said Captain Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.). "John embodies the qualities of honor, integrity, loyalty and courage that are part of our nation's military tradition. No other candidate running for president is more qualified or more capable of leading our great country in these challenging times." Cronin is fellow Naval Academy graduate and was a POW for six years.

John McCain added, "During my military career, I had the honor of serving in the company of heroes in the brutal confines of POW camps in Vietnam. Our ordeal was incredibly long, arduous and painful, and those with whom I shared that experience made sacrifices unequaled in American history. They truly earned the description of hero and are symbols of what Americans are capable of doing. I am honored by their support."

FORMER POWS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

The Honorable Everett Alvarez, Cdr. USN (Ret.)
Col. Mo Baker, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Ted Ballard, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Jim Bell, USN (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Jim Berger, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jack Bomar, USAF (Ret.)
Major Gen. John L. Borling, USAF (Ret.)
Mr. Ernie Brace
Mr. Huby Buchanan      
Col. Ron Byrne, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Bob Certain, USAFR (Ret.)
Cdr. Doug Clower, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Jerry Coffee, USN (Ret.)
Col. Quincy Collins, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Ken Coskey, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.)
Col. Bud Day, USAF (Ret.), Medal of Honor
Col. Dan Doughty, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Lee Ellis, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Jack Ensch, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Bob Fant, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Jack Fellowes, USN (Ret.)
Col. Fred Flom, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Dave Ford, USAF (Ret.)
Cdr. Larry Friese, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral By Fuller, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Ralph Gaither, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Collins Haines, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Porter Halyburton, USN (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Tom Hanton, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Dave Hatcher, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Jay Hess, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jim Hivner, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Dave Hoffman, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Chuck Jackson, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jim Kasler, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Tom Klomann, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Rod Knutson, USN (Ret.)
Col. Hal Kushner, USA (Ret.)
Mr. Jim Lollar   
Vice Admiral Ed Martin, USN (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Ski Maslowski, USA (Ret.)
Col. George McKnight, USAF (Ret.)
Major Gen. Ed Mechenbier, USAFR (Ret.)
Capt. Jim Mehl, USN (Ret.)
Mr. Lew Meyer
Vice Admiral Joe Mobley, USN (Ret.)
Col. Tom Moe, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Mel Moore, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Moon Mullen, USN (Ret.)
Maj. Spike Nasmyth, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Digger O'Dell, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Charlie Plumb, USNR (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Mel Pollack, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Ben Pollard, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Fred Purrington, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Brian Ratzlaff, USAF (Ret.)
Brigadier Gen. Jon Reynolds, USAF (Ret.)
C dr. Jack Rollins, USN (Ret.)
Maj. Wes Schierman, USAFR (Ret.)
Capt. Pete Schoeffel, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Ned Shuman, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Larry Spencer, USN (Ret.)
Col. Bob Stirm, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Dick Stratton, USN (Ret.)
The Honorable Orson Swindle, Lt.Col. USMC (Ret.)
Col. Bunny Talley, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Dick Tangeman, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Nels Tanner, USN (Ret.)
Col. Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.), Medal of Honor
Cdr. Bill Tschudy, USN (Ret.)
Col. Terry Uyeyama, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jack Van Loan, USAF (Ret.)
Maj. Dick Vaughan, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Wayne Waddell, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Bob Waggoner, USAF (Ret.)

John Edwards At The Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Dinner

EDWARDS GAINS MOMENTUM HEADING INTO THE IOWA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S JEFFERSON JACKSON DINNER
Iowans from across the state are responding to Edwards’ message of bold change

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards will attend the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner and call on America to rise up and meet the great moral test of our generation – ensuring that our children have a better, more prosperous life than we’ve had.  Edwards has dedicated his campaign to standing up for hard-working Americans who have no voice in Washington.  Edwards’ speech at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner comes as his campaign is gaining momentum in Iowa with its first television ad, the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, increasing union support and strong grassroots organizations in all 99 counties.

“This election is not about the past, it’s about the future,” Edwards said. “And the question is, what are we going to do for our children? Are we willing to look our children in the eye and say ‘I’m going to turn this mess over to you?’ I believe it’s our responsibility to leave our children a better future – and that means standing up to the special interests and returning our government to the American people, so we can finally restore the promise of America for our children.”

Edwards’ campaign continues to gain strength in Iowa.  Last week the campaign launched its first television ad in Iowa, and yesterday Edwards received the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities. Iowans continue to respond to Edwards’ specific plans to ensure that all Americans have the chance to work hard and get ahead. On every issue, from health care to trade to the war in Iraq, Edwards has proposed detailed solutions to change our country.

The campaign has built strong grassroots organizations in every county in Iowa.  The Edwards campaign is the first campaign to announce steering committees in all 99 Iowa counties.  Additionally, Edwards is the only candidate with both County Chairs and Rural County Chairs in every county, and last month Edwards reached an important milestone as he became the first candidate to visit – and answer questions from Iowans – in all 99 counties.

Last month, Edwards also earned the endorsements of the Iowa State Council of the Service Employees International Union and 11 other State Councils across the nation – including, most recently, New Hampshire. This is in addition to endorsements from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the United Mine Workers of America.

Biden Campaign Takes Step Toward Pubic Financing

BIDEN CAMPAIGN TAKES STEP TOWARD PUBLIC FINANCING

Wilmington, DE (November 9, 2007): Today, the Biden for President Campaign filed a threshold submission with the FEC.  This filing is the first step necessary to seek public financing for the 2008 presidential primary campaign.  The campaign will make a final decision about accepting public financing during the next month. 

"The ground is beginning to move in Iowa and the other early states as poll numbers continue to show movement and endorsements continue to pile up,” said Luis Navarro, Biden for President Campaign Manager.  “And we are taking every step to ensure that we will have the necessary resources to compete in Iowa and the other early states."

Duncan Hunter Highligts Importance Of Veterans Day

DUNCAN HUNTER HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF VETERANS DAY

San Diego, CA - - - Presidential candidate and current Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Duncan Hunter, today made the following statement regarding Veterans Day.

"Veterans Day provides our nation the opportunity to reflect thankfully on the sacrifices of those who have served the cause of freedom.

"In the last century more than 619,000 Americans in uniform were killed on battlefields around the world protecting our nation and our way of life.

"We cannot thank them all sufficiently. It is beyond human capability to grasp the enormity of what they gave so the rest of us might enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We can, however, reflect on the unique quality of America 's veterans and their service.

"From Bunker Hill to New Orleans, Gettysburg to San Juan Hill, Belleau Wood to Normandy, Chosin Reservoir to Khe San, Desert Storm to Kabul, Baghdad to Fallujah, American veterans have represented the finest of human qualities. "Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for another" is what the Bible tells us. Our veterans have made that sacrifice unflinchingly, with a character that General Douglas MacArthur described as "stainless." They make the sacrifice for their comrades in arms, their "buddies" and the immediate mission at hand. But in a greater sense they have made the sacrifice for millions of Americans whom they do not know and who do not know them.

"And uniquely, American veterans have not brought subjugation to the nations they prevailed in, but rather brought freedom.  From the Philippines to Japan , to Germany , to El Salvador and Panama … America has never coveted another nation, but has only asked that freedom be followed and that the institutions of freedom be established, often with American aid.

"All of us, secure in America 's blessings can honor our veterans today. We can do this by thanking them personally, by involving ourselves in the many organizations that serve veterans and their families and, finally, we can follow their model of selflessness by helping our fellow citizens wherever we see a need."

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland Endorses Clinton

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland Endorses Clinton
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

“These serious times call for a leader with Hillary Clinton’s strength and experience,” Gov. Strickland said. “Hillary has what it takes to win Ohio and take back the White House in 2008. Her commitment to rebuilding the middle class and expanding opportunity for all Americans is exactly what this country needs.”

“I am truly honored to have Governor Strickland’s support,” Clinton said. “He has united Ohioans to restore integrity and accountability to state government and move Ohio forward.”

Strickland was elected Governor in 2006 in a landslide victory on the strength of his Turnaround Ohio Plan, which focuses on the unbreakable link between economic growth and educational achievement.

Clinton Vows To Work Toward Energy Independence In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

Clinton Vows To Work Toward Energy Independence In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

After a week spent highlighting Hillary’s plan to address America’s energy and environmental challenges, the Clinton campaign today launched new ads in Iowa and New Hampshire emphasizing Hillary’s commitment to lead our country toward energy independence.

The new 30-second spots, entitled, “Energy Independence,” feature Hillary discussing her plans to end our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of jobs by investing in alternative energy, and end tax subsidies for oil companies.

Hillary unveiled her energy plan in appearances across Iowa and New Hampshire this week, outlining her goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels to avoid the worst effects of global warming, cut foreign oil imports by two-thirds from 2030 projected levels, and catalyze a thriving clean energy industry.

Hillary would transform our economy from carbon-based to green and energy efficient, jumpstarting research and development by investing $15 billion annually in basic energy research and development, and deployment of clean energy technology.  She would also spur the green building industry by funding the retrofitting and modernization of 20 million low-income homes and taking concrete steps to reduce electricity consumption, including enacting strict appliance efficiency standards and phasing out incandescent light bulbs. 

Read more about Hillary’s plan to power America’s future here.

Following is the script for the Iowa ad:

“Energy Independence”

CLINTON: We could create millions of new jobs if we got serious about dealing with energy efficiency, new forms of energy.  That’s what I will do.

CLINTON: I will create a Strategic Energy Fund that will put $50 billion to work with wind and solar and biofuels.  And help us move away from our dependence on foreign oil.

CLINTON: And where would I get the money?

CLINTON: I would take the tax subsidies away from the oil companies.

CLINTON: Let’s do it together.

ANNCR: If you’re ready for change, she’s ready to lead.

CLINTON:  I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Following is the script for the New Hampshire ad:

“Energy Independence”

CLINTON: We’ve got to get serious about ending our dependence on foreign oil.

CLINTON: We could create millions of new jobs through new energy.

CLINTON: Let’s start investing in what I’ve called a Strategic Energy Fund that will put $50 billion dollars to work with wind and solar and bio fuels

CLINTON: And where would I get the money?

CLINTON: I would take away the tax subsidies from the oil companies.

CLINTON: They don’t need your tax dollars any more.

ANNCR:  If you’re ready for change, she’s ready to lead.

CLINTON:  I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Iowa Democratic Party Jefferson Jackson Dinner November 15, 2003 Video

First Read On John Kerry's Comeback At The 2003 IDP Jefferson Jackson Dinner

First thoughts: Comeback country

Today, November 09, 2007, 2 hours ago | Domenico Montanaro

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Four years ago… : As the Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder has smartly noted, John Kerry’s speech at the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson dinner -- which took place almost four years ago to this day -- marked the beginning of his comeback. (In fact, Saturday happens to be the four-year anniversary of when he overhauled his campaign team.) In his J-J speech, Kerry said that what Iowans needed was a president (i.e., Kerry), not a message (i.e., Howard Dean). "We need to offer answers, not just anger,” Kerry said. “So Iowa, don't just send them a message next January; send them a president." That speech and another one in New Hampshire were “the two critical message points for us,” says Stephanie Cutter, who served as Kerry’s communications director. Laura Capps, who was the campaign’s Iowa spokeswoman, adds that while Dean had more supporters attend the dinner, the pro-Kerry troops were out in full force. “We definitely felt like we won,” she tells First Read. “J-J solidified it was possible” that Kerry could pull off a win in Iowa, which he did on his way to the Democratic nomination.

Caucus for Priorities Endorses Edwards For President

CAUCUS FOR PRIORITIES ENDORSES EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Coveted endorsement – representing 10,000 Iowa caucus goers – adds to Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards accepted the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, a project of the Priorities Action Fund, a 10,000-member strong grassroots organization dedicated to educating the public about the inequities of our current federal budget.  The organization, launched by Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen, praised Edwards for his plans to root out wasteful Pentagon spending while investing in priorities like universal health care and education.   

The endorsement gives Edwards another important boost heading into the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner. 

“Caucus for Priorities proudly endorses John Edwards for president,” said Priorities Action Fund Founder Ben Cohen.  “For months, our members have attended his town hall meetings across Iowa and found him to be a leader who listens – and always gives the straight answers Americans deserve from their president.  As Commander-in-Chief, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep us safe – but he’ll also make sure Americans have health care, strong schools, and the opportunity to get ahead.  He’ll eliminate billions in wasteful Pentagon spending, and put our budget back in line with our values.”

“Caucus for Priorities does such important work bringing awareness to the issue of waste in our military budget and the backward budget priorities in Washington that so often leave the interests of regular families behind,” Edwards said.  “I am honored to accept this endorsement today, and determined to be a voice for all those who believe we can defend our country without continuing to neglect the needs of our citizens. 

Caucus for Priorities has over 10,000 members who have pledged to caucus for a candidate who is committed to cutting wasteful military spending and providing more money for urgent priorities like education, health care, renewable energy research, and other needs.  Additionally, the organization has staff in every part of the state who will help educate caucus goers about Edwards’ leadership on ending military waste and investing in priorities like education and health care.

The endorsement adds to Edwards’ growing grassroots strength across the state.  Today, the Edwards campaign became the first campaign to announce steering committees in all 99 Iowa counties.  The committees are made up of community leaders and party activists who will lead the campaign’s effort in their county.  Last month, Edwards reached a milestone in his campaign: having visited and taken questions from Iowans in every county.  Edwards is committed to being a voice for all Iowans, no matter where they live.