2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Thompson Launches New TV Ads, "Service" & "Marie"

Thompson Launches New TV Ads, "Service" & "Marie"

McLean, VA -Senator Fred Thompson today launched two new 30-second television ads, titled "Service," and "Marie."

Below are the transcripts of the new advertisements.

Service (30 seconds)

Fred Thompson: 

I'm Fred Thompson and I approved this message.

Announcer:

Called to public service in challenging times.

A young federal prosecutor, tough on crime.

Fred Thompson.

A courageous reformer - fighting corruption in both parties.

Helping to expose the truth during Watergate and sending a crooked Democratic Governor to prison.

Fred Thompson.

A consistent conservative in the U.S. Senate, a 100% pro-life record, voting for three major tax cuts and fighting for conservative judges.

Fred Thompson - True conservative for President.

Marie (30 seconds)

Fred Thompson: 

I'm Fred Thompson and I approved this message.

Marie Ragghianti:

30 years ago, I discovered my state's Governor was selling early release to violent criminals.

When I spoke up, I was threatened and fired.

That's when I turned to Fred Thompson.

I was convinced he had the courage to take on my fight.

And I was right.

The Governor went to prison and I got my life back.

Fred is a man of genuine integrity.

Announcer:

Fred Thompson, President

Iowa State Representative Deborah Berry Endorses Barack Obama

State Representative Deborah Berry Endorses Barack Obama

DES MOINES – The Obama Campaign today announced that State Representative Deb Berry of Waterloo has thrown her support behind Senator Obama’s candidacy for president.  Citing his track record of building consensus to solve tough challenges, Berry has committed to joining Obama’s campaign to change politics in Washington, D.C.

“Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring our country together, inspire hope and unity, and work across the aisle to get things done,” Representative Berry said.  “Barack Obama is the agent for change that we need in this country, and I have confidence and trust in him to fulfill the duty of President of the United States.  America is ready for real leadership, not more of the same Washington, D.C. conventional thinking, and that’s why I’m proud to support Barack Obama’s campaign to unite our divided nation and tackle the tough challenges we face.”

“Representative Berry has been a tireless leader in her community, and she will play a vital role in our campaign’s outreach efforts in Waterloo and across Iowa.”  Senator Obama said.  “Representative Berry’s commitment and dedication are evident through her record of public service, and I’m proud to have her join our grassroots movement for change.”

To date, including Rep. Berry, Senator Obama has received 17 endorsements from Iowa state legislators including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, Sen. Bob Dvorsky, Rep. Elesha Gayman, Sen. Bill Heckroth, Rep. David Jacoby, Rep. Pam Jochum, Rep. Helen Miller, Sen. Rich Olive, Rep. Donovan Olson, Rep. Tyler Olson, Rep. Janet Petersen, Rep. Brian Quirk, Sen. Tom Rielly, Rep. Mark Smith, Sen. Steve Warnstadt, and Sen. Frank Wood.  Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald have also endorsed Senator Obama’s campaign for change.

Obama Unveils Interactive Online Caucus Education Center

Obama Unveils Interactive Online Caucus Education Center

DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today unveiled an interactive online Iowa caucus education center to help empower Iowans who want to support Senator Obama’s campaign for real change in Washington. The new tools complement the face-to-face caucus education program that Obama field organizers have been conducting with first time caucusgoers of all ages for months. The caucus education center can be found here: https://Iowa.BarackObama.com/caucus.

“This comprehensive online resource will offer Iowans of all ages the information they need to stand for Barack Obama on Thursday, January 3 and help him bring the kind of change our country can believe in,” said Nick Kimball, Obama’s Iowa New Media Director.

The caucus center has several elements:

A short video, hosted by former Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Gordon Fischer, lays out the basics of the caucus process.

• Animated graphics that explain step-by-step what will happen on caucus night. 
• A caucus location finder. As soon as caucus locations are finalized by the Iowa Democratic Party, caucus-goers will be able to enter their home address to find their caucus location.
• A form to request help with child care or transportation on caucus night.
• An interactive caucus math tool. With this tool, caucus-goers can set up “virtual caucuses” and see firsthand how caucus math affects the final delegate count.

“We’ve been meeting individually with our supporters for several months to make sure they have the knowledge they need to participate in the caucuses,” said Kimball.  “These new resources complement those efforts, and will help us turn the enthusiasm we’ve seen into organization and support for Barack Obama on January 3.”

The campaign also unveiled a new field office mapping function today, which locates each of the campaign’s 35 field offices on a map of Iowa.  The interactive mapping function allows users to navigate the state and learn about the Obama campaign organization in local areas by viewing:

• Pictures of local offices
• Local office contact information
• Pictures and video associated events in the local area

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Take Charge"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "TAKE CHARGE"

The ad highlights Governor Romney's record of enforcing our immigration laws and opposing efforts to increase the benefits for illegal immigration.  As President, Governor Romney will work to secure our border, reform our immigration system and fight sanctuary policies. 

The ad will begin airing today as part of the campaign's rotation in Iowa and New Hampshire. 

Script For "Take Charge" (TV:30):

ANNOUNCER:  "Illegal immigration – we need smart, tough solutions, not just talk.

"What will it take to fix it?  Technology, new ideas, guts, values – Mitt Romney.

"He said no to driver's licenses for illegals; no to in-state tuition; fought for English in the classroom.

"The only candidate with a proven record of fixing the big problems.

"From day one: Mitt Romney will do what he does best – take charge, demand results, no excuses."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message."

Joe Biden Announces ‘Joe is Right’ Ad Campaign

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES ‘JOE IS RIGHT’ AD CAMPAIGN
Web & Newspaper Advertisements Tout Joe Is Right

Des Moines, IA (November 26, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign today continued its ‘Joe is Right’ ad campaign with full page ads in Iowa’s seven largest newspapers. The ‘Joe is Right’ campaign was launched earlier this month with a web video that takes a look at the frequent occasions when Sen. Biden’s rivals have praised him in debates.  Today, the Des Moines Register, Cedar Rapids Gazette, Davenport Quad City Times, Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, Sioux City Journal, Dubuque Telegraph Herald, and Burlington Hawkeye all carried the ‘Joe is Right’ print ad, which further underscores an emerging consensus on the campaign trail: Joe Biden is the leading voice on foreign policy and national security issues in the race for the Democratic nomination.

Iowans have taken note of this trend. Over the weekend, the Cedar Rapids Gazette published an article entitled, Biden emerges as Dems' foreign policy expert, which said: “Biden's Iowa supporters point to recent debates where other Democrats defer to his foreign policy stances — especially his plan to bring a political solution in Iraq — as evidence he is emerging as the right choice at this volatile juncture in U.S. and world history.”

“Joe is right,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro, “and it would seem that his democratic rivals—by the virtue of their own words—agree. I am confident that Iowans will choose proven leadership and experience and support Sen. Biden on caucus night.”

Iowa State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell Endorses Hillary Clinton

Ames State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

DES MOINES, IA – Iowans for Hillary today announced State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President, the 19th Iowa state legislator to endorse Senator Clinton.

"The depth and breadth of Senator Clinton's experience and her knowledge of domestic and international issues is what has led me to endorse her,” said Wessel-Kroeschell.  “Senator Clinton is exceptionally well-rounded, and I have been impressed with her ability to talk in detail about a variety of issues.  I believe that Senator Clinton will bring an end to the war in Iraq, work to ensure that all Americans have access to quality health care and protect the Constitution of the United States. "

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Beth Wessel-Kroeschell,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.  “She is tirelessly devoted to improving the lives of the people of Story County, and she will add significantly to my organization in Iowa.”

Edwards Launches New Television Ads In Iowa And South Carolina

EDWARDS LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION ADS IN IOWA AND SOUTH CAROLINA

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards goes up on the air with two new television spots which detail why he is the one candidate the American people can trust to take on the corrupt system in Washington and stand up and fight for America’s working families.

In “Born,” which begins airing today in South Carolina, Edwards talks about his experience growing up in a working-class family in rural Carolina mill towns. “When the mills closed, I saw first hand how devastating bad government and corporate greed can be,” says Edwards. “I’m running for president to do what I’ve always done – fight for people like the ones I grew up with against the powerful forces that have corrupted Washington.” Edwards was the first Democratic candidate to go up on the air with television ads in South Carolina earlier this month, and this is his third new spot in the state.

Today in Iowa, Edwards will begin airing “Mess,” which focuses on his belief that ensuring our children have a better life is the great moral test of our generation. “We’re going to have to be willing to take on this corrupt system and change it,” says Edwards. “And if we’re not going to do it, we’re going to have to be willing to look our children in the eye and say we’re going to leave this mess for you.”

A full transcript of each ad follows below:

“BORN”
My dad worked in the mills.
When I was born, he had to borrow fifty dollars to bring me home here.
When the mills closed, I saw first hand how devastating bad government and corporate greed can be.
I'm running for president to do what I've always done - fight for people like the ones I grew up with against the powerful forces that have corrupted Washington.
Don't tell me it can't be done.
I'm John Edwards. And I approve this message because growing up here, you never stop fighting. And you never forget where you came from.

“MESS”
What we want to make certain is true is that our children have a better life than we've had. Twenty generations of Americans before us have ensured that that was true.
And if we want to do that, we're going to have to be willing to take on this corrupt system and change it. And if we're not going to do it, we're going to have to be willing to look our children in the eye and say we're going to leave this mess for you.
This is the great moral test of our generation, and we will meet that test.
I'm John Edwards and I approve this message.

Oprah Winfrey To Tour Early States With Barack Obama

OPRAH WINFREY TO TOUR EARLY STATES WITH BARACK OBAMA

CHICAGO, IL –  The Obama for America campaign today announced that Oprah Winfrey will join Barack Obama for a tour through three early voting states on December 8th and 9th.  Winfrey and Obama will hold two events in Iowa, one in South Carolina, and one in New Hampshire.  All events will be free and open to the public. 

TOUR SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY DECEMBER 8TH
DES MOINES, IA
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
COLUMBIA, SC
MANCHESTER, NH

Locations and times for the events will be announced in the coming days.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad, "Love America Enough"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "LOVE AMERICA ENOUGH"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced a new television ad to run statewide in New Hampshire.  The new ad highlights John McCain's record of standing up to corrupting special interests, leadership in working to eliminate wasteful and irresponsible earmark spending, and judgment to call for a new strategy in Iraq over four years ago.  General election polling shows John McCain is the only candidate who can beat Hillary Clinton or any other Democratic nominee and his record of leadership on the critical issues differentiates him from the field.  The thirty and sixty second versions of the ad are entitled "Love America Enough."

Script for "Love America Enough" (:60-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "Since I've been in Washington, I've made a lot of people angry.

"I made defense contractors angry when I blew the whistle on a $30 billion dollar boondoggle and the culprits were sent to jail.

"I upset the special interests and Washington lobbyists when I passed campaign finance reform.

"I made the Pentagon angry when I criticized Rumsfeld's Iraq strategy, and I upset the media when I supported the strategy that's now succeeding.

"I angered the big spenders in Congress when I called for earmark and spending reform.  No more $233 million dollar bridges to nowhere or $74 million for peanut storage in a defense spending bill.

"I didn't go to Washington to win the Mr. Congeniality award.

"I went to Washington to serve my country.

"I might not like the business as usual crowd in Washington.  But I love America.  I love her enough to make some people angry.

"I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

Huckabee Campaign Unveils 2nd New Ad In Iowa, "Believe"

Huckabee Campaign Unveils 2nd New Ad In Iowa

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee said today that a new television ad, called “Believe,” will help voters understand his record in public service and his vision for America’s future.
 
"Faith doesn't just influence me, it really defines me,” says Huckabee on camera, echoing a sentiment he often expresses on the campaign trail. 
 
The 30-second spot (the second in two weeks) also reiterates Huckabee’s strong stand on pro-life issues, including his belief that life begins at conception, and dedication to conservative values.  “Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics.  Not now. Not ever,” said Huckabee. 

Huckabee became politically active because of the life amendment when he helped pass Arkansas’ Unborn Child Amendment.  As governor, he fought for passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life and other pro-life initiatives including signing legislation to ban partial birth abortion and a litany of other measures.  He supports, and has always supported, passage of a federal Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As president, he has vowed to fight for passage of this amendment.
 
Recognizing that “our true strength comes from our families,” Huckabee strongly supports and has consistently supported passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. As Governor of Arkansas, he led the successful effort to pass a similar state constitutional amendment in 2002 and a successful effort to make Arkansas one of three states to adopt "covenant" marriage.

Mike Huckabee for President

:30 TV
"Believe"

AUDIO:

MH on Camera:
"Faith doesn't just influence me, it really defines me."

MH Voice Over:
"I don't have to wake up everyday wondering what do I need to believe."

MH at Values Voter Summit:
"Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics. Not now. Not ever!" (Applause/Cheering)

MH Voice Over:
"I believe Life begins at conception."

MH at Values Voter Summit:
"We believe in some things. We stand by those things. We live or die by those things!" (Applause/Cheering)

MH Voice Over:
"I'm Mike Huckabee, and I approved this message."