2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Northwest Named Official Airline For 2008 Republican National Convention

Northwest Named Official Airline for 2008 Republican National Convention

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that Northwest Airlines will serve as the Official Airline for the nominating convention. The airline will transport thousands of delegates, alternate delegates, Republican Party leaders, members of the media, and convention guests to Minneapolis-Saint Paul in September.

"We are thrilled to announce Northwest Airlines as the official airline of our party's 39th nominating convention," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "The thousands of visitors who come for this exciting event will begin their convention experience as they board the plane for Minnesota, and it will culminate at the Xcel Energy Center with the nomination of the next President and Vice President of the United States."

Northwest Airlines has its global headquarters in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul suburb of Eagan, Minnesota. NWA's President and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Steenland, also serves on the community's non-partisan, non-profit Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, which is involved in planning for the convention and promoting the cities.

"Northwest Airlines is proud to support the 2008 Republican National Convention as we welcome guests from all over the world to Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington and the surrounding areas," said Steenland. "We look forward to providing convention-goers with safe, convenient air travel from their hometowns to this historic event."

Northwest Airlines began operations on October 1, 1926, flying mail between Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Chicago. Passenger service began the following year. Today, NWA and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in 160-plus countries on six continents. Northwest and Northwest Airlink together operate approximately 1,400 daily departures, with hubs in Detroit, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Memphis, Tokyo, and Amsterdam. Northwest Airlines' U.S. system spans 49 states and the District of Columbia.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media, volunteers, and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event.

John McCain 2008 Launches TV Ad In New Hampshire, "Better Prepared"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TV AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, "BETTER PREPARED"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new television ad in New Hampshire. In the ad, entitled "Better Prepared," John McCain delivers a positive closing message to New Hampshire voters, highlighting his connection with the state and his qualifications for the presidency in these tough and dangerous times.
"Better Prepared" will run on New Hampshire and Boston television.

Script for "Better Prepared" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: "Eight years ago, New Hampshire stunned the political world. You turned convention on its head because you didn't care what the experts or the media said.

"My friends, it's a different time, but it's the same place. You haven't changed and neither have I. But the issues are tougher and the times more dangerous.

"I've learned a lot in eight years. And I feel better prepared than ever to lead this country.

"Once again, I need your help. I'm John McCain and I approve this message."

John McCain 2008 Launches TV Ad In Michigan, "American Reformer"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TV AD IN MICHIGAN, "AMERICAN REFORMER"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new television ad in Michigan. The ad, entitled "American Reformer," highlights John McCain's unrivaled record of fighting for change in Washington, including standing up to corrupting special interests, eliminating wasteful and irresponsible earmark spending, and foresight in advocating a new strategy in Iraq over four years ago.
The Detroit News today endorsed John McCain for president, writing in part:

"On the Republican side, we believe Arizona Sen. John McCain is the candidate who is best qualified to lead the nation. ... McCain's longtime presidential ambitions are at last aligned with the needs of the nation.

"No matter whose ox is being gored, John McCain puts the country first. He is the leading critic of congressional earmarks to fund pork-barrel projects. He has co-sponsored campaign reforms to slow the influence of money in politics. He will use the veto pen if necessary to curb the growth of the federal government (nearly 50 percent during the past seven years). ...

"McCain is already a respected national leader with a strong grasp of foreign and military affairs. He would be well received on the international stage where his experience and judgment would fortify American leadership. ...

"McCain doesn't have an identity problem. In Iowa, while other candidates pay homage to the ethanol economy, McCain has stuck to his opposition to massive ethanol subsidies. He has also stood firmly for expanding troop levels in Iraq, even though it has cost him the support of some of the independent voters who backed his run in 2000. ..."

Script for "American Reformer" (:30-TV)

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

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

"I made the Pentagon angry when I took on Rumsfeld and said we needed a different strategy in Iraq.

"I angered the big spenders in Congress by opposing their pork projects and calling for ethics reform.

"I don't 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."

DNCC Names General Motors As Official Vehicle Provider For 2008 Democratic National Convention

DNCC NAMES GENERAL MOTORS AS OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
In Convention First, Entire Fleet of Vehicles to Use Highest Fuel Efficiencies and Technologies, Including Flex Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today named General Motors Corporation (GM) as the official vehicle provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver. In keeping with the DNCC's commitment to making this the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history, the DNCC will be working closely with GM to select a fleet of vehicles designed to maximize fuel efficiencies and take advantage of new flex fuel and hybrid vehicle technologies.

"As the country's largest manufacturer, GM has a long history with the American people and with the Democratic National Convention," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "We're proud to welcome them back to the team for 2008. GM has an established track record that demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting technological innovation and improving the fuel economy of all GM vehicles. GM's leadership in this area will play a critical role in our event - helping us make this the 'greenest' political Convention our country has ever seen, while providing our guests with yet another convenient option for getting around Denver."

As the Convention's official vehicle provider, GM will provide the DNCC with a mix of vehicles offering high fuel efficiency, biofuel capabilities and hybrid technology. According to GM, when measured against other automakers, GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway, more flex fuel vehicles that can run on E85 and groundbreaking technology such as GM's two-mode hybrid system found in its full-size light trucks. GM alone has produced more than 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date--more than any other automaker. The company's flex fuel vehicles, using 85 percent ethanol fuel derived from corn, represent a move toward easing the country's dependence on foreign oil, helping to build the domestic infrastructure needed for new energy technologies and supporting America's farmers.

GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for the next two years, including the Saturn Vue, the Aura Green Line and the Chevrolet Malibu - just several of the models of fuel efficient vehicles GM will be providing to the DNCC. This year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid - both models included in the DNCC fleet - that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.

GM employs more than 130,000 people in the United States at its more than 75 plants and facilities throughout the country.

"The Democratic National Convention provides an important showcase for GM's technological innovation and our substantial contribution to America's economy and manufacturing competitiveness," said Ken Cole GM vice president for global public policy and government relations.

DNCC officials and staff will use a select number of vehicles for events and other Convention business during the coming months. The full fleet will be used during Convention week as part of the DNCC's official transportation and shuttle system for delegates, members of the Democratic family and other guests. The DNCC's transportation team estimates needing 3,000 volunteers, including 500 local drivers, for the four-day event.

GM has been selected as the official vehicle provider for every Democratic National Convention since 1980.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Remember"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "REMEMBER"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Remember."  The ad highlights the people of New Hampshire discussing the issues that are important to them – lowering tax burdens, securing our borders and changing Washington.  While rightly honored as a true patriot, Senator McCain has opposed tax relief, supported amnesty and is too much of a Washington insider to change Washington.  On the issues important to New Hampshire Republicans, Senator McCain has taken the wrong approach.

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

Script For "Remember" (TV:30):

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

BOB DUFFY:  "I believe John McCain's war record is outstanding."

MARIE PALING:  "He's a true patriot and has served his country long and well."

BOB DUFFY:  "However, his record in the US Senate leaves a lot to be desired."

GENE BOIS:  "John McCain has been one of those Republicans that have been wrong on tax cuts."

RAY BRUN:  "Opposing tax cuts that would have helped our family, supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants, taking jobs away from Americans."

COLLETT HILL:  "He wrote the amnesty bill that America rejected."

BOB DEGANGE:  "He's not really listened to the American people."

MARIE PALING:  "He's had his chance in Washington to make things better."

John McCain Urbandale Iowa Photos

Mike Huckabee Mason City Iowa Photos

Fred Thompson Mason City Iowa Photos

The Detroit News Endorses John McCain For President

THE DETROIT NEWS ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

"[W]e believe Arizona Sen. John McCain is the candidate who is best qualified to lead the nation. ... McCain's longtime presidential ambitions are at last aligned with the needs of the nation." -- The Detroit News

Excerpts From "The Detroit News Endorses McCain"
Editorial
The Detroit News
January 3, 2008

"The presidential candidates must be judged by the task at hand. America needs a president who can answer the terrorist threat without destroying civil liberties; who can press the war on terror without alienating vital allies; who understands that cutting taxes to stimulate the economy works only when spending is brought under control as well, and who recognizes that the moment is at hand to subjugate partisan ideologies to solve the nation's most nettlesome problems -- immigration issues, health finances, entitlement pressures and environmental concerns among them.

On the Republican side, we believe Arizona Sen. John McCain is the candidate who is best qualified to lead the nation. ... McCain's longtime presidential ambitions are at last aligned with the needs of the nation..."

Obama Ad Airs Across Iowa on Eve of Iowa Caucus

Obama Ad Airs Across Iowa on Eve of Iowa Caucus 
“Leader” Highlights Obama's Lifelong Commitment To Change

DES MOINES, IA – On the eve of the Iowa Caucus, the Obama Campaign released a new two minute TV ad that aired throughout Iowa.   

In the ad, titled "Leader," Obama talks of how he has spent his life working for change that has made a difference in the lives of real people.   From fighting poverty as a community organizer to passing sweeping ethics reform to opposing the Iraq war from the start, Obama shows that he has the judgment and ability to unite people together to bring real change that America can believe in.

"Leader" Script:

"Tomorrow, we'll come to the end of a ten-month journey.   You've heard from all of us, and read our plans; you've been bombarded with mailings and phone calls, and you'll be glad to know this is one of the last times you'll hear me say, 'I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this message.'

"But the question you have to ask yourself when you walk into that caucus tomorrow is this – who can take us in a fundamentally new direction? I'm running to finally solve problems we talk about year after year after year. To end the division, the obscene influence of lobbyists, and the politics that values scoring points over making progress.   We can't afford more of that, not this year, not now.

"I've spent my life working for change that's made a real difference in the lives of real people.

"That's why I passed up a job on Wall Street to fight joblessness and poverty on the streets of Chicago when the local steel plant closed.   

"That's why I turned down the corporate law firms to work as a civil rights lawyer; to fight for those who had been denied opportunity.

"That's why I fought for tough new ethics laws in Illinois and Washington to cut the power of lobbyists.   And I won.

"That's why I brought Democrats and Republicans together to provide health care and tax relief to working families.   

"And that's why I opposed this war in Iraq from the start.   It wasn't popular, but it was right.

"This country's ready for a leader who will bring us together: that's the only way we're gonna win this election and that's actually how we'll actually fix health care and make college affordable, become energy independent and end this war.

"I'm reminded every day that I am not a perfect man.   And I won't be a perfect President.  But I can promise you this – I will always tell you where I stand and what I think.   I will listen to you when we disagree.   I will carry your voices to the White House and I will fight for you everyday I'm there.  So I ask you to caucus tomorrow, not just for me, but for your hopes; for your dreams; for the America you believe is possible."