2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Announces CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Announces CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration.
CivicFest to Showcase Minnesota and American History. Democracy, and the U.S. Presidency.

St. Paul, Minnesota (April 14, 2008) - The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee along with U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead announced today that CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration will be held in conjunction with the 2008 Republican National Convention. CivicFest, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 29 to September 4, 2008, will be a nearly 300,000 square foot event celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. presidency that will be open to the general public.

With more than 35 exhibits celebrating the history of our nation as well as our state, CivicFest provides an amazing opportunity for Minnesotans and visitors to the Republican National Convention to not only learn about democracy and our state, but to experience it, said Cynthia Lesher, President of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. It has been more than 116 years since a national political convention has been held in Minnesota and while not everyone will be able to experience the convention floor, anyone can tour through CivicFest to learn about past presidents, our founding fathers and more.

Visitors to CivicFest will learn about the U.S. Presidency and have the unique opportunity to sit at a replica of the Presidents desk in the White House Oval Office and sign a bill into law. In addition, a 20-foot by 60-foot meticulously detailed model of the White House and its contents previously exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and Presidential Libraries will be on display. 

CivicFest also will celebrate Minnesota business, technology and invention as well as the states fascinating history and natural resources. In addition, each visitor will receive a Convention-style commemorative CivicFest credential. 

Tickets for CivicFest are available online at www.civicfest.org. Participants will select a specific time to tour the exhibit. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. CivicFest is free for children under 8. 

CivicFests Executive Producer is Gerard McTernan, who has previously produced events in conjunction with the Salt Lake 2002 Olympics, All-Star Fan Fest for Major League Baseball and Super Bowl XXX. Many of his events have garnered national and international media coverage because of their size, scale and subject matter. 

  

CivicFest provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people of all ages to experience an amazing array of political memorabilia and exhibits all in once place, McTernan said. Local residents as well as visitors to the Convention are invited to attend CivicFest and to participate in this remarkable show. 

More than 150,000 people are expected to attend CivicFest. 

The logo for CivicFest was developed by Padilla Speer Beardsley, a Minneapolis-based public relations and marketing firm that donated its time and creative talent to the project. 

About CivicFest 

CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration is a family-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime interactive and multimedia experience, featuring more than 35 educational and entertaining exhibits, historic memorabilia and artifacts celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. presidency. CivicFest is being produced by Maxene Fernstrom for the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. For more information, visit www.civicfest.org.

2008 Democratic National Convention Committee Names PR Newswire Official Newswire Services Provider

2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE NAMES PR NEWSWIRE OFFICIAL NEWSWIRE SERVICES PROVIDER
Electronic Distribution of Speeches Furthers DNCC's Efforts to Make 2008 the Most Sustainably-Produced Political Convention in American History

DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today named PR Newswire its Official Newswire Services Provider, offering the DNCC a key resource to communicate breaking news releases, speeches and advisory information for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held at the Pepsi Center in Denver from August 25-28, 2008.

"PR Newswire's long record of providing reliable newswire service and extensive experience with national political events make them an ideal partner," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "Their expertise will play a critical role in communicating our nominee's vision for the country to our worldwide audience and some 15,000 members of the media right here in Denver."

Under the terms of the agreement, PR Newswire will disseminate news releases, media advisories, and speech texts from the Convention to thousands of reporters, bloggers and other members of the media covering the four-day event. Releases and announcements will also be available on PR Newswire for Journalists, a media-only website.

"We are very excited to be working with the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which promises to be one of the most exciting and riveting news events in recent history," said Brian Taylor, vice president, PR Newswire Public Interest Services. "We look forward to working closely with Convention organizers and journalists to ensure the media and the public are continuously updated with the latest developments from the event."

PR Newswire's electronic distribution of materials directly to reporters' computers and hand-held devices will help the DNCC further its goal of making the event the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history by contributing to overall efforts to reduce the amount of paper generated by the Convention.

Pittsburgh Steelers Owner Dan Rooney Endorses Obama

Dan Rooney Endorses Obama

Pittsburgh Steelers owner cites Obama’s ability to bring new leadership to Washington, real change for Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA—Pittsburgh Steelers owner and chairman Dan Rooney today endorsed Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential candidacy citing Obama’s ability to put an end to business as usual in Washington and finally bring about the change that Pennsylvanians desperately need.  Rooney, who had initially intended to remain neutral in the race, met with Senator Obama today following Obama’s remarks to the Alliance for American Manufacturing at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, where he offered his endorsement.  Rooney also released the following open letter:

Dear Fellow Pennsylvanian,

Based on the experiences that I have had in my seventy-five years and my assessment of what I think our nation needs to make real the change that is so needed, I am proud and now feel compelled to endorse Senator Barack Obama.

This is not something that I do regularly but as I listen to the candidates in this race, I am struck that we continue to hear about the problems and the same challenges that we have been talking about for decades.  Protecting jobs here in Pennsylvania, breaking our dangerous and costly addiction to foreign oil, making health care accessible and affordable – these are neither new issues nor new ideas.  And yet we have failed to make real progress.

As a grandfather and a citizen of this community I think Barack Obama’s, thoughtful, strategic approach is important for America. When I hear how excited young people seem to be when they talk about this man, I believe he will do what is best for them which is to inspire them to be great Americans.

This time, we can’t afford to wait.  Our country needs a new direction and a new kind of leadership – the kind of leadership, judgment and experience that Senator Obama has demonstrated in more than 20 years of public service, and in a particularly impressive way in this campaign.  Senator Obama has rejected the say-and-do anything tactics that puts winning elections ahead of governing the country.  And he has rejected the back-room politics in favor of opening government up to the people.  Barack Obama is the one candidate in this race who can finally put an end to business as usual in Washington and bring about real change for Pittsburgh and the country as a whole. He has inspired me and so many other people around our country with new ideas and fresh perspectives.

True sports fans know that you support your team even when they are the underdogs. Barack Obama is the underdog here but it is with great pride that I join his team.

When I think of Barack Obama’s America I have great hope.  I support his candidacy and look forward to his Presidency

Sincerely,

Daniel M. Rooney, Owner and Chairman, Pittsburgh Steelers

In Second “NC Ask Me” Ad Clinton Answers, “What Are Your Plans on Reducing the Rising Cost of Gas?”

In Second “NC Ask Me” Ad Clinton Answers, “What Are Your Plans on Reducing the Rising Cost of Gas?”

A week after she invited North Carolinians to ask her “anything and everything,” Senator Hillary Clinton answers one of the nearly 10,000 questions submitted through the NCAskMe.com website in a new 60-second ad.  Campaign staff and volunteers are calling back every person that submitted a question to make sure their voices are heard. Senator Clinton will continue to answer voters’ questions over the coming weeks.

Tammie Bright, 40, of Cherryville submitted the first question selected. The mother of three, who makes truck parts for a living, asked Hillary, “What are your plans on reducing the rising cost of gas?”

Following is the complete script for the ad.

"Tammie"

TV :60

Hillary Clinton: I told you I wanted to have a conversation, so I asked you to send me your questions and concerns and so many North Carolinians have done that.

Tammie from Cherryville asks, "We in North Carolina are feeling the crunch of rising gas prices. It's harder for working families even to afford to drive to work. What are your plans on reducing the rising cost of gas?"

Well, Tammie, I hear this everywhere. People like you and everyone else are paying way too much at the pump. We need to reach energy independence and the only way we'll do that is to stop buying oil from over there and start creating alternative renewable energy over here.

I'd invest $150 billion in research and development of new kinds of energy. Let's put more hybrid vehicles on the fast track. And when we create new clean energies and technologies, we'll be creating new jobs right here in North Carolina.

So there'll be plenty of work to drive to.

Thanks for keeping the questions coming. Just go to NCAskMe.com.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

New Obama TV Ad Features U.S. Senator Bob Casey

New Obama TV Ad Features Sen. Casey

In “It Won’t” Senator Casey tells voters that PA won’t get the help it needs until Washington changes

PHILADELPHIA, PA—U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign today begins airing a new television ad featuring U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).  In the ad – entitled “It Won’t” – Senator Casey expresses Pennsylvania voters’ frustration with a system that has been long on division and political games and short on solutions to the problems that ail them. 

“In towns like yours and mine, families are struggling with bills they can’t afford and jobs moving away,” Casey tells viewers.  “It has to change – but it won’t until we change Washington.”

The full ad script is below:

SCRIPT – “It Won’t”

Senator Bob Casey: In towns like yours and mine, families are struggling with bills they can’t afford and jobs moving away.

It has to change – but it won’t until we change Washington.

That’s why I believe in Barack Obama. 

I’ve worked with him.  I’ve seen him stand up to the lobbyists and special interests…

And like us, he’s tired of the political games and division that stops anything from getting done.

Barack Obama knows Pennsylvania’s hurting.   He can unite America and bring real change.

NEW NC AD: "I Saw Her Take Her Faith, Courage, Strength and Dignity and Climb That Mountain."

NEW NC AD: "I Saw Her Take Her Faith, Courage, Strength and Dignity and Climb That Mountain."

In a new 60-second spot, "Jewel," airing in the Tar Heel State, 91-year-old Jewel Hodges talks about why she decided to vote for Hillary. She states, "And she had to climb up the rough side of the mountain in life. I saw her take her faith, courage, dignity, and climb that mountain with determination."

The ad is airing statewide.

Following is the script for the ad.

"Jewel"
TV :60

Jewel Hodges: Now, why did I decide to vote for her? She didn't know it, but I have followed her all of these years and I prayed with her when she didn't know I was praying, but the spirit was there.

And she had to climb up the rough side of the mountain in life. I saw her take her faith, courage, strength, dignity, and climb that mountain with determination and with the God given strength she got to the top polished like gold.

And America, our country, is down at the foot of the mountain and we need someone that is ready, willing, and able to bring America back up to be polished like gold.

Hillary Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Minnesota Superdelegate And DNC Member Nancy Larson Endorses Barack Obama

Minnesota Superdelegate and DNC Member Nancy Larson Endorses Barack Obama

Minneapolis, MN -- Today, Minnesota Superdelegate and DNC member Nancy Larson endorsed Barack Obama, citing his proven ability to inspire new people to become a part of the process and his record of standing up for America's working families.

Ms. Larson said, "Barack Obama has built a powerful grassroots campaign in Minnesota and across the country, and that is one of the big reasons why I am endorsing him today.  He has the ability to inspire people who have felt left out of the political process.  With Barack's leadership, we will see record breaking numbers of people working on the campaign as we near Election Day in November.  That enthusiasm will translate into support for other Democratic candidates, which will be indispensable in order to bring about the changes needed to improve the economy and to bring back prosperity to America’s working people." 

Larson lives in rural Minnesota, an area that is hard-hit by low wages and high unemployment rates, which made the economy a prime issue in making her decision on who to support for president. 

“Barack Obama is a leader who can bring us to victory in November and bring back hope and confidence to America,” Larson added.  "But we also need to regain the confidence of other nations in the world.  Barack’s good judgment, even temperament, and ability to overcome adversity will also help to end the war in Iraq and restore America's standing in the world.”

"I've never seen a slate of presidential candidates as impressive as the Democrats running this year, including Hillary Rodham Clinton.  But it is time to come to a conclusion in order to concentrate on winning the election in November, and Barack Obama is the best candidate to bring us to victory in November.  We need a candidate with the ability to inspire and to challenge politics as usual, and that candidate is Barack Obama.  I’m happy to be on his team.”

Alan Keyes To Announce Break With GOP In Hazleton, PA

Alan Keyes to announce break with GOP in Hazleton, PA

HAZLETON, Penn. — Former Republican presidential candidate Alan Keyes has chosen April 15 to make a major announcement of his intentions, following indications he has broken with the GOP.

A life-long Republican who has increasingly cited the party's failure to match conservative rhetoric with actual performance in the political arena, Keyes said he will reveal his reasons for departing the GOP at a press conference scheduled for 8:30 pm ET, at the Best Western Genetti Inn in Hazleton, PA.

The event will be video-streamed live at Keyes' website.

Keyes added that he is looking to the Constitution Party as a possible home for his future efforts in politics, including a potential run for president in the 2008 general election.

"No other 'third party' is as well-established as the Constitution Party," said Keyes. "They've been around since 1992, and have built a significant grassroots presence among patriotic, Constitution-minded citizens — with a registered membership of over 350,000. Conservatives have a home in the CP that they can find nowhere else, given the decline in the Republican Party's credibility as a voice and vehicle for conservatism."

Regarding his potential third-party candidacy for president in the fall, Keyes said, "I believe people deserve a choice. They certainly deserve a conservative choice — something neither John McCain, Hillary Clinton, nor Barack Obama can offer voters. All they can offer is empty promises based on liberal track records."

Symbolic of Keyes' break with the Republican Party is a caricature of the GOP logo — upside down — on the front page of his website.

The Constitution Party will hold its nominating convention April 23-26 in Kansas City.

According to Dan Smeriglio, a Keyes supporter who is helping to arrange the event, the former Reagan administration diplomat chose to make his announcement in Hazleton because of the town's strong stance on illegal immigration.

"I understand a good portion of his speech next week will center on illegal immigration," Smeriglio said. Smeriglio and a group he represents, Voice of the People USA, have been vocal in opposing illegal immigration since Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta introduced the Illegal Immigration Relief Act in 2006 — thrusting Hazleton into national prominence in the movement to stem illegal immigration.

Keyes — who has a Ph.D. in government from Harvard and wrote his dissertation on constitutional theory — served as Reagan's Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, as well as Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, where he represented U.S. interests in the UN General Assembly.

Barr Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee

Barr Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee
May Seek Libertarian Party Nomination

Kansas City, MO, Saturday, April 5, 2008 – Addressing Midwestern activists at the Heartland Libertarian Conference today, former Congressman Bob Barr announced the launch of the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee
.
In his speech, Barr noted that, “America today faces a grave moral and leadership crisis, and those of us who care about our country’s future can no longer sit on the sidelines and remain neutral. As Rev. King told us more than four decades ago, ‘the true measure of a man is where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.’ And, as Dante Alighieri said many centuries before, ‘the hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.’” Continuing, Barr stated that, “some say it is not now expedient or politically pragmatic to do the right thing, for the right reason.” But, he then asked his audience, “When has there been a better time?

When has the risk of inaction carried more serious consequences? When will it be appropriate to take extraordinary steps? What must happen to our Constitution before we set aside our complacency and expediency in favor of principle?”

Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he served as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice- Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee

on Financial Services. Prior to his congressional career, Barr was appointed by President Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, and also served as an official with the CIA for nearly eight years.

Since leaving Congress, Barr has been practicing law and actively advocating American citizens’ right to privacy and other civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. He serves also as a board member for the National Rifle Association, and works with the American Conservative Union and other groups.

Barr’s speech to the Heartland audience touched on the issues the candidates for the two major status quo parties have not addressed sufficiently, namely: the urgent need for truly cutting the size of the federal government, protecting our civil liberties, securing our borders, and fundamentally reforming our tax code.

“Removing ‘earmarks’ but not cutting the underlying spending is simply government as usual and is nothing more than a cynical shell game,” Barr stated; adding, “and that’s the high water mark in the debate thus far.“ Barr said this is not adequate, and that America’s voters deserve better than a choice between the lesser of two evils.”

The Libertarian Party, America’s oldest and largest third party, formed in 1971, is on track to achieve ballot access in at least 48 states. Its nominee will be chosen at the Libertarian National Convention which will be held in Denver, CO May 22 through 26.

New Obama Radio Ad In Pennsylvania

New Obama Radio Ad Sets Record Straight on Clinton Ad Distortions

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign today began airing a new radio ad that sets the record straight on Senator Clinton’s false attack ad and decries a textbook Washington politics that has been long on misleading attacks and short on solutions for working families.

Senator Clinton’s ad repeats oft-debunked distortions of Senator Obama’s record on energy reform.  In reality, Obama is that candidate who has to stood up to the oil companies – refusing money from their PACs and lobbyists, demanding higher fuel economy standards, and fighting to strip tax breaks for oil giants as they rake in windfall profits.

By contrast Senator Clinton has money from PACs and lobbyists – including the energy industry – than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican.

As President, Obama will take on the oil companies to finally deliver on the promises of energy reform that politicians have been making for decades.

SCRIPT – “Fill”

Across Pennsylvania, we're living the problems.

An economy in shambles.  Families struggling.  Gas prices close to four dollars a gallon.

What's Hillary Clinton's answer?

Misleading negative ads.

Here's the truth.

While she's played political games, it's Barack Obama who's taken on the oil companies, demanding higher gas mileage standards and a larger investment in alternative energy.

It's Obama who's worked to strip tax breaks from the oil giants as they roll up record profits.

And he's the only candidate who doesn't take a dime from oil company PACs or lobbyists.  The only one.

The Federal Election Commission reports that Clinton's taken more from Big Oil and other PACs and lobbyists than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican. 

The same old Washington politics isn't going to lift our economy or bring down gas prices.

So if you've had your fill of that...

Vote for change we can believe in, Barack Obama for President.