2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Cindy McCain Participate in ONE Campaign Service Event

First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Cindy McCain and Members of the McCain Family to Participate in ONE Campaign Service Event in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Below is the text of U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's (Minn.) remarks to the 2008 Republican National Convention this evening. The text is embargoed until delivery. The text will be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention's media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)

As Minnesota's first ever Republican Congresswoman, I am delighted to welcome my fellow Republicans to the land of Minnesota Nice.

And, it's not just a saying...we really are nice here. We're friendly, happy people.

Now, we have a lot of liberals here in Minnesota...but they're happy liberals.

Minnesota Nice may be our state's special brand, but the desire to be of service to our fellow man is part of the American DNA.

As Americans we're hard-wired for compassion, to open up our arms, our hearts, and our wallets to lend a helping hand.

For my husband, Marcus, and I, and for our five children, service took the form of opening our home to welcome 23 foster children.

Some of them came to us with all that they owned in a shopping bag.

But all of them came with a deep desire to express love and to be loved.

This was a labor of joy and love for me and our family, a service from which we gained as much -- if not more -- than what we gave.

Millions of families make a similar labor of love each year as foster or adoptive parents.

John and Cindy McCain have adopted a child, as have millions of big-hearted Americans.

Whether it's being a foster parent or being a community first responder or wearing the uniform of the United States Army, service is all-American.

Service isn't a political trait - though some Presidential nominees certainly know more about service than others.

As Republicans, we recognize that service is an innately personal characteristic.

It is best achieved by individuals and community groups, faith-based organizations and charities.

And, service thrives best in an environment of freedom.

Government fosters service best when government binds it least. That is not to say that government does not play an important role.

For instance, Senator McCain has championed national service programs... and he has fought to bolster incentives for young people to join the United States military.

But we must never forget what government is not. Government is not a philanthropic organization, it is not a family, and it is not a church.

As Republicans, we recognize that when you keep more of your hard-earned dollars, you are free to spend it as you choose on the charities that touch your heart and make a difference in your community.

There are some people, however, who believe differently.

They think service is run by Washington bureaucrats, and a growing dependency on government-issued checks.

And they think you should be footing the bill.

They just don't see how a bloated government crowds out personal freedom.

John McCain not only recognizes that personal liberty needs elbow room; he's spent a lifetime ensuring that freedom has what it needs to grow.

John McCain doesn't just speak the language of service; he's lived it.

America needs John McCain's service in the White House!

Thank you. And, come back to a really nice state that loves you.

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Senator Norm Coleman

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Senator Norm Coleman

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Below is the text of U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman’s (Minn.) remarks to the 2008 Republican National Convention this evening. The text will be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention’s media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman

Good evening and welcome to Pigs Eye, Minnesota.

That’s right we were called Pigs Eye until a Catholic priest built a wooden chapel a few steps from here, dedicated to Saint Paul.

Although I am a Jewish person, I often reference Saint Paul, and as former mayor of the city named for him, I proudly welcome you to my city of Saint Paul.

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the families in the Gulf Region affected by Hurricane Gustav and the first responders working hard to bring aid to the region.

The fact that this convention is being held in a place where neighbors help neighbors and a place that leads the nation in volunteerism and charitable giving is significant.

I believe the Minnesota spirit of generosity will push us along as we expand the scope of this convention from politics to a gathering of folks who want to help our neighbors on the other end of the Mississippi. From all of us gathered here, to our friends and neighbors on the Gulf Coast, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Here we sit in the middle of a great Minnesota success story. 15 years ago, downtown Saint Paul was in trouble.

Our largest employer left.

Crime was rising.

And downtown, we had sex shops and the nation’s only failed McDonald's.

The old Civic Center on this site was falling apart while leaders of the city were holding gang summits and raising taxes.

The mayor at that time asked,

"I’m not indecisive... am I?"

That could be an Obama campaign slogan.

Conservative principles restored this city.

We put a lid on taxes -- never raised taxes for 8 years!

We made city government a trustworthy partner to local business.

We said Hope plus Confidence equals Investment and together we proved it. We added 18,000 new jobs.

We planted 35,000 trees and shrubs along the Mississippi.

We reduced crime.

And, through a public-private partnership, we built this magnificent arena.

In Minnesota, we know that big things start small. Behind me is our great Mississippi River.

A few hours north of here, it’s a creek you can walk across.

Yet, when it enters into the Gulf, it's miles across.

From this gathering here, we'll show America a bright future, and we'll paint the entire Mississippi watershed John McCain red... and we’ll win the White House.

A story is told of Thomas Jefferson riding on horseback with a group of companions, reaching a river without a bridge.

Standing on the bank was a man who needed to get across.

One by one, they passed him until Jefferson was alongside and the man asked, "Can you carry me across the river?" Jefferson immediately did.

One of Jefferson’s men pulled the guy aside and yelled, "How dare you ask the President of the United States for a lift! You could have asked any one of us, instead you chose to bother him?"

The man said, "I had no idea who he was, but your faces all said NO and his face said YES."

John McCain has a face that says, Yes. ... because that's what's in his soul. He's never given in to adversity. He's never said No to a challenge.

To people who demand government reform, to folks who need jobs, to families who deserve to keep more of their own money by keeping taxes low, and to those around the world who yearn for freedom

John McCain has a face that says, Yes.

We are the party of Lincoln who said, "America...is the last, best hope of earth." HE was right then, he'd be right now. From North to South. From East to West. From heartland farms to big cities.

Let’s offer Americans the genuine hope of change Republicans can actually deliver.

May God bless you all. And in the positive spirit of a place called Pigs Eye that became Saint Paul: Welcome!

2008 Republican National Convention Live Stream (USTREAM)

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Excerpts: Remarks by Former Senator Fred Thompson

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Senator Fred Thompson
Former Senator Focuses on Themes of "Country First" and "Service"

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening former Senator Fred Thompson will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Senator Thompson will expand on the convention's overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for today's program, which is "service," as he illustrates why John McCain is best qualified to be the next President of the United States

Excerpts are below:

On John McCain's qualifications to be president:
"This is the kind of character that civilizations from the beginning of history have sought in their leaders. Strength. Courage. Humility. Wisdom. Duty. Honor. It's pretty clear there are two questions we will never have to ask ourselves, 'Who is this man?' and 'Can we trust this man with the presidency?'"

On John McCain's dedication to doing what is right – not what is popular:
"He has been to Iraq eight times since 2003. He went seeking truth, not publicity. When he travels abroad, he prefers quietly speaking to the troops amidst the heat and hardship of their daily lives. And the same character that marked John McCain's military career has also marked his political career. This man, John McCain, is not intimidated by what the polls say or by what is politically safe or popular."

On John McCain's commitment to taking real action to reform Washington:
"But while others were talking reform, John McCain led the effort to make reform happen – always pressing, always moving for what he believed was right and necessary to restore the people's faith in their government. Confronting when necessary, reaching across the aisle when possible, John personified why we came to Washington in the first place."

On John McCain's ability to restore integrity to our government:
"My role is to help remind you of the man behind the vision. Because tonight our country is calling to all of us to step up, stand up, and put 'Country First' with John McCain. Tonight we are being called upon to do what is right for our country."

Excerpts: Remarks by U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman

Excerpts: Remarks by U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman
Senator Focuses on John McCain’s Commitment to Country and Bipartisanship

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.) will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Sen. Lieberman will expand on the convention’s overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for today’s program, which is "service," as he discusses John McCain’s commitment to working across party lines and ability to break the partisan divide in Washington.

Excerpts from Senator Lieberman’s remarks are below.

On why he supports John McCain to be our next president:

"And that brings me directly to why I am here tonight. What, after all, is a Democrat like me doing at a Republican convention like this? The answer is simple. I’m here to support John McCain because country matters more than party. I'm here tonight because John McCain is the best choice to bring our country together and lead our country forward. I’m here because John McCain’s whole life testifies to a great truth: being a Democrat or a Republican is important. But it is not more important than being an American."

On John McCain’s dedication to putting country before politics or self-interest:

"John understands that it shouldn’t take a natural disaster like Hurricane Gustav to get us to take off our partisan blinders and work together to get things done. It shouldn’t take a natural disaster to teach us that the American people don’t care much if you have an "R" or a "D" after your name. What they care about is: are we solving the problems they are up against every day?

"What you can expect from John McCain as President is precisely what he has done this week: which is to put country first. That is the code by which he has lived his entire life, and that is the code he will carry with him into the White House. I have personally seen John over and over again bring people together from both parties to tackle our toughest problems we face."

On John McCain’s commitment to victory in Iraq:

"Especially at a time of war, we need a president we can count on to fight for what’s right for our country - not only when it is easy, but when it is hard. When others were silent, John McCain had the judgment to sound the alarm about the mistakes we were making in Iraq. When others wanted to retreat in defeat from the field of battle, when Barack Obama was voting to cut off funding for our troops on the ground, John McCain had the courage to stand against the tide of public opinion and support the surge and because of that, today, our troops are at last beginning to come home, not in failure, but in honor!"

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media 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.

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Tuesday Night's Program of Events

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Tuesday Night's Program of Events
Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman Among Featured Speakers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the program of events for Tuesday, Sept. 2. The program will feature speeches by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson. Their remarks will reflect the convention's overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for Tuesday's events, which is "service."

"We are excited to announce Tuesday's featured speakers, who will share John McCain's remarkable record of leadership and service with millions of Americans tonight. We are looking forward to showcasing John McCain's life-long record of putting his country first," said Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan.

"From his days as a POW who refused early release to his 20-year career in the U.S. Senate, John McCain has always put country first. Tonight's program will reflect his unmatched commitment to service and his vision for increasing Americans' participation in service and volunteer activities," said Rick Davis, McCain 2008 campaign manager.

Among the other speakers announced today are President George W. Bush (via satellite), First Lady Laura Bush, U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.), and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.).

The program of events follows. Biographies for participants will be available on the 2008 Republican National Convention Media Portal this afternoon. To access the media portal, go to portal.gopconvention2008.com.

An announcement about additional program participants is forth-coming.

Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countrymen."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain's commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Tuesday's events will highlight John McCain's record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one's own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
President George W. Bush (via satellite)
First Lady Laura Bush
U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (Conn.)
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)
Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Chairman of the Republican National Committee
Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the 2008 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media 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.

HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO BENEFIT HURRICANE VICTIMS

HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO BENEFIT HURRICANE VICTIMS
Admission to CivicFest Waived to Promote Donations to Relief Effort

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (September 2, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee today announced several fundraising efforts to benefit the victims of Hurricane Gustav, including waiving admission for the remaining three days of CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration to encourage donations. The Host Committee, which produced CivicFest and is hosting the 2008 Republican National Convention, will also distribute information about how people can donate to the effort at all of their official events.

“The goal of CivicFest is to foster and promote community involvement and we hope that by making admission free, more people will choose to attend and donate those dollars to help the people of the Gulf Coast,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “Whether it is $2 out of a piggy bank or $200, we want to make it possible for everyone to participate in the relief effort while also experiencing this amazing display of civic engagement.”

The Host Committee will donate the contributions to the following organizations: Alabama Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund; Florida Disaster Fund; Louisiana Hurricane Gustav Relief and Recovery Fund; Louisiana Aidmatrix Foundation; Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund; and Texas Responds.

CivicFest is a one-of-a-kind event being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. CivicFest features 35 innovative exhibits that highlight Minnesota business as well as American history, democracy and the U.S Presidency.

Previously, ticket prices for CivicFest were $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors (60+) and active-duty military; children under 8 were admitted free. CivicFest will be open during the following days and times:

Tuesday, September 2 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Wednesday, September 3 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Thursday, September 4 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee
The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.

Republican National Convention Announces Tuesday Night's Program of Events

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Tuesday Night's Program of Events
Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman Among Featured Speakers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the program of events for Tuesday, Sept. 2. The program will feature speeches by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson. Their remarks will reflect the convention's overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for Tuesday's events, which is "service."

 

"We are excited to announce Tuesday's featured speakers, who will share John McCain's remarkable record of leadership and service with millions of Americans tonight. We are looking forward to showcasing John McCain's life-long record of putting his country first," said Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan.

"From his days as a POW who refused early release to his 20-year career in the U.S. Senate, John McCain has always put country first. Tonight's program will reflect his unmatched commitment to service and his vision for increasing Americans' participation in service and volunteer activities," said Rick Davis, McCain 2008 campaign manager.

Among the other speakers announced today are President George W. Bush (via satellite), First Lady Laura Bush, U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio), U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.), and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.).

The program of events follows. Biographies for participants will be available on the 2008 Republican National Convention Media Portal this afternoon. To access the media portal, go to portal.gopconvention2008.com.

An announcement about additional program participants is forth-coming.

Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countrymen."
--Sen. John McCain

John McCain's commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Tuesday's events will highlight John McCain's record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one's own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
President George W. Bush (via satellite)
First Lady Laura Bush
U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman (Conn.)
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)
Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Chairman of the Republican National Committee
Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Chairman of the 2008 Republican National Convention Committee on Arrangements

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media 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.

Governors of Four States Affected by Hurricane Gustav Deliver Video Messages to Opening Session of the 2008 Republican National Convention

Governors of Four States Affected by Hurricane Gustav Deliver Video Messages to Opening Session of the 2008 Republican National Convention

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the governors of four of the states affected by Hurricane Gustav addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention. Their remarks were delivered via a taped message to convention attendees. Below are excerpts from the video:

Texas Governor Rick Perry
"We may have a big flood event here in northeast Texas on Wednesday or Thursday of this next week, but we’re prepared for that. ... You’re seeing Republican governors ... doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That’s what we do."

Alabama Governor Bob Riley

On meeting the challenges of natural disasters:

"I’ve seen neighborhoods come together to help each other in ways that bind communities for life. I’ve seen remarkable acts of compassion and charity. And through these storms, the collective greatness of our people shines through. Now, another hurricane has impacted our coast. This storm may challenge our states but it will not shake our will."

On the efforts of the National Guard:

"As they always do in times of trouble, at home or abroad, our Guard soldiers are displaying the values that shaped our nation - character, courage, and sacrifice. ... To our Guard troops, you are making this country proud. You embody honor, duty, and dedication. ... It is those values, that strength, that will lay the foundation for our recovery."

Florida Governor Charlie Crist

On experiences during Tropical Storm Fay

"As I traveled our state in the days following Fay’s landfall, I was reminded again of the resilience and strength of our people. The kindness they extend to one another. Neighbor helping neighbor. Asking not what party you are, but instead how you can help. That's just what we can bring, in many ways, in times of great need."

On Gulf Coast Unity in Face of Storms:

"On behalf of our nearly twenty million Floridians, our dedicated first responders, and the great men and women of the Florida National Guard, we stand ready to once again help one another to assist our neighbors across the Gulf Coast. That is what we do as Americans, what we do as Floridians."

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour
"I want you to know that we’ve been aware of - we’ve felt your prayers. We need those prayers and appreciate them too. ... And we want to say thanks to everybody around the country who’s helping us."