2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe On Michigan Delegates

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe On Michigan Delegates

“Senator Obama firmly believes that the Michigan delegation should be seated in Denver. A 50/50 split of the delegates is an eminently fair solution, especially since originally Senator Clinton herself said the Michigan primary wouldn’t ‘count for anything.’ It’s now up to the Clinton campaign: they can agree to a fair resolution or they can continue trying to score political points and change the rules. It’s time to move forward. Senator Clinton should accept an equitable solution that allows Michigan to participate fully in the convention,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.

Obama Campaign to Air “For Decades” TV Ad In Pennsylvania

Obama Campaign to Air “For Decades” Ad in Pennsylvania
New TV ad discusses need to take on corporate lobbyists, protect American jobs

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Today, Senator Barack Obama’s Pennsylvania campaign will begin airing a new television ad, entitled “For Decades”.  In the thirty-second ad, Senator Obama reminds voters that politicians have been talking about protecting jobs for decades while allowing Washington lobbyists to block change.   Barack Obama is the only candidate who doesn’t take money from federal lobbyists and special interest PACs.  As President, Obama will take on the special interests to fix our trade laws, end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, and give them to companies that create jobs here in America.

SCRIPT – “For Decades”

Barack Obama: I moved to Chicago to help workers whose lives were torn apart when steel plants like this one left town.

For decades, politicians have talked about protecting jobs.  But the power of Washington lobbyists stops anything from changing.

I’m Barack Obama. I’m the only candidate who doesn’t take their money – and they won’t run my White House.

We’ll fix our trade laws.

End tax breaks for companies who ship jobs overseas.  And give them to those who create jobs here – in America.

That’s why I approve this message.

More Than 442,000 Donors Help Obama Raise Over $40 Million In March

More Than 442,000 Donors Help Obama Raise Over $40 Million in March

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Senator Barack Obama’s campaign announced today that more than 442,000 contributors across the country gave more than $40 million in March. More than 218,000 donors contributed to the campaign for the first time, and the average contribution level was $96.

“Senator Obama has always said that this campaign would rise or fall on the willingness of the American people to become partners in an effort to change our politics and start a new chapter in our history,” campaign manager David Plouffe said. “Today we’re seeing the American people’s extraordinary desire to change Washington, as tens of thousands of new contributors joined the more than a million Americans who have already taken ownership of this campaign for change. Many of our contributors are volunteering for the campaign, making our campaign the largest grassroots army in recent political history.”

March Fundraising by the Numbers

Total Raised in March: More than $40 million
Contributors in March: More than 442,000
First-Time Contributors in March: More than 218,000
Average Contribution: $96
Total Contributors to Date: More than 1,276,000

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal Endorses Obama

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal Endorses Obama

CHICAGO, IL — Wyoming Governor and Democratic superdelegate Dave Freudenthal today endorsed Barack Obama, citing his history of putting partisanship aside to bring people together across party lines and focus on common-sense solutions.

"The negativity, partisanship and lack of purpose that characterize our national debate and government are crippling this country," Governor Freudenthal said. "While no one individual can effect this change alone, the change must begin with someone.  Senator Obama is the Democratic candidate with the openness, honesty and skill to end this vicious cycle of business as usual."

Freudenthal was elected Governor in 2002 and reelected in 2006. As a popular Democrat in one of the most traditionally Republican states in the country, Freudenthal knows how essential it is for Democrats to be able to articulate a vision that appeals to voters across the ideological spectrum, and to demonstrate a willingness to listen to people on all sides of the debate.

"Governor Freudenthal has shown the pundits and the talking heads that there isn't anyplace in this country where Democrats can't win if we bring people together and focus on the issues that matter to them," Senator Obama said. "I look forward to working with Dave to deliver the kind of change that folks in the West are looking for: making health care affordable, providing a world-class education for every child, and investing in a clean energy future to create jobs, protect the environment, and wean this country off of foreign oil."

Senator Obama won the Wyoming caucuses on March 8 with 61 percent of the vote.

Senator Amy Klobuchar Endorses Barack Obama

SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Senator Amy Klobuchar endorsed Barack Obama, citing his leadership on historic ethics reform and consumer product issues, his ability to bring change that matters in the lives of families across the country, and his support within her state.

Senator Klobuchar said, “The Democratic Party is blessed this year with two candidates with many excellent leadership qualities, and I believe  each of them would be  a strong president.  I am endorsing Barack Obama today, because he has inspired an enthusiasm and idealism that we have not seen in this country in a long time. "

“I am endorsing Barack because he is a new kind of leader – speaking with a different voice, bringing a new perspective and inspiring a real excitement from the American people.  He is able to dissolve the hard cynical edge that has dominated our politics under the Bush Administration.  I believe Barack can unify the American people to address the many challenges facing our nation.”

“The energy that Barack has unleashed is impossible to contain,” said Klobuchar, noting caucus turnout in Minnesota was three times the previous record – more than anyone imagined or planned for – including many first-time caucus-goers, particularly young people and independents.  Obama won Minnesota’s caucuses 66%-32%.

Senator Klobuchar added, “My endorsement reflects both Barack’s strong support in my state and my own independent judgment about his abilities.  During our time together in the Senate, we have worked together for change, from ethics reform to protecting our children from toxic toys.  Barack has been a proven agent for change and advocate for middle class Americans.”

Senator Obama said, "Senator Klobuchar has spent years working to make a difference in the lives of families in Minnesota, and I’m grateful to have her support.  Minnesota voters sent Senator Klobuchar to Washington to bring about real change, and that’s what she’s done – from helping pass landmark lobbying reform to making sure imports are safe for our children to taking on the tough issues that matter to middle class families and working Americans.  And I look forward to fighting side by side with her in the months ahead to bring about real change, not just for the people of Minnesota, but for all Americans.”

Senator Klobuchar is the 64th superdelegate to endorse Senator Obama since February 5th.

Caucuses Guarantee Obama Win In Texas

Caucuses Guarantee Obama Win In Texas

AUSTIN - With more than 56% of the results tallied from today's 284 Democratic district conventions across Texas, Senator Barack Obama currently is projected to earn a 38-29 pledged delegate win in the Texas caucuses, exactly as projected on the day after the March 4th precinct caucuses.  The nine delegate margin in the  caucuses means Obama will gain a net margin of five pledged delegates from Texas because Senator Clinton narrowly won the Texas primary by only four delegates, 65-61.

"Despite the Clinton campaign's widespread attempts to prevent many Texans from participating in their district convention, the voters of Texas confirmed Senator Obama's important delegate win in the Lone Star State," said Obama spokesman Josh Earnest.  "Today's record-shattering turnout sends a clear message that the American people are ready for change in Washington and new leadership in the White House that will stand up for working families."

The Obama campaign will release a more detailed tally of the results tomorrow.

Senator Bob Casey Endorses Barack Obama

Senator Bob Casey Endorses Barack Obama

PITTSBURGH, PA—U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced today his endorsement of Barack Obama for President of the United States.  Senator Casey joined Obama in Pittsburgh today for the opening of Obama’s “Road to Change” Tour, a six-day bus tour through the Keystone State. 

“In a time of danger around the world and division here at home, I believe Barack Obama can lead us, heal us, and help us rebuild America,” Senator Casey said.

Casey defeated a Republican incumbent with 58 percent of the vote in 2006, and in his work in the Senate has been heavily involved in both domestic and foreign policymaking. He has made bipartisanship a priority in service on the  Foreign Relations, Agriculture, Banking, Aging, and Joint Economic Committees. In his 10 years in statewide office, first as Auditor General and then as State Treasurer, Casey worked to fight waste and abuse and make government accountable to Pennsylvanians.

“Bob Casey understands the challenges facing Pennsylvania families, and he’s shown what happens when you put partisanship aside and focus on solutions,” Senator Obama said. “Folks in Pennsylvania understand that if we’re going to tackle the challenges we face, from keeping good jobs here in America to providing quality health care to every American, we’re going to have to come together to take on the special interests and change Washington. Senator Casey has been a leader in that fight, and I’m thrilled to have his support as we campaign across the state.”

Senator Casey is a Democratic superdelegate, the 63rd superdelegate to endorse Obama since February 5.

Obama Campaign To Air New Ad – “Nothing’s Changed”

Obama Campaign to Air New Ad – “Nothing’s Changed”
In new ad, Obama discusses commitment to take on oil companies, curtail rising gas prices

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign will begin airing a new television ad in Pennsylvania today.  In the thirty-second spot, entitled “Nothing’s Changed” Senator Obama discusses his commitment to change Washington so that we can finally break our dependence on foreign oil and curtail rising gas costs.  Since the 1970s, politicians in both parties have made promises about energy independence but failed to make real progress because the oil companies and their lobbyists have a stranglehold on Washington.  Barack Obama is the one candidate in this race who does not take money from special interest PACs or Washington lobbyists.

As President, Obama will stand up to the special interests to:

Force oil companies to pay a penalty on windfall profits
Invest $150 billion in alternative energy
Create 5 million “green collar” jobs

SCRIPT – “Nothing’s Changed”

Barack Obama: Since the gas lines of the 70s, Democrats and Republicans have talked about energy independence… but nothing’s changed…

…Except now Exxon’s making $40 billion a year and we’re paying $3.50 for gas.

I’m Barack Obama.  I don’t take money from oil companies or Washington lobbyists and I won’t let them block change anymore. They’ll pay a penalty on windfall profits.  We’ll invest in alternative energy and create jobs and free ourselves from foreign oil.

I approve this message because it’s time Washington worked for you – not them

David Plouffe Response To Michigan Ruling

PLOUFFE RESPONSE TO MI RULING: There should be a fair seating of the delegates

“As we’ve said consistently, we think there should be a fair seating of the Michigan delegates.  The Clinton campaign has stubbornly said they see no need to negotiate, but we believe that their Washington, my-way-or-the-highway approach is something voters are tired of,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ads In Pennsylvania

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ads in PA
New ads focus on Obama’s ability to change Washington in order to make progress for working families

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The Obama campaign will begin airing television ads in Pennsylvania, starting today.

In Opportunity – a sixty-second TV ad – Senator Obama discusses his long history of working to improve people’s lives.  Obama, who was raised by a single mother and his grandparents, earned scholarships and worked his way through college and law school.  As a community organizer, a state senator, and a United States Senator, he has brought people together for change for more than 20 years in public service.

Toughest – a thirty-second spot – highlights Senator Obama’s unmatched track record of taking on special interests and winning.  Obama is the one candidate who can change the way business is done in Washington so we can tackle big challenges like solving the health care crisis, reinvigorating the economy, and ensuring a world-class education for every American child.

Carry – a thirty-second ad – discusses Senator Obama’s record of bringing Democrats and Republicans together to make progress on tough issues.  The ad features testimony of legislators from both parties who worked with Obama to improve the lives of working families in Illinois.

Scripts for the new ads are below:

Opportunity – Barack Obama: I'm Barack Obama and I approved this message.  My own story wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the American Dream… I was raised by a single mom and my grandparents… My grandfather served in Patton's Army.  My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line. They didn't have money.  But they gave me love, a thirst for education and a belief that we're all part of something larger than ourselves.  So I worked my way through college and law school.

I first came to Chicago because I saw people being laid off of steel plants that were closing… and nobody was fighting for them… As an organizer with Christian churches I helped those workers and took their fight to the state Senate---- passing tax cuts and health care for families.  In Washington, I got better care for wounded troops who’d been neglected. And passed the toughest law ever to rein in lobbyists so we can make government work for people.

Toughest – Announcer: He took on the special interests – and won.Passing the toughest ethics law yet… Banning gifts, meals and trips from Washington lobbyists. Now Barack Obama’s the only candidate refusing their contributions. 

Because to really reform health care and finally give the middle class a break, we need to rein in the special interests.

Barack Obama:  They have not funded my campaign.  They will not run my White House.  And they will not drown out the voices of the American people.

Carry – Barack Obama (DNC speech): There is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America.

Kirk Dillard, Republican Legislator: Senator Obama worked on some of the deepest issues we had and was successful in a bipartisan way…

Larry Walsh, Fmr. Democratic Legislator: The legislation that he carried, he believed in. He was not carrying it for a group. He was not carrying for a lobbyist.

Dillard: Republicans legislators respected Senator Obama. His negotiation skills and an ability to understand both sides would serve the country very well.