2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ads in Texas

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ads in Texas

Austin, TX - The Obama Campaign is up with four new television ads airing across Texas in the final days leading up to March 4th.

Safe features retired Air Force General Tony McPeak discussing Senator Obama's judgment to oppose the war in Iraq before it began and before it was popular to do so - the same judgment that makes him the best choice to keep America safe as Commander in Chief. General McPeak served 37 years in the Air Force and retired as Air Force Chief of Staff in 1994. McPeak is a national campaign co-chair and foreign policy advisor who brings 37 years of service, including over 6,000 hours as a command pilot, to the Obama Campaign.

Return highlights Senator Obama's record of standing up for America's troops and veterans and his commitment to keeping our country safe by maintaining the finest military in the world and ensuring our veterans get the care and benefits they have earned.

In Direction, Senator Obama lays out his vision to take the country in a new direction by standing up to special interests, being straightforward with the American people, ending the war in Iraq, and reclaiming the American dream for working families.

In Second, Senator Obama discusses his commitment to uniting our country and overcoming the bitter political divisiveness of the past to bring change we can believe in to Washington.

Scripts for the new ads are below:

Safe - General Tony McPeak: As a combat pilot, and head of the Air Force during Desert Storm, lives depended on the judgments I made.

And judgment is what we need from our next commander-in-chief.

Barack Obama opposed this war in Iraq from the start, showing insight and courage others did not. And he's our best hope to restore our security and our standing in today's world.

The old Washington hands have let us down. We need a new leader to lift America.

Return - Barack Obama: As your commander-in-chief, my job will be to keep you safe.

Part of keeping you safe is maintaining the finest military in the

world... And it means caring for our troops when they come home.

Announcer: On the Veterans Affairs Committee, Barack Obama passed measures to improve care for wounded warriors; give shelter to homeless veterans; and expand mental health services for returning heroes.

BO: We have a solemn obligation to honor those who have served on our behalf.

Direction - Barack Obama (direct to camera): For years, we've watched politicians divide us, seen lobbyists put their interests ahead of ours and heard our leaders tell us what we want to hear, instead of what we need to hear.

I'm Barack Obama. We need a new direction to end the war, take on special interests that block reform, close tax loopholes that give them a break instead of you.

On Tuesday, help change Washington. Let's bring Democrats, Republicans and Independents together, not just to win an election, but to transform a nation - and that's why I approve this message.

Second - Barack Obama (at rally): America is listening, and not just Democrats, but Republicans and Independents who want to believe again.

I don't want to spend the next year or the next four years re-fighting the same fights that we had in the 1990's.

I don't want to pit red America against blue America... I want to be the President of the United States of America.

Obama Campaign Releases Response to "3:00 AM" Ad

Obama Campaign Releases Response to "3:00 AM" Ad

Chicago, IL - The Obama for America campaign today released the following advertisement in response to Senator Clinton's "3:00 AM" ad.

"Ringing"

:30

SCRIPT: It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep. But there's a phone ringing in the White House. Something's happening in the world. When that call gets answered, shouldn't the president be the one - the only one - who had judgment and courage to oppose the Iraq war from the start... Who understood the REAL threat to America was al-Qaeda, in Afghanistan, not Iraq. Who led the effort to secure loose nuclear weapons around the globe... In a dangerous world, it's judgment that matters. I'm Barack Obama and I approved this message.

Senator Jay Rockefeller Endorses Barack Obama

SENATOR JAY ROCKEFELLER ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA
Chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee Says Obama is Right Leader to Meet Nation’s Challenges

CHICAGO, IL – Today, Senator Jay Rockefeller, the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his judgment on the Iraq war and national security issues, and calling him the right candidate to lead our country during a time of instability at home and abroad.

Senator Rockefeller said, “Today, I’m proud to lend my support and strong endorsement to Barack Obama and his candidacy for President of the United States. Barack Obama is the most qualified person – Democrat or Republican – to lead our country in the face of enormous challenges – the very real threat of terrorism, economic uncertainty, and instability at home and abroad.

“As Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am all too aware that the threats we face are unconventional.  They are sophisticated.  They are constantly changing and adapting.  And they are very serious. What matters most in the Oval Office is sound judgment and decisive action.  It’s about getting it right on crucial national security questions the first time – and every time. 

“The indisputable fact is Barack Obama was right about Iraq when many of us were wrong.  It was a tough call and the single greatest national security question, and mistake, of our time.  Today, we remain a country at war, and countless mistakes over the last six and a half years have made us less safe.  The stakes have never been higher, and that is why we must take a stand.

“I am not just supporting Barack Obama because of his strength on national security.  I am equally proud of his commitment to rebuild America – so that we’re a country of equality and prosperity – where no segment of society is left behind.  I know Barack Obama will fight and win the battle for health care, good paying jobs, and energy security.   

“Barack Obama is a uniquely gifted, brilliant and strategic thinker, who genuinely understands the hopes and desires of the American people.  There is nothing sheltered about his life; he’s always had to work hard, and he’s always fought to make his community and his country better.   

“A leader like Barack Obama just doesn’t come along very often, and as voters who care passionately about the future of our country, we cannot afford to squander this opportunity.”

Senator Obama said, “Senator Rockefeller’s leadership in the Senate has strengthened our national security and advanced economic opportunity, and I am honored to have his support. Nobody understands the unconventional threats of the 21st century better than Jay Rockefeller, and I look forward to partnering with him as President to strengthen our intelligence community and protect our homeland. Together, we will work to reclaim the American Dream for working families at home, and to restore our security and standing abroad.”

Two Minnesota Superdelegates Support Barack Obama

TWO MINNESOTA SUPERDELEGATES SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt Back Obama

Chicago, IL – Today, the Chair and Associate Chair of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party endorsed Barack Obama.  Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt —to Minnesota superdelegates — backed Obama, citing his overwhelming win in the Minnesota caucuses and ability to bring new voters into the process.

Chair Brian Melendez said, “Before Super Tuesday, I decided that, as a superdelegate, I would support whichever candidate won the presidential-preference ballot in Minnesota — and Senator Obama and his campaign for change won it decisively. I also decided that I would hold off on announcing this decision in the hope that voters in other states would decide the nomination and that the superdelegates would not affect the outcome.

“Now, however, it appears that the superdelegates’ votes may affect the outcome. I am therefore announcing that I will support Senator Barack Obama for president. I have heard loud and clear the voices of the more than 214,000 enthusiastic DFLers who attended their precinct caucuses. As their elected party chair, I respect their choice, and will be pleased to honor it by casting my vote for Senator Obama at the Democratic National Convention.

“DFLers shattered all turnout records at precinct caucuses this year, braving a cold winter night, long lines, and bustling crowds. We may have supported different candidates for president this year so far, but we are all energized and ready to keep Minnesota blue this November for the ninth presidential election in a row.”

Associate Chair Donna Cassutt said, “Hope, the passion for change, and the belief in the possibilities for our great nation: the over 214,000 Minnesotans who turned out to the DFL precinct caucuses this year showed that all of these are alive and well in Minnesota. Reflecting the enthusiastic and overwhelming support for Senator Barack Obama at our caucuses, I will gladly cast my vote as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention for Senator Obama.

“With the incredible grassroots energy and the number of folks new to the political process, I am confident that we will not only win Minnesota’s electoral votes in November, but also take back our beloved Paul Wellstone’s Senate seat and usher in a new era of common-sense, progressive politics.”

Senator Obama won the Minnesota Caucuses on February 5th with 66 percent of the vote.

Senator Byron Dorgan Endorses Barack Obama

Senator Byron Dorgan Endorses Barack Obama

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Senator Byron Dorgan endorsed Barack Obama, citing his longstanding commitment to American workers and to enforcing our trade agreements, his plan to invest in American jobs, and his ability to win in typically “red states” like North Dakota.

Senator Dorgan said, “Senator Obama has the ability to inspire and motivate the American people to move our country in a new direction. He can attract support in what have been traditional red states in Presidential elections, proven in part by his decisive win in the North Dakota Caucus with 62% of the vote.

“Senator Obama has also shown a strong commitment to reversing the disastrous trade policies of the past years and moving forward with a progressive agenda that puts American workers first. He has proven his commitment through a lifetime of fighting for for American families – from his time as a community organizer in Chicago to his work in the United States Senate.

“The strong, positive response to Senator Obama’s campaign is an affirmation by the American people that this election must be about the future.  He is calling on the best in all of us to work together to put America back on track toward a better and brighter future, and I’m happy to endorse him for president.”

Senator Obama said, “Senator Dorgan has been a champion for the rights of American workers for decades in Congress, and I’m honored to have his support. I look forward to fighting by his side to increase the minimum wage, invest in American jobs, and make sure our trade deals serve workers’ interests, not special interests.  Together we will change our country and put American workers first.”

Obama Campaign Airs Two New Television Ads Across Texas

Obama Campaign Airs Two New Television Ads Across Texas

Austin, TX - The Obama Campaign announced two new television ads will begin running across Texas today. In Voices, Senator Obama highlights his commitment to pushing back against the special interests in Washington, DC and notes his refusal to accept donations to his presidential campaign from PACs and federal lobbyists. Oportunidad, in Spanish, outlines Senator Obama's commitment to reclaiming the American Dream for working families and making sure a college education is within every student's reach.

Script for Voices.

BO VO: I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message.

BO SYNCH: If you are ready for change, then we can go head and tell the lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda are over.

ANCR VO: In the Senate, Barack Obama challenged both parties and passed tough new ethics laws reigning in the power of lobbyists. And he's the only candidate refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists who have too much power today.

BO SYNCH: 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.

Graphic:

Vote Tuesday
Polls Open 7 am - 7 pm
866-675-2008
Texas.BarackObama.com

Approved by Barack Obama. Paid for by Obama for America.

See below for the script for Oportunidad.

Spanish English
El costo de la universidad es una gran preocupación para muchas familias.  The cost of a college education is a real worry for many families. 
Pero con el Plan de Obama, un estudiante se ganará los primeros $4,000 en colegiatura cumpliendo con servicio comunitario.  But under the Obama Plan a student can earn the first $4,000 of tuition through community service. 
Poniendo una educación unviersitaria al alcance de todos.  Putting a college education within everyone's reach.
Y el Plan de Obama ofrece becas para reclutar más maestros para asegurar que nuestros niños estén listos.  And the Obama Plan offers scholarships to recruit a more teachers to make sure our children are ready (also smart/prepared).
Con Obama … una nueva oportunidad.  With Obama … a new opportunity.
BO: Soy Barack Obama y apruebo este mensaje.  BO: Soy Barack Obama y apruebo esta mensaje. 
Pagado por Obama por America Paid for by Obama for America.

The Reviews Are In: Barack Obama At The Democratic Debate In Cleveland, Ohio

The reviews are in: Obama scores higher, “Won,” “Quick on his feet,” “Well prepared and focused,” “Excellent command”

TIME (Joe Klein): He won. He not only won by not losing, but he also won on points--and on demeanor, and on quickness… LINK

Time (Jay Carney): Hillary Clinton missed some opportunities tonight. Her complaint at the beginning about the format of the debate seemed to fall flat. LINK

TIME (Mark Halperin) …Obama: B+, Clinton: B- “Avoided lofty rhetoric and focused on presenting himself as cool, deliberative, and substantive. Well prepared and focused.” LINK  (On Clinton: “Her conviction that the media is biased against her seemed to throw her off throughout, and she was too distracted by her frustration with Obama and the press to truly shine.”)

NBC (Mark Murray): … Obama has an excellent command of his plan and his defense. LINK

MSNBC (David Gregory): …What you see time and time again with Barack Obama is a coolness about him. He absorbs a particular attack or a question or a pointed statement and tries to maybe acknowledge the point and then turn it around.
Washington Post (Chris Cillizza) …Obama successfully parried most of Clinton's offense and even turned some of her aggressiveness against her. LINK

Politico (Ben Smith) “Back to the war”: … it's always been Obama's trump card, and he returns to it tonight LINK

AMERICAblog (Joe Sudbay): … Obama was steady on a broad range of issues … In my view, the win goes to Obama. A clean win. LINK
The New Republic (Michael Crowley): …Obama is quick on his feet and good humored. He also conveys a certain bemused remove from the bizarre conventions of traditional insider politics LINK

ABC (Rick Klein): …Notice that Obama is the first to try to turn the argument to Sen. McCain -- their battle has already begun, if tentatively, and Obama welcomes it. LINK

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe Statement On The Ohio Debate

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe Statement On The Ohio Debate

Tonight, Barack Obama showed why he’s the one candidate who has the judgment to serve as Commander-in-Chief and can draw a clear contrast on foreign policy with John McCain.  Barack Obama opposed this war in Iraq from the start, and said that it would distract us from the terrorists in Afghanistan.  When he is President, he will end this war, take the fight to al Qaeda, restore respect for America in the world, and bring this country together to deliver the kind of change that will help struggling families afford health care, stay in their homes, and send their children to college.

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Endorses Barack Obama

South Dakota Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin Endorses Barack Obama

Citing hope for "a new direction in American politics and a positive change in Washington," U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-South Dakota, at-large) today endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States. "Senator Obama is the right candidate for rural America. He has demonstrated a deep understanding of the tremendous opportunities that come with a transition to a clean energy economy powered by homegrown renewable energy. His policy priorities as well as his bipartisan and inclusive approach convince me that he is the best candidate to lead the country forward," said Herseth Sandlin.

Senator Obama stated, "I'm proud to have the support of Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin. Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin is a recognized leader in the House on renewable energy and rural issues. And I look forward to working with her to refocus our energy policy in a way that reduces our dependence on foreign oil, enhances our national security, and creates jobs in South Dakota and across rural America."

Herseth Sandlin indicated that after speaking with Senator Obama, she became convinced that his vision and ideas will inspire action that is good for South Dakota and good for the country: "From his commitment to wind energy development to investing in new, groundbreaking technology for cellulosic ethanol, I am convinced that Senator Obama will be a president who capitalizes on what South Dakota's communities, families and entrepreneurs have to offer."

Herseth Sandlin added, "Like many Americans and many South Dakotans, I have been inspired by Senator Obama's commitment to finding common ground, and his ability to generate a groundswell of hope and optimism among people of all ages, and of all political stripes. The challenges we face in our country demand a leader willing to put partisanship aside in order to get things done. I'm proud to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama."

Senator Chris Dodd Endorses Barack Obama for President

Senator Chris Dodd Endorses Barack Obama for President

Cleveland, OH - Today, at a press conference in Cleveland, Ohio, United States Senator Christopher Dodd endorsed Barack Obama for president.

Below is Senator Dodd's statement:

"I am here to express my strong support for the candidacy of Barack Obama. This is a moment of unity in our country, a time where we need to come together as a Democratic party and to get behind a candidacy that expresses the aspirations, the hopes, the ambitions of millions and millions of Americans. And I believe that Barack Obama has demonstrated that not only in the campaign, but also in his service to his state and his country.

"Four years ago, we met a man who refused to resign himself to fear. A man who reminded us that all of us -- red states and blue states, white and black and Latino and Asian - are united by far more than that which divides us. In debates, in town hall meetings, before unprecedented crowds in rural Iowa and Virginia, he called us to share in our sacrifice. He told us uncomfortable truths yet inspired us as so many of our greatest leaders have with new faith in the promise of America.

"The question has always been the same: "Yes, but is he ready?" Since that time, he has been poked and prodded, analyzed and criticized, called too green, too trusting, too lofty. And for all of that, he's already won half of our nation's states and primaries and caucuses and the votes of more than 10 million Americans, showing judgment, grace and poise in the process.

"Over all that time, I've been watching, on the Foreign Relations Committee, on the Labor Committee in which we served, and as a fellow candidate for the presidency of the United States. I'm proud to be the first 2008 presidential candidate to endorse Barack Obama. He is ready to be President.

"Over the last number of years I've listened to people talk about ‘Reagan Democrats.' I now stand next to a candidate where we talk about ‘Obama Republicans' because his appeal is reaching far beyond the politics of our own party. It is reaching into circles of Independents, Republicans, who are desirous and anxious for change.

"And so having been an individual involved in the Family and Medical Leave Act, involved in family issues, I am completely convinced that Barack Obama will stand up for American families and make a difference. Having served on the Foreign Relations Committee, having been a Peace Corps volunteer, I am convinced that Barack Obama will make a difference when it comes to the international politics of our nation, to develop a kind of support we need to deal with global terrorism and to end the terrible war in Iraq.

"I'm also convinced as a former Peace Corps volunteer that Barack Obama will appeal and excite the imagination of younger people, to stand up and contribute, to give something back to our country. Barack pointed out how I was inspired by a former American president. I've been asked a million times over the last forty years why I joined the Peace Corps. I did because an American president asked me to. I think today we are witnessing across this country that people are asking for leadership to ask them to be involved in things larger than themselves. And this candidacy of Barack Obama inspires that.

"When I was in the Peace Corps, I was asked over and over again by the people of the little village of Monción in the Dominican Republic where I served as a volunteer. The Spanish question was "¿Por que viniste? Por que viniste a Moncion?" "Why did you come to Moncion?" The answer I gave over and over again was someone had asked me to, to make a difference.

"The question may be asked this morning here in Ohio and in Texas. ¿Por que viniste Cleveland or Texas? And the answer I'll give is because someone asked me to. Someone who wants to make a difference for our country. Someone who wants to see get America back on its feet again. To become strong and vibrant again. To become young again. To be full of confidence and optimism as we face the challenges, significant challenges, at home and abroad. I believe that individual who can make that difference is the man standing next to me, the next President of the United States, and I'm honored to stand with him in this effort."

Below is Senator Obama's statement:

"It has been my pleasure to serve alongside Chris Dodd in the United States Senate and share a stage with him during his principled run for the presidency. Chris Dodd loves his country - and believes in the ideal of public service - as much as anyone I know. From his years as a young Peace Corps worker in the 1960s to this very day, Senator Dodd has devoted his life to building a stronger, fairer, healthier America; and a more just and secure world.

"Whether it was his work to protect voting rights; his long, determined battle for the Family and Medical Leave Act; his leadership on U.S. relations with Latin America; or his defense of our Constitution - Chris Dodd has been at the forefront of some of the most important issues of our time. He has worked hard to preserve the right of workers to organize despite an onslaught from a hostile administration. He has been an advocate for our children, and no one has fought harder to improve our schools. He has been a voice for unity amid the often bitter debate over immigration reform. And I have seen firsthand on the Foreign Relations Committee his commitment to restoring our standing in the world.

"But as passionate as Chris Dodd is about the causes he champions, he also has that rare ability to disagree without being disagreeable. He is respected on both sides of the aisle for his authenticity, reason, and civility. And that is how, time and again, he's been able to bring Democrats and Republicans together to make a real difference in the lives of the American people.

"He conducted his campaign for President with that same character. He resisted the cheap and easy shots, and elevated the debate with important ideas about how to address the great challenges we face. He and I share a deep commitment to take our country in a new direction, and I am grateful for his endorsement."