Obama Makes Last Swing Before Caucuses on “Stand for Change” Tour
Obama To Make Stops Across Iowa December 26 – January 3
DES MOINES – The Obama Campaign today announced U.S. Senator Barack Obama will travel across Iowa on the “Stand for Change” Tour on Wednesday, December 26 through Caucus Day, Thursday, January 3rd. Obama will ask Iowans across the state to “Stand for Change” by caucusing for him on January 3rd and taking the first step towards truly transforming our country and our politics.
Iowa City Press-Citizen: Obama Has What it Takes to Restore Our Nation’s Integrity
Says Obama is Candidate of Hope and Change we Can Believe in
DES MOINES – Saying Obama has what it takes to restore our nation’s integrity, the Iowa City Press-Citizen Wednesday “enthusiastically” endorsed U.S. Senator Barack Obama for President.
Below are excerpts from the editorial:
Obama stands tall among this already strong group as both the candidate of hope and the candidate of change we can believe in.
Obama is also right that resetting the world's view of the U.S. begins with making our government more transparent. As a senator, he's worked to visibly link members of Congress to their roads to nowhere and to their Iowan rain forests. As president, he will hold large-scale, open discussions on the issues facing Americans in the 21st century: health care, climate change, comprehensive immigration reform, border security, tax policy, education and economic development.
Obama has the right vision for a new national politics and a new global reputation. He now needs voters and supporters who will help him transform that vision into reality. It's a transformation that should have started three years ago. Neither the nation nor the world can wait any longer.
Full editorial below:
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Obama has what it takes to restore nation's integrity
"After seven years of being lost in the wilderness of oppositional presidential politics, Democrats now seem well positioned to do in 2008 what they failed to do in 2004: Replace a rogue cowboy president with a new president capable of uniting the country and resetting the nation's foreign policy and global reputation. The Press-Citizen Editorial Board thinks Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is the best candidate in a well qualified field of Democrats to make those long overdue changes. We endorse his candidacy enthusiastically..."
Obama Campaign Unveils New Holiday Ad
DES MOINES – This Friday, the Obama campaign will begin airing a new Holiday television ad in Iowa to mark the holiday season. The ad features Barack and Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha, age 6, and Malia, age 9, gathered by a Christmas tree thanking Iowa families for the hospitality and stories they have shared with the Obamas during this campaign and wishing Iowa families a merry Christmas and happy holidays.
Senator Obama is scheduled to campaign in Iowa on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before taking time off the campaign trail to be with his family in Iowa over Christmas. He will resume campaigning on the morning of December 26 and will continue until the night of the caucuses on January 3.
The full text of the Holiday Ad appears below:
Michelle Obama: We would like to take a moment to thank you and your family for the warmth and friendship that you have shown ours; for sharing your hospitality and your stories.
Barack Obama: In this holiday season we are reminded that the things that unite us as a people are more powerful and enduring than anything that sets us apart. And we all have a stake in each other, in something larger than ourselves.
So from my family to yours, I am Barack Obama and I approve this message.
Malia Obama: Merry Christmas
Sasha Obama: Happy Holidays
Congressman Dave Loebsack Endorses Obama
DES MOINES, IA – The Obama campaign announced today that Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) is endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President. A former political science teacher at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Congressman Loebsack was an upset winner last year in Iowa’s Second Congressional District which encompasses much of Southeastern Iowa.
“In a field of strong candidates, Barack is the strongest,” said Congressman Dave Loebsack. “What impresses me about Barack is his commitment to changing the way business is done in Washington. He understands that to pass universal health care, make energy independence a reality, and meet the other challenges we face, we need leadership that can bring all Americans together around a shared purpose.”
“Obama is energizing, organizing, and mobilizing ordinary Americans to get involved in their democracy in a way I haven’t seen in a long time,” said Loebsack. “And he’s building the kind of grassroots movement that will not just make him the most electable Democrat in a general election, but will help him enter the White House with a mandate for change that Washington can’t ignore.”
Loebsack is currently serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on The House Education and Labor Committee and The House Armed Services Committee.
“I’m honored to have Congressman Loebsack’s endorsement,” said Senator Barack Obama. “Dave has been fighting tirelessly to change the same old partisan, divisive politics in Washington that’s blocked progress for the people of the Second District. And by working at the grassroots level, he’s helped build a real movement for change in Iowa.”
Obama has received strong support from leaders in Iowa. To date, Senator Obama has received 19 endorsements from Iowa state legislators including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, Rep. Deborah Berry, Sen. Bob Dvorsky, Rep. Elesha Gayman, Sen. Bill Heckroth, Rep. David Jacoby, Rep. Pam Jochum, Rep. Helen Miller, Sen. Rich Olive, Rep. Donovan Olson, Rep. Tyler Olson, Rep. Janet Petersen, Rep. Brian Quirk, Sen. Tom Rielly, Rep. Mark Smith, Sen. Bolkcom, Rep. Paul Shomshor, Sen. Steve Warnstadt, and Sen. Frank Wood. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald, and former Iowa Democratic Party Chair Gordon Fischer have also endorsed Senator Obama’s campaign for change.
Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum Endorses Barack Obama for President
St. Paul, MN -- Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN04) today endorsed Barack Obama for President.
"The Iraq War has been the most disastrous foreign policy decision of our lifetime and Barack Obama
got it right when he opposed this war of choice from the start," said Congresswoman McCollum.
"Barack Obama has the courage to move our country forward by challenging Washington's tired
conventional thinking. I'm endorsing Barack Obama for President because I trust his leadership –
for my family, for our country and for a more secure world. We need a President who can unite the
American people to confront the serious challenges facing our nation, especially ending the war in
Iraq, and that is Barack Obama."
"Congresswoman McCollum has been an outspoken leader on the challenges facing communities across
America, and I'm grateful for her endorsement," said Senator Obama. "Betty McCollum had the
judgment to oppose authorizing the war in Iraq, and she has worked to end the war as quickly and
responsibly as we can. As a former teacher, McCollum has fought for strong schools, well-trained
teachers, and affordable and accessible education programs for all students. Above all,
Congresswoman McCollum knows that to make progress, we need leadership that will unify the nation to
get things done."
In 2000, McCollum made history as the second woman in Minnesota state history to be elected to
Congress. McCollum serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a Senior Democratic
Whip, as well as a co-founder of the Global Health Caucus.
In Minnesota, Obama has also been endorsed by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Congressman Keith
Ellison. Obama for America was the first presidential campaign to open an office in the state – the headquarters is located in St. Paul. In the past ten weeks since that opening the campaign has held a caucus and grassroots training in St. Paul that drew a crowd of 400; caucus and grassroots
trainings in every congressional district, every week; an eight-city canvass of Minnesota where 80
supporters knocked on over 2,500 doors on a single Saturday; individual canvasses every weekend in
cities across the state; phonebanks every night of the week; and a Turn the Page in Iraq rally at
Macalester College.
Senator Obama was endorsed earlier this week by Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Carol
Shea-Porter (D-NH).
Former Iowa Lt. Governor Bob Anderson Endorses Obama
DES MOINES – Today, former Iowa Lieutenant Governor Bob Anderson announced his support for Barack Obama’s campaign for President, citing his commitment to moving past the failed politics in Washington D.C. to bring about change we can believe in.
“Senator Obama is running a campaign that focuses on attacking the problems facing America’s families – not fellow Democrats. He is a leader with the vision to turn away from the failed foreign policies of past decades,” said former Lieutenant Governor Bob Anderson. “Barack showed wisdom and courage when he spoke out against the war in Iraq before it began and when it wasn’t popular to do so, and has stood against the Bush administrations march towards war with Iran. As president, he will challenge conventional foreign policy thinking in Washington D.C. to set us on a new course and restore America’s moral authority in the world.”
“I am proud to have the support of Lieutenant Governor Anderson for my campaign to change the politics of Washington D.C.,” Senator Obama said. “He will play an instrumental role in building support for my campaign in across Iowa.”
To date, Senator Obama has received 19 endorsements from Iowa state legislators, bringing him even with Senator Hillary Clinton in terms of the number of state legislators who have endorsed their campaigns. Senator Obama also has the support of Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald and former Iowa Democratic Party chair Gordon Fischer.
State Representative Paul Shomshor Endorses Obama
Obama Ties Clinton With 19 Legislative Endorsements
DES MOINES – The Obama Campaign today announced that State Representative Paul Shomshor of Council Bluffs endorsed Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential Campaign. Shomshor is the 19th state legislator to endorse Senator Obama – placing him even with Senator Hillary Clinton for members of the state legislature who have endorsed his campaign.
“Barack Obama spent his two decades in public service fighting for families trying to achieve the American dream, and he’ll continue that fight as President,” said Rep. Shomshor. “It only proves that he’ll be a President that will change politics as usual, unite America and make progress on the issues are families care about the most.
“This campaign has been built with the support of everyday people across Iowa who are ready to change the way politics is done in Washington, D.C.” Senator Obama said. “I’m proud to have the support of Rep. Shomshor and I look forward to working with him to continue to grow our grassroots movement for change.”
Including Rep. Shomshor, Senator Obama has received 19 endorsements from Iowa state legislators including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, Rep. Deborah Berry, Sen. Joe Bolkcom, Sen. Bob Dvorsky, Rep. Elesha Gayman, Sen. Bill Heckroth, Rep. David Jacoby, Rep. Pam Jochum, Rep. Helen Miller, Sen. Rich Olive, Rep. Donovan Olson, Rep. Tyler Olson, Rep. Janet Petersen, Rep. Brian Quirk, Sen. Tom Rielly, Rep. Mark Smith, Sen. Steve Warnstadt, and Sen. Frank Wood. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald have also endorsed Senator Obama's campaign for change.
Obama Announces New Campaign Ad Featuring Footage from Widely Praised JJ Speech
DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today released a new campaign ad titled “Moment,” which features footage from Obama’s widely-praised Jefferson-Jackson dinner speech.
In the ad, Obama talks about his desire to move past the old “textbook” campaign that pits “red” vs. “blue” America.
The Washington Post called Obama’s speech the “oratorical winner”. The Des Moines Register’s David Yepsen called the speech “moving” and “excellent” and said it could be a “turning point” in the campaign.
Below please find the script of the ad:
VISUAL:
Grayscale intro card fading in
BARACK V/O:
I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.
VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner
BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
We are in a defining moment in our history.
VISUAL:
Audience members from the JJ Dinner
BARACK V/O:
Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril.
VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner
BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
The dream that so many generations fought for…
VISUAL:
Audience-perspective shot, close-up of elderly lady
BARACK V/O:
Feels as if it’s slowly slipping away.
VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner
BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
And that is why, the same old Washington textbook campaigns….
VISUAL:
Black Screen
SUPER:
“For Obama, it’s not politics as usual.”
Cedar Rapids Gazette 10/27/07
BARACK V/O:
Just won’t do.
VISUAL:
Black Screen
SUPER:
“Scrupulous honesty.”
Joe Klein, Time Magazine, 11/12/07
BARACK V/O:
That’s why, telling the American people what we think they want to hear…
VISUAL:
Black Screen
SUPER:
“Vision” to lead the nation
Concord Monitor, 10/11/07
BARACK V/O:
Instead of telling the American people what they need to hear, just won’t do.
VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner
BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
America, our moment is now.
VISUAL:
Audience-perspective shot
BARACK V/O:
I don’t wanna spend…
VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner
BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
The next year or the next four years…
VISUAL:
Black Screen
SUPER:
“Across the Divide.”
Newsweek, 7/16/07
BARACK V/O:
Re-fighting the same fights that we had, in the 1990’s.
VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner
BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
I don’t wanna pit red America, against blue America, I wanna be the President…
VISUAL:
Obama Logo fades in, dark blue background
SUPER:
Iowa.BarackObama.com
Approved by Barack Obama. Paid for by Obama for President.
BARACK V/O:
Of the UNITED States of America
