2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dodd Draws Clear Distinctions, Wins First Iowa Debate

DODD DRAWS CLEAR DISTINCTIONS, WINS FIRST IOWA DEBATE Presidential Candidate Demonstrates Mastery of Issues, Highlights Proven Leadership Experience

DES MOINES, IA - Highlighting his record of successful, proven leadership on issues affecting Americans and proposing bold solutions to the nation's most pressing problems, Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd outshined his competition at Sunday's debate in Des Moines, Iowa. Explaining that there is a difference between having mere experience and having a proven record of success, Dodd drew clear distinctions between himself and the other candidates.

Making the case for experience in the wake of the failed Bush-Cheney administration Dodd said, "You're not going to have time in January of '09 to get ready for this job."  Dodd, who has been involved in nearly every major foreign policy decision in the last 26 years and won Head Start's Senator of the Decade Award, has a proven record of experience on both domestic and foreign affairs.

"Senator Dodd displayed the vast experience he will draw from when elected President. From being the first candidate to call for suspending Chinese imports to protect the safety of our children to providing our troops protective body armor while simultaneously proposing a responsible plan to get our troops out of Iraq, Senator Dodd is the only candidate with a proven record of success," said Dodd Communications Director Hari Sevugan. "Dodd is the best candidate for President because his vision for America reflects his experience, his mastery of the most complex issues facing our country and his ability to connect with everyday Americans. Today's performance is just another example that Senator Dodd's message of proven, bold leadership is resonating with American voters."

"Let me point out it's about getting the job done.  We don't elect a king or a queen or a dictator in November.  We elect a president.  That margins are thin.  No 1 political party is going to write all of this.  It takes leadership that knows how to bring people together.  It's what I've done for 26 years.  When I wrote the Family Medical Leave Act, it took me 3 presidents, 2 vetoes to go through in 7 years, but I brought Republicans to the table around a Democratic principle," said Dodd, the author of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Dodd, who has fought for the middle class throughout his career, is drawing attention to the middle class squeeze through a series of policy proposals entitled Middle Class Matters.

Chris Dodd At The AFL-CIO Presidential Forum

DODD SHOWS DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE, PROVEN LEADERSHIP AT AFL-CIO FORUM Presidential Candidate Shows Leadership; Highlights Longstanding Relationship with American Workers

CHICAGO - Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd highlighted his long history of working for American workers and illustrated his proven, bold leadership abilities tonight at the AFL-CIO Candidate Forum. Citing the enormous challenges that the next President will face, Dodd distinguished himself from the pack by pointing to his bold policy solutions, history of bringing people together to address America's problems, and strong record of legislative accomplishments, including the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act, which has helped millions of American workers avoid the painful choice between the job that they need and caring for a family member they love.

Dodd set the tone for the forum when he said: "I'm a union guy, I am proud to be a union man?. "I happen to believe that putting our country back to work begins by cutting the funding for the war in Iraq. Spending $12 billion every month, spending two billion dollars every week, has got to stop if we are going to have a different set of priorities in our country.?

"We ought to be investing in the bridges and highways, in the water systems, the safe drinking systems in our country here. In fact just five or six days ago, after working a year and a half on this issue, Keith, I introduced legislation to do exactly that. For every one billion dollars we spend in that area 40,000 jobs could be created in the United States of America. Those are the things I'll do as President of the United States if elected by my party and I'm confident a Democrat is going to be elected president of the United States in November of 2008."

"Senator Dodd tonight displayed the vast experience he will draw from when elected President. From infrastructure issues to currency manipulation to providing our troops protective body armor while simultaneously proposing a responsible plan to get our troops out of Iraq, Senator Dodd is the only candidate with a proven record of getting things done," said Dodd spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan. "His vision for America reflects his experience, his mastery of the most complex issues facing our country and his ability to connect with everyday Americans, and makes him the best candidate for President. Tonight's performance is just another example that Senator Dodd's message of proven, bold leadership is resonating with American voters."

Dodd also addressed his leadership in the ongoing Iraq debate by saying:
"I believe - and I've led on this over the last several months - we must begin redeploying our troops immediately. We can do so with two and a half divisions coming out each month done safely and reasonably well. We then need to have a robust approach on diplomacy. This administration has treated statecraft and diplomacy as if it were a gift to our opponents, a sign of weakness. The United States has been successful in both Democratic and Republican administrations over the years when we have drawn the diplomatic arrow out of our quiver to make a difference around the world. We shouldn't be selling arms to Saudi Arabia while they're refusing to support us in Iraq. We need to have a clear message to everybody in the region, that we want them to be part of the solution."

"Senator Dodd has been a longtime friend of American workers both in Connecticut and across the country," said head of the Connecticut AFL-CIO and Dodd supporter John Olsen. "His bold policies and proven ability to work to better our nation, especially the lives of the middle class make Chris Dodd uniquely qualified to be the next President of the United States."

The AFL-CIO Forum was broadcast from Soldier Field in Chicago on MSNBC. Dodd will return to New Hampshire tomorrow, where he will campaign in the state through Saturday and spend Wednesday and Thursday unveiling his comprehensive education policy.

Dodd For President Welcomes New Internet Technology Director

DODD FOR PRESIDENT WELCOMES NEW INTERNET TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR, AARON WELCH

WASHINGTON - Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd's campaign today announced that Aaron Welch will join the campaign's team as Internet Technology Director. Welch will be responsible for upgrading, maintaining and expanding the internet technology infrastructure as well as managing production of new and innovative online tools. Welch brings a cutting-edge style to the already innovative internet strategy in place at the campaign. In addition, Welch brings a wealth of experience honed in part while serving as Lead Developer for Howard Dean's Iowa campaign in 2004.

"We're really excited to have Aaron on board - he's going to make a great addition to our internet team," said Tim Tagaris, Dodd's Internet Director. "Senator Dodd's bold views on the Iraq war, health care, and energy are definitely gaining traction in the online community, and Aaron's experience and vision is only going to increase that effort."

Welch is a partner and co-founder of the technology firm Advomatic, which has worked with a wide range of progressive causes and several corporate clients. Clients of Advomatic have included NRDC, Yearly Kos, Air America Radio, Josh Marshall's TPM Cafe, PDF TechPresident, Music for America, Joe Conason, Maplight, Greenopia, Sony / BMG and Viacom. Advomatic is also a sponsor of YearlyKos, which Dodd will attend next month.

Welch joins a campaign technology team that has been praised in prominent media outlets such as the Washington Post for its Talk Clock and D-TV applications. Thousands of viewers have tuned in to D-TV to see live coverage of Senator Dodd. This past week, Dodd live-streamed his heath care plan roll out in Iowa on Thursday and answered submitted questions before the CNN/YouTube Democratic debate on Monday.

D-TV can be found at http://www.chrisdodd.com/dtv

Dodd Campaign Statement On The YouTube Debate

DODD WINS DEBATE OFFERING PROVEN, BOLD LEADERSHIP Clear Distinctions Emerge on Track Record, Vision, Ability to Bring People Together

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd won tonight's Democratic Presidential debate by displaying the leadership qualities America will need in its next President.  Saying that stakes have never been greater, Dodd was able to set himself apart by pointing to a proven track record of success, an ability to bring people together and bold solutions to our most pressing problems.

Senator Dodd started the debate off strongly by answering the first question, which challenged candidates to explain how they use their power to get things done:

"I'm very proud of the fact that, over my 26 years in the Senate, I've authored landmark legislation, the Family and Medical Leave Act, child care legislation, reform of financial institutions.  In every case, those are new ideas, bold ideas, that I campaigned on and then were able to achieve in the United States Senate by bringing Republicans as well as Democrats together around those issues.  That's what's missing, more than anything else?the ability to bring people together to get the job done.

"Speeches are easy to make and rhetoric is easy to expose here.  But?if you want to get a good idea of where someone is going to lead or how they're going to lead, I think it's very appropriate to say, 'What have you done?  Show me.  Demonstrate to me the ability to get these things done that you've championed in the past.'"

"From calling for a corporate carbon tax to calling for a date certain to redeploy troops from Iraq, Senator Dodd was the only candidate to put forward truly bold and innovative ideas tonight," said Dodd's Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. 

"His vision for America reflects his experience, his understanding of our most complex issues and his ability to connect with the American people.  We're looking forward to building off the momentum generated tonight to continue to spread our message."  

Senator Dodd also spoke about his deep belief in the need for Americans to serve our country:

"I'm an advocate of universal national service, not by mandating it, but one of the things missing in our country is the shared experience.  I served in the National Guard, I served in the reserves, I served in the Peace Corps in Latin America back in the '60s.  I want to see every American given the opportunity to serve their country in some way."

"Chris Dodd has an unbeatable track record on the issues plus the ability to offer fresh, bold solutions to complex problems - a winning combination in my view," said former Tennessee Senator Jim Sasser, a National Co-Chair of Dodd's campaign.  "Both of those qualities stood out tonight, and I am confident that voters in South Carolina and across the country will see that Senator Dodd is by far the most qualified candidate among this field."

The debate was hosted by CNN and YouTube, and the Dodd campaign's innovative internet strategy kept pace with the original format of video questions submitted through the internet.  Senator Dodd held a live chat from the spin room with supporters after the debate, and his campaign staff hosted pre and post-debate coverage live on D-TV.  A special YouTube video also captured a behind-the scenes look at the debate and answers to some of the highest rated questions submitted by YouTube users.  The ChrisDodd.com Talk Clock once again kept track of the time each candidate was allotted.  

Dodd Campaign Provides Wall-To-Wall Debate Coverage

DODD CAMPAIGN PROVIDES WALL-TO-WALL DEBATE COVERAGE Live Chat with Dodd from Spin Room to be Featured on CNN. Continues Innovative and Interactive Campaign at YouTube Debate.

CHARLESTON, SC - Tonight, the Dodd for President Campaign will provide wall-to-wall coverage of the CNN/YouTube Presidential debate.  Beginning at 5:30 p.m. CDT, the Dodd Campaign will provide wall-to-wall coverage of the debate on D-TV, including live-streaming pre and post debate coverage with Dodd Senior Staff, a return of the famed "Talk Clock", and a special YouTube behind the scenes video where Senator Dodd will answer some of the highest rated questions submitted by YouTube users. 

Dodd, who has been "more open and expansive with his Internet video strategy than most of the candidates," according to Jeff Jarvis of the Washington Post's Channel '08, will also hold a live chat with supporters after the debate, as well as have live-streaming coverage of his time in the post-debate spin room.  CNN will be on hand to cover D-TV's live-stream of the spin room after the debate. 

"With D-TV we are able to use groundbreaking technology to give supporters across the country a window into the campaign," said Internet Director Tim Tagaris. "Our debate coverage will let the viewer see, up close and personal, how it feels to be in the heart of the action and hear from the players in real-time." 

Last week, more than 9,000 viewers tuned in for the inaugural day of extended D-TV coverage, which included live two-way chats with members of the senior staff, including Communications Director Hari Sevugan, Deputy Campaign Manager Matt Butler, Political Director Scott Arceneaux, Internet Director Tim Tagaris and Policy Director Amos Hochstein.

Dodd Statement On The Passing Of "Lady Bird" Johnson

DODD STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF "LADY BIRD" JOHNSON

WASHINGTON - Today, Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd released the following statement on the passing of "Lady Bird" Johnson.

"Jackie and I would like to extend our condolences to the Johnson family for their loss.  'Lady Bird' Johnson was a wonderful woman, who touched many lives with her grace and commitment to the American people.  Her work to improve the quality of life for all Americans, by advocating for the environment and the Head Start program will long be remembered."

Dodd Announces Nevada Campaign Chair

DODD ANNOUNCES NEVADA CAMPAIGN CHAIR

NEVADA -- The Dodd for President Campaign today announced the endorsement of Nevada State Senator John Lee. Lee will serve as the Statewide Chair of Senator Dodd's campaign in Nevada.

"Chris Dodd's lifetime of selfless service to this country leaves no doubt in my mind that he is the right person to lead our party and our country," said Lee. "As the author of the Family and Medical Leave Act, as well as the FIRE and SAFER acts, Chris Dodd's leadership has improved the lives of thousands of Nevadans, and millions of Americans."

"That record of leadership, coupled with his bold plans for bringing our troops home from Iraq, combating global warming, and calling a new generation of Americans to service - makes clear to me that Chris Dodd is the Democratic candidate best positioned to win in 2008, and lead our country at this critical moment in our history," said Lee.

Lee is a member of the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and served in the Nevada State Assembly before his election to the State Senate. 
"John Lee and his family embody the best Nevada, and America, have to offer," said Senator Dodd. "From his mother's service in the Peace Corps to John's work with the Boy Scouts, their commitment to improving their community has never wavered.  I am honored to call John a friend and to have his support in my presidential campaign."

Chris Dodd And Paul Simon Mason City Iowa Photos

Dodd Campaign Launches D-TV

DODD CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES D-TV
LiveStreaming Video to Provide Unprecedented Window into Campaign

WASHINGTON - Today the Chris Dodd for President Campaign unveiled D-TV, a multi-channel window into the campaign. Building on the success of last month's New Hampshire Debate coverage, D-TV will promote further interaction between supporters and Dodd staff through streaming video of the campaign headquarters, interactive opportunities with the campaign and videos of Senator Dodd.

"With D-TV we are able to use groundbreaking technology to interact with supporters not just in the primary states, but also in voter's homes," said internet strategist Tim Tagaris. "D-TV will give viewers a chance to see what exactly happens in the day to day operations of our staff and provide them with an unprecedented ability to engage in interactive discussions with our campaign."

Dodd continues to lead the Presidential candidates in discovering new, innovative ways to interact with voters, both on the ground and online. The campaign has been praised for its Talk Clock which monitored the amount of time each candidate received in the recent CNN debates in New Hampshire. Jeff Jarvis of the Washington Post's Channel 08 claims Dodd "has been more open and expansive with his Internet video strategy than most of the candidates."

Most recently, Dodd's YouTube Spotlight video has garnered attention for fully involving viewers in the political process, by calling their Senators and Congressmen and asking them to support the Dodd Amendment to end the war in Iraq. One prominent blogger at Daily Kos praised the approach, arguing that Dodd is "basing his campaign pitch on his own action (the amendment) and on inviting interaction, all aimed at getting the US out of Iraq. That's leadership."
You can watch D-TV at: www.chrisdodd.com/dtv. A summary of D-TV channels is below.

Channel 1: Best of Senator Dodd: Campaign speeches and more
Channel 2: Live! Headquarters camera
Channel 3: Trail Tales: Best of the best from the road
Channel 4: Get Involved: How you can help the Dodd Squad today

Dodd At PBS Presidential Forum

DODD STANDS OUT AT FORUM WITH PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP
Experience And Bold Solutions Set Dodd Apart From Field

WASHINGTON -- Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd put on an impressive display of presidential leadership at tonight's candidates' forum, hosted by PBS at Howard University. Dodd set himself apart from the field by pointing to his proven track record and comprehensive and innovative policy proposals.

"I'm proud of the fact that I was called the Senator of the Decade by the national Head Start Association. I have walked the walk on these issues," said Dodd, the author of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

"I'm very proud of the fact that [I] authored the first child care legislation in this country to make sure parents have the assurance that there will be a quality place for their child to be at an affordable price," said Dodd, pointing to his record in the Senate.

In discussing HIV/AIDS education, Dodd said, "There's a job obviously for government here in funding and support, but I believe that each and every citizen bears a responsibility to reach out and do what they can to educate a child." Dodd, who introduced a comprehensive national service initiative last week that calls for a renewed commitment to public service, is the only candidate to have proposed such a bold, visionary reinvestment in community.

"Senator Dodd is the only candidate for President who has the experience this country needs to overcome the challenges we face," said Howard alumnus and Dodd campaign co-chair Sandy Cloud. "His bold leadership and wealth of experience will make him a great president from day one."

"There was only one President on stage tonight," said Congressman Xavier Becerra. "Senator Dodd is ready to lead from his first day in office. He showed, once again, that the combination of his proven track record of accomplishment and his bold leadership and vision for the country is unmatched."

Dodd will build off his success in tonight's forum with a five-day "river to river" tour through Iowa, where he will be joined by legendary singer Paul Simon.