2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Clinton Reports $50 Million Cash-On-Hand: $35M Primary, $15M General

CLINTON REPORTS $50 MILLION CASH-ON-HAND: $35M PRIMARY, $15M GENERAL
Senator now leads Democratic & Republican fields in cash on hand for both primary and general contests

Hillary Clinton’s campaign today announced that it has $50 million in cash-on-hand, of which approximately $35 million can be spent for the primary and $15 million on the general election. The number reflects the strength of support for Clinton from every walk of life and every part of America – and means she will have more money to spend than any other candidate in the months leading up to the primary.

“Our success this quarter raising money from over 100,000 new donors reflects the overwhelming grassroots enthusiasm Hillary is attracting from every part of the country,” campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle said today. “Not only that, our cash-on-hand total means we will now have the most resources of any campaign to help spread our message as the primary campaign heads into the final stretch.”

In addition to having $35 million in cash-on-hand for the primary, Clinton’s campaign noted several key numbers demonstrating the overwhelming depth and breadth of Clinton’s support:

• Approximately $27.8 million raised this quarter: $23.7 million for the primary, $4.1 million for the general
• Over 100,000 new donors this quarter
• 24 low-dollar fundraisers this quarter (versus 6 in the 2nd quarter)
• $8 million raised on the internet this quarter

Clinton Launches Second Radio Spot On SC Airwaves

Clinton Launches Second Radio Spot on SC Airwaves
‘Children’ Spot Aired Statewide Today

(COLUMBIA) – Senator Hillary Clinton launches her second radio spot, entitled “Children,” today in South Carolina. The 60-second spot begins playing on radio stations across the state this morning. The spot focuses on Hillary’s record of fighting for children in South Carolina and across the country, specifically referencing her time working with the Children’s Defense Fund and Marian Wright Edelman as well as her plan for college affordability, announced last week.

A complete transcript is included below.

ANNCR: Thirty-five years ago, a young woman came to South Carolina to help the Children’s Defense Fund seek justice for our kids. Thirty-five years later, she’s still fighting for them Hillary Clinton.

HILLARY: There’s a tribe in Africa – I think it’s the Masai. And when you meet on the trail, they don’t say, ”how are you?” they say, “how are the children?”

ANNCR: Hillary Clinton knows that South Carolina’s children are struggling to get a decent education, a good job, a shot at the future.

HILLARY: We have many children who are poor, who are sick, who are neglected.

ANNCR: She’s spent a lifetime battling to improve childcare and health care and education for every child.

HILLARY: I think education is the passport to opportunity.

ANNCR: As President, she’ll make preschool available to all our children and college more affordable for all Americans.

HILLARY: I want to be able to say to you as your President, our children are well.

ANNCR: If you’re ready for change, she’s ready to lead.

Hillary Clinton’s Plan to Make College Affordable for America’s Families

Hillary Clinton’s Plan to Make College Affordable for America’s Families

In the 21st Century, a college education is more important than ever. Hillary Clinton believes it's time for a new bargain with the American people – a bargain that gives all Americans willing to work hard the tools they need to get ahead.  Her plan will make college more affordable and accessible so that every American who has earned it and wants to go has the chance to get a college degree. 

By providing a $3,500 tuition tax credit—more than 50% of the cost of tuition at the average public institution—and increasing Pell grants, Hillary’s plan will unlock the doors to higher education for millions of young Americans. In addition, Hillary will simplify the student aid process and strengthen incentives for students interested in public service.

“When it comes to higher education – we shouldn’t be playing catch-up with the world – we should be leading it.  Because the skills and knowledge of our workforce will determine whether America can compete and win in the global economy,” Clinton said.

“I believe that college shouldn’t just be a privilege for the wealthy – but an opportunity for anyone with the talent, determination and ambition to learn.  And I believe that every American should have access to lifelong learning opportunities – from apprenticeships, to community college, to the most select four-year institutions. 

“This tax credit is at the heart of my plan – the key to unlocking the doors of higher education for students across America, many of whom never dreamed they’d be able to attend. And the key to unleashing the power of the American economy as well.”

As President, Hillary will make college more affordable and accessible by:

• Lowering the cost of college through a $3,500 tuition tax credit, enough to cover more than 50% of the cost of tuition at the average public institution for many families.
• Increasing the Pell Grant.
• Strengthening community colleges and training programs.
• Improving college graduation rates.
• Providing additional aid for people who do public service.
• Simplifying student aid.
• Providing clear information about the real cost of college well in advance to help families plan.

Hillary Clinton Launches New Ad In Iowa, New Hampshire Vowing To Fight For Universal Coverage

In Wake Of Bush Veto Of Children’s Health Care Bill, Clinton Launches New Ad In Iowa, New Hampshire Vowing To Fight For Universal Coverage
New Poll: Dems Trust Hillary On Health Care

The Clinton Campaign today launched a new television ad in Iowa and New Hampshire, a day after President Bush vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have expanded health care benefits to nearly 4 million additional children across the country. The ad details Hillary’s health care record and demonstrates that she has the strength and experience to deliver quality, affordable health care for every American.

The new 30-second spot, entitled “Stand By Us,” describes Hillary’s efforts to pass universal health care in the 1990s and her perseverance in championing the Children’s Health Insurance Program that now covers more than 6 million kids a year. It also talks about her successful efforts to secure health benefits for 9/11 first responders and our National Guard and Reserve.

A Washington Post/ABC News poll released yesterday shows that 66 percent of Democrats trust Hillary the most on health care policy, far outpacing her rivals for the nomination.

Hillary’s American Health Choices plan unveiled last month would improve quality and lower costs while preserving consumer choices. For those who like their health insurance, they could keep it. For the 47 million uninsured and those who don’t like their health care coverage, they could choose from a range of private plans or a public plan modeled on Medicare. To read more about Hillary’s health care plan, visit www.hillaryclinton.com/healthcare .

Following is the script for the ad:

“Stand By Us”

TV :30

Announcer: Hillary stood up for universal health care when almost no one else would, and kept standing until six million kids had coverage.

She stood by Ground Zero workers who sacrificed their health after so many sacrificed their lives, and kept standing until this administration took action.

She stood by our National Guard and Reserve and kept standing until they received health care they deserved.

So now that almost every candidate is standing up for health care for all, which one do you think will never back down?

Hillary Clinton:  “I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.”

Hillary Clinton's Statement On The AFT's Endorsement

Hillary Clinton's Statement On The AFT's Endorsement

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).  I want to thank AFT Vice Presidents Nat LaCour and Antonia Cortese, and the 1.4 million members and retireees of this great union who represent teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; local, state and federal employees; higher education faculty and staff; and nurses and other health care professionals.  Your support and leadership will be invaluable to the success of my campaign.

"I want to especially recognize Ed McElroy for his leadership.  For over 40 years, Ed has been a proud trade unionist and champion for teachers, students, and the basic ideal that all children have the right to a good education.  I am grateful for his efforts, not only on behalf of my campaign, but for his service to America.

"Teachers are on the frontlines of shaping the minds of our next generation.  With every child they teach, teachers help to ensure a brighter future for our country. In welcoming every child through your doors, in giving every child a chance to succeed, it's our public schools and teachers that transform that rhetoric into reality every single day.  Throughout my 35 years of working on education, I've seen the dedication that American teachers demonstrate day in and day out.  That is why as President, I want to be partners with teachers, parents, and administrators to improve our education system.  As President, I am committed to improving and strengthening our public schools, providing support for our teachers, and ensuring our education system is able to meet the needs of the global economy and that we have common sense laws that make that possible.

"In addition, I look forward to working with you to ensure that all Americans have affordable, quality health insurance. My plan will rein in costs, insist on value and quality, and ensure choice in health coverage for every American.

"Working together with you, I will also protect the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, strengthen the defined benefit pension system, and invest in job creation and worker training.  I will sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law because I believe the right to organize is a fundamental right in this country.

"Expanding opportunity for our children has been my life's work, and it will be the work of my Presidency.  I will keep seeking you out and working in partnership with you to do what's best for our children, best for our educators, and best for the future of our country." 

Hillary Clinton's Third Quarter Fundraising Totals

This message was sent announcing Hillary Clinton's third quarter fundraising totals

OUR FUNDRAISING IS THROUGH THE ROOF!

Hillary wanted you to know that this was our best quarter yet. More than 100,000 new donors. A total of $27 million raised -- and $22 million for the primary -- substantially more than any other candidate in the race.

Rob Reiner Endorses Hillary Clinton

Rob Reiner Endorses Hillary Clinton
Democratic Activist and Director Cites Experience, Commitment to All Americans

Citing her experience and vision for the nation, Democratic activist and director Rob Reiner today endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States.  He issued the following statement:

Until now, my wife Michele and I have supported all of the Democratic candidates.  After watching the candidates debate, stake out their positions on the issues and lay out their visions for our nation, it is clear that Hillary Clinton should be our next president.

Today, I am excited and proud to endorse Hillary Clinton and pledge to do everything I can to elect her.

Hillary has what it takes to get us out of Iraq, and ensure that we truly keep our nation’s promise to “leave no child behind.”

She has fought for healthcare, quality schools, and working families her entire life. As President, she will lead a government that serves all Americans.

Senator Clinton not only has a clear, inclusive and progressive vision for our future, she also has the know-how and experience to create positive and lasting change from day one of her administration.

Hillary and I have worked together for many years.  She has been a staunch advocate for children and helped California pass Proposition 10, which has provided almost $6 billion for early childhood health and education. As First Lady, she helped create the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provides coverage to 6 million children; the Vaccines for Children program, which resulted in 90% of children receiving the vaccinations they need; and Early Head Start, which provides social services to infants and toddlers living in poverty.  She has continued those efforts on the campaign trail by laying out a serious plan to provide high quality early childhood education to at risk young children, and a terrific plan to provide high quality health care to all Americans.

Based on her actions as a mother, First Lady, Senator and candidate, I know that children will be a top priority in Hillary Clinton’s White House.  She understands that investing in a child pays a lifetime of dividends for our entire nation.

Rob Reiner starred in the groundbreaking “All in the Family,” and directed “When Harry Met Sally,” “A Few Good Men,” “The Princess Bride,” “Stand By Me,” “The American President,” and just completed “The Bucket List,” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, due out this Christmas

The Reviews Are In: Hillary Clinton At The New Hampshire Debate

The Reviews Are In: Hillary 'Won,' 'Continues to Show Command,' 'Playing At A Higher Level'

MSNBC POLITICAL ANALYST PAT BUCHANAN – ‘HILLARY WON TONIGHT’ [MSNBC, 9/26/07]

NBC NEWS’ CHUCK TODD – HILLARY 'CONTINUES TO SHOW COMMAND… IN CHARGE OF THIS CAMPAIGN': “She continues to show command on the stage; it's subtle things but there's no doubting who's in charge of this campaign right now, it's Hillary Clinton.” [NBC News First Read, 9/26/07 ]

ABC NEWS’ RICK KLEIN – HILLARY WAS AT A 'HIGHER LEVEL THAN HER RIVALS': “And, of course, Clinton is again playing at a higher level than her rivals.” [ABC News Political Radar, 9/26/07 ]

ATLANTIC'S MARC AMBINDER – 'THOROUGH AND CAREFUL, CAME OFF AS INTELLIGENT AND PRUDENT’: "Clinton was solid…She was thorough and careful, came off as intelligent and prudent, and really didn’t take a nick tonight. She did unleash the night’s best jab, and she displayed a genuine sense of humor, one that the audience seemed to appreciate and acknowledge." [Atlantic, 9/26/07 ]

NBC NEWS’ DOMENICO MONTARO – HILLARY SOUNDED ‘PRESIDENTIAL’: “Clinton sounded her best tonight… her talking about a president's role sounded presidential.” [NBC News First Read, 9/26/07 ]

ABC NEWS’ JAKE TAPPER: ‘NO ONE HAS REALLY LAID A GLOVE ON CLINTON’ [ABC News Political Radar, 9/26/07 ]

AMERICAN PROSPECT’S DANA GOLDSTEIN – 'HILLARY CLEAREST, MOST CONCISE ON IMMIGRATION': “Hillary clearest, most concise on Immigration. No, she says local police shouldn't be made to enforce federal immigration policy: ‘It's not their job.’” [American Prospect blog, 9/26/07 ]

NEW YORK TIMES’ KATHARINE SEELYE – HILLARY 'CONTROLLED THE QUESTIONING': “Wow. Quick arms race between Mr. Russert and Mrs. Clinton over what she said was a hypothetical question — whether Israel would be justified in launching an attack against Iran if it felt its security was threatened. She controlled the questioning…” [New York Times Caucus blog, 9/26/07 ]

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh Endorses Clinton, Will Serve As National Campaign Co-Chair

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh Endorses Clinton
Bayh Will Serve As National Campaign Co-Chair

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and named him a national Campaign Co-Chair.

“Hillary Clinton is a seasoned, experienced leader who will be ready to lead this country on Day One,” Bayh said. “She will run the kind of campaign and administration that will appeal to all corners of America, emphasizing national security and middle class economic progress.”

Sens. Bayh and Clinton are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee and have traveled together to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and met with the Presidents of those countries.

First elected to the Senate in 1998, Sen. Bayh has earned a reputation as a bipartisan problem solver, committed to strengthening our national security, growing small businesses to create new jobs and encouraging responsible fatherhood.

"I have seen firsthand how effective she is interacting with global leaders and the respect she commands," Bayh said. "I believe that her approach to our national security challenges will be strong but also more effective, because it will be more thoughtful and comprehensive than the current administration's. Senator Clinton is both tough and smart."

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Sen. Bayh served two terms as Governor of Indiana, where he established a track record of fiscal responsibility and economic growth, passing the largest tax cut in state history and creating 350,000 new jobs. Prior to being elected Governor, Sen. Bayh served as Indiana’s Secretary of State.

Sen. Bayh currently serves on five committees: Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, on which he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Trade and Finance; Armed Services; the Select Committee on Intelligence; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Small Business Committee.

"In an increasingly rancorous political environment, Evan has consistently reached across the aisle to tackle our nation’s toughest challenges and get results,” Clinton said. “I’m honored to have his support as we bring our message of change across the country.”

International Union Of Bricklayers And Allied Craftworkers Endorses Clinton

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Endorses Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The BAC is the oldest continuous union in North America and represents roughly 100,000 skilled masonry-trowel trades craftworkers.

“Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver the change America needs. After years of an administration that has turned its back on working families, we need a President whose priorities are our priorities,” said BAC President John J. Flynn. “A President who will work with us to grow the economy and address the issues facing workers and their families, a President whose commitment, experience and strong leadership will help put America’s middle class back on its feet, a President who will govern through strength – not fear. We believe that Senator Hillary Clinton meets those needs and will be our next President.”

Flynn said Clinton was the clear winner in a poll of BAC members, and BAC’s executive council voted unanimously to endorse her.

“During her years in public service and in the U.S. Senate, she has listened, she has learned and she has led the fight on so many of the issues that our members care about most – bringing the war in Iraq to a close, advancing affordable, accessible health care, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, defending prevailing wage protections, restoring the rights of workers to organize and join unions, and ensuring that our veterans receive the services they so justly deserve. Senator Clinton has earned our Union’s support – she’s worked hard for BAC members and we intend to work hard for her election.”

The Council also committed to launching an aggressive union-wide effort to engage and mobilize members to help Clinton secure the Democratic nomination and win the general election in 2008.

“I am honored to receive the support of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers,” Clinton said. “In my administration, America’s working families will again have a partner in the White House.”

Clinton has also been endorsed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Transportation Union.