2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil: Edwards Democrats Best Choice For Iowa, Nation

COUNCIL BLUFFS DAILY NONPAREIL: EDWARDS DEMOCRATS’ BEST CHOICE FOR IOWA, NATION

Council Bluffs’ daily paper endorses John Edwards for president, says Edwards understands the wants and needs of Iowans as the only candidate with rural roots

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the Daily Nonpareil of Council Bluffs, Iowa formally endorsed John Edwards for president. This endorsement, from the daily paper in the largest city in southwest Iowa, is a clear sign of Edwards’ growing momentum going into the Iowa caucuses this week. 

“Iowans have big voices and strong convictions,” the Daily Nonpareil wrote in its endorsement of Edwards. “We have families and jobs and needs to survive. And we want a leader who understands us, who listens to us and who will do right by us. That leader is John Edwards.

“The son of a textile mill worker, Edwards has a better knowledge of the wants and needs of rural America,” the endorsement continued. “He can relate to the rural culture better than any of the other democratic candidates, as he is the only candidate with rural roots.

“Edwards knows Iowa. He has spent much of his campaign visiting all of our 99 counties and talking WITH, not AT, our residents. We believe John Edwards is the strongest of all the Democratic candidates and the most viable in a presidential election.”

The full text of the endorsement can  be viewed online at: https://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19152763&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555106&rfi=6

Edwards To Hold 36-Hour "Marathon For The Middle Class" Starting January 1st, 2008

EDWARDS TO HOLD 36-HOUR “MARATHON FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS” STARTING JANUARY 1ST, 2008
Over 36 hours, Edwards will discuss 36 bold ideas for strengthening the middle class

Des Moines, Iowa – In the final hours leading up to the Iowa caucuses, Senator John Edwards will hold a 36-hour “Marathon for the Middle Class.”  Starting January 1st, 2008, Edwards will campaign across Iowa for 36 hours to talk to thousands of caucus goers and share 36 ideas to strengthen the middle class.  As he makes his closing argument to Iowans, Edwards will highlight his bold plans to stand up to the powerful special interests and give hard working, middle class families a voice in Washington.

“Middle class families are working hard everyday just to get by, and they deserve a president who will work just as hard on their behalf,” Edwards said.  “I’m looking forward to meeting with Iowans across the state over the 36 hours who are as restless as I am for change – and who understand that making change happen is going to take a fight.  Together, we can take on the special interests and do what’s right for middle class families.”

During each hour of the 36-hour marathon – at events and on JohnEdwards.com/Iowa – Edwards will highlight one specific step to strengthen the middle class.  Edwards has outlined his bold solutions for change in an 80-page policy book, “The Plan to Build One America.”

Edwards will kick off the 36-hour “Marathon for the Middle Class” the morning of January 1st, embarking from Des Moines for a New Year’s Day event in Ames.  The marathon will end with a “This is our Country” rally back in Des Moines with John Mellencamp.  During the marathon, Edwards will campaign in 15 different counties across the state: Appanoose, Cass, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Johnson, Lee, Linn, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Story, Union, Wappello, and Webster.

During this final eight-day, “America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class” bus tour, Edwards is traveling to 38 counties around the state, meeting with caucus goers to highlight his plans and answer their questions.  Edwards is holding small roundtable discussions and community gatherings, meeting with Iowans at local diners, and holding “America Rising” town halls to encourage Iowans to caucus for him and help change America.

The Edwards campaign recently announced the “Ask John” program, which allows undecided voters from across Iowa to submit questions about Edwards’ plans to fight for the middle class and receive answers by caucus time.  As part of the “Ask John” program, Edwards will answer questions from caucus goers in all 99 counties.

Edwards To Hold "This Is Our Country" Rally With John Mellencamp

EDWARDS TO HOLD "THIS IS OUR COUNTRY" RALLY WITH JOHN MELLENCAMP

Des Moines, Iowa - On Wednesday, January 2, 2008, Senator John Edwards will hold a "This Is Our Country" rally in Des Moines with singer-songwriter John Mellencamp. The rally will be the culmination of seven days on the road as part of Edwards' 38 county "America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class" bus tour. 

"Hard working Americans are struggling to get ahead, while big, powerful corporations are threatening our children's futures," Edwards said. "I've been fighting my whole life for people like the ones I grew up with in the small town of Robbins, North Carolina. It's time for America to fight against these special interests and save the middle class - to start a wave of change right here in Iowa."

Edwards and Mellencamp are longtime friends. They both grew up in small American towns, Edwards in Robbins, North Carolina and Mellencamp in Seymour, Indiana.  Mellencamp, nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

Edwards' "This Is Our Country" rally will take place in the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines.  Doors open at 8:30 PM on January 2. Tickets are limited. Members of the general public can pick up tickets at the John Edwards for President Iowa headquarters or the office of United Steelworkers Local 310, both in Des Moines, during select times between Sunday, December 30th and Wednesday, January 2.

Edwards Campaign Unveils Two New Television Ads In New Hampshire And South Carolina

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN UNVEILS TWO NEW TELEVISION ADS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SOUTH CAROLINA

In new spots, Edwards says that saving the middle class will be an epic battle and America needs a president who is ready to fight

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign began airing two new 30-second television spots in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

In “Born For,” which is airing in New Hampshire, Edwards tells voters that standing up to powerful interests on behalf of the middle class is the fight he was born for. In “Native Son” Edwards reminds South Carolina voters he was born in their state and his parents and grandparents worked in the mills there to provide him a better life.

Included below are full transcripts of both ads, as well as links to watch or download high resolution versions of the spots.

“Born For” – New Hampshire (30 seconds): 

Full Transcript:         

I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

For 25 years, corporate greed has gotten its way in Washington

Destroying American jobs and the middle class -

While the establishment did nothing.

Insurance lobbyists killed health care.

Energy giants make billions from insane gas prices.

And more jobs were lost.

As much as we like to think so, good intentions won’t change a thing. 

Corporate greed won’t be stopped without a president who fights for you.

Saving the middle class will be an epic battle,

And that’s a fight I was born for.

“Native Son” – South Carolina (30 seconds):

Full Transcript:         

I was born here in South Carolina.

My parents and grandparents worked in the mills here.

Like yours, they did it to give us a better life.

I was the first in my family to go to college.

And I spent my life fighting for middle class families hurt by powerful interests.

Big corporations control Washington now.

They’re not going to give up without a fight.

Saving the middle class is going to be an epic battle.

It’s a fight I was born for.

I’m John Edwards.

I approve this message and I will never forget where I came from.

Iowa State Senator Brian Schoenjahn Endorses Edwards For President

STATE SENATOR BRIAN SCHOENJAHN ENDORSES EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Endorsement Adds to Edwards’ Growing Momentum Leading up to the Iowa Caucuses

Independence, Iowa – Today, at an event in Independence, State Senator Brian Schoenjahn (D-Arlington) will officially endorse Senator John Edwards for President. Schoenjahn believes Edwards is the best Democrat to win the caucuses, help Democrats win in November and fight for hard-working middle class families.  He has been impressed by Edwards’ detailed plans to change our country, especially his plans to strengthen our schools by overhauling No Child Left Behind and to help rural first responders.  Schoenjahn’s endorsement adds to Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa.

“John Edwards is the Democrat we need to win in the White House and help Democratic candidates in November 2008,” said Schoenjahn.  “As a volunteer EMT, I am proud to support his plan to fight for fair funding levels for rural first responders. And as the husband of a dedicated teacher and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I believe he has the best plan to ensure that all children get a great education. I am proud to be a part of John Edwards’ campaign and look forward to working to make him our next president.”

“Brian Schoenjahn is a true Iowa leader and I am proud to have his support,” said Edwards.  “Brian has worked hard to build a better life for the next generation of Iowans through his advocacy for family farmers, small towns and all of Iowa’s children.  I look forward to working with him to build an America where hard-working families can get ahead.”

Schoenjahn joins a growing list of Iowans who are supporting Edwards.  Edwards has recently been endorsed by First Lady Mari Culver and family farm advocate Chris Petersen.  In November, Edwards was endorsed by Congressman Bruce Braley.

Edwards continues to gain strength in Iowa.  He is currently touring Iowa on his “America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class” bus tour, where he is drawing energetic crowds who are responding to his vision of an America, where the middle class, not powerful interests, can get ahead.

Edwards Campaign Launches Two New Ads in Iowa, “Choice” And “Time for Truth”

EDWARDS LAUNCHES EIGHT-DAY, 38-COUNTY “AMERICA RISING: FIGHTING FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS” BUS TOUR
In the Final Push Before the Caucuses, Edwards Will Meet with Thousands of Caucus Goers to Discuss His Fight for an America that Works for Middle Class Families; Campaign Launches Two New Ads in Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards is launching an eight-day “America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class” bus tour across Iowa to meet with caucus goers and share with them his plans to stand up to powerful interests and make sure hard-working middle class families can get ahead.  During the final days leading up to the caucuses, Edwards will visit 38 counties and meet with thousands of caucus goers to discuss his vision of an America  where every person can work hard and build a better life for their family.

“Corporate greed and influence in Washington are stealing our children’s future,” said Edwards. “We will never change this country unless we’re willing to take on these powerful interests. I believe that on the night of January 3rd, Iowans are going to say enough is enough. There’s going to be a rising that begins right here in Iowa, and it’s going to spread across America, and it will be a wave of change that cannot be stopped.  Together, we will stand up to these powerful interests, take back our country and make sure we leave our children a better world.”

Edwards comes from a working class family and has spent his life standing up to powerful interests and fighting for regular Americans like the ones he grew up with.  As President, he will continue to stand up to these interests and bring change to America.  He believes every time we fight for jobs, families, the middle class, universal health care, and an end to poverty, America rises.

Edwards heads into the final days before the caucuses with growing momentum: Polls show him surging; he was recently endorsed by Iowa First Lady Mari Culver and Congressman Bruce Braley; he had a stand-out performance at The Des Moines Register debate; and more and more caucus goers are signing up to support him on January 3rd. Today, Edwards is holding a “Main Street Meet & Greet” in Waukon, “Countdown to Caucus” events in Decorah and Waverly, and an “America Rising” rally in Waterloo.

As part of the final push before the caucuses, today the campaign also unveiled two new 30-second television ads that will begin airing today in Iowa - “Choice” and “Time for Truth.”

Full Transcript of “Choice” (30 seconds):
I’m John Edwards and I approve this message
Here’s the choice:
Keep going the way we are,
Pretend the system works while corporate greed rules,
Insurance lobbyists kill health care,
Energy giant make billions from insane gas prices,
And the middle class is squeezed to the breaking point.
Or tell the truth – the status quo and good intentions aren’t enough
We’re not going to look our kids in the eye and say corporate greed stole your future.
We’re going to say America rose up, saved the middle class, gave you a better life,
And it started right here in Iowa.

Full Transcript of “Time for Truth” (30 seconds):
It’s time to tell the truth.
These big corporations and their greed,
They are stealing your children’s future.
We will never change this country
Unless we’re willing to take those people on.
I believe that on the night of January 3rd,
You’re going to say enough is enough.
There’s going to be a rising that begins right here in Iowa
And it’s going to spread across America
And it will be a wave of change that cannot be stopped.
I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

Edwards Campaign Unveils Iowa TV Ad Featuring Elizabeth Edwards

Edwards Campaign Unveils Iowa TV Ad Featuring Elizabeth Edwards

Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President campaign today unveiled a new Iowa TV ad featuring Elizabeth Edwards.  The ad, entitled "30 Years," features Elizabeth Edwards, the person who knows John Edwards best, discussing her husband's strength and character

"30 Years" will run statewide and builds on John Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa, including a strong performance in the Des Moines Register debate and the endorsements of Congressman Bruce Braley and Iowa First Lady Mari Culver.  Edwards also announced an eight-day, “America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class” bus tour of Iowa that begins tomorrow and continues through the January 3rd Caucuses. 

Full Script of "30 Years":

“I have been blessed for the last 30 years to be married to the most optimistic person that I have ever met.  But at the same time he has an unbelievable toughness -- particularly about other people and that is his ability to fight for them.

“You're not going to out smart him.  He works harder than any human being that I know, always has.  It's unbelievably important that in our president we have someone who can stare the worst in the face and not blink.

"I'm John Edwards and I approve this message"

Edwards Campaign Unveils New "Power" Television Ad In New Hampshire

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN UNVEILS NEW “POWER” TELEVISION AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Returns for 23rd trip to the Granite State, delivers remarks on importance of Democrats, Republicans and Independents working together to fix the broken system in Washington

Manchester, New Hampshire – Today, as Senator John Edwards returned to New Hampshire for his 23rd trip to the state, the campaign unveiled a new television ad in the state called “Power.” In the ad – the eighth to run in New Hampshire since this summer – Edwards says he will “stand up for people whose voices are ignored” and “work every day to restore the American Dream.”

Today in New Hampshire , Edwards discussed the importance of individuals from all parties rising up to fix the broken system in Washington. “If there is one thing Republican, Independent and Democratic voters can agree on it’s that the system in Washington is broken and that corporate greed has gotten its way at the expense of the middle class and American jobs,” Edwards said. “My campaign is a call across party lines to rise up together and say enough is enough.”

The ad goes up as Edwards returns to the state today for door knocking in Nashua, town hall events in Conway and Laconia, and organizing conventions in Manchester and Salem. Organizing conventions are a tool the campaign uses to energize volunteers and turn them out to canvass and phone bank on behalf of John Edwards.

In anticipation of our GOTV effort, the Edwards campaign has opened five new field offices around the state to accommodate the overwhelming number of volunteers turning out to work for the campaign. Last week alone, volunteers for the Edwards campaign made 75,000 phone calls to their friends and neighbors in New Hampshire to talk about John Edwards’ bold plans to bring about real change in our country. That’s the strongest volunteer call week the Edwards campaign has had yet this cycle and our operation only continues to grow. The campaign also identified more supporters last week than any prior week during the cycle.

A full transcript of “Power” and excerpts from Edwards’ remarks are included below. 

Full Transcript of “Power:”

What will our next president do with the enormous power that comes with the office?

I will restore America’s moral authority in the world, confront people who exploit their power for personal advantage, stand up for people whose voices are ignored – just like

I’ve done all my life – be honest about the challenges we face and the choices we have, keep the promises I make, work every day to restore the American Dream.

Because I know that the power that comes with the presidency comes from you.

I’m John Edwards, and I approved this message.

Edwards To Return To Iowa For Eight-Day Tour Leading Up To Iowa Caucuses

EDWARDS TO RETURN TO IOWA FOR EIGHT-DAY TOUR LEADING UP TO IOWA CAUCUSES

Des Moines, Iowa – On Thursday, December 27th, Senator John Edwards will return to Iowa for an eight-day tour across the state leading up to the caucuses.  The tour will begin the afternoon of December 27th at approximately 12:00 noon in Waukon, Iowa.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2007

Waukon
Decorah
Waverly
Waterloo

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2007

Independence
Dubuque
Cedar Rapids
Tipton
Davenport

The remainder of the schedule is still being finalized, and further details will follow in the coming days.

Edwards Campaign Announces Holiday Ad, "Season"

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY AD CAMPAIGN
New ad reminds America to remember the less fortunate this holiday season

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – As the holiday season enters full swing, today the John Edwards for President campaign announced a special holiday television ad, “Season.”

In the 30-second ad, which will begin airing on Sunday in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, Edwards asks us to remember that one out of every four homeless people on our streets is a veteran and 37 million people in our country live in poverty. He challenges Americans to promise that never again will we forget those without a voice, because “in America, the chance to build a better life is a promise made to each of us, and the obligation to keep it rests with us all.”

Full Transcript of “Season:”

One out of every four homeless people on our streets is a veteran.

Thirty-seven million Americans live in poverty.

Who speaks for them? We do.

This is the season of miracles, of faith and love.

So let us promise together: you will never be forgotten again.

We see you, we hear you, and we will speak for you.

In America, the chance to build a better life is a promise made to each of us, and the obligation to keep it rests with us all.

I’m John Edwards and I approved this message.