2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Edwards Delivers Remarks At Launch Of Eight-Day “Main Street Express” Bus Tour Across Iowa

Edwards delivers new remarks at launch of eight-day “Main Street Express” bus tour across Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, as the campaign kicked-off its “Main Street Express” bus tour in Des Moines, Senator John Edwards delivered new remarks relating the challenges and triumphs of his own life to those the country faces right now, and made the case that in the face of powerful interests holding the country back, we will right the wrongs and make our nation the way we want it to be. During the eight-day tour, Edwards will discuss his plans to stand up to the special interests on Wall Street and help hard-working families on Main Street. 

“I grew up in a family where my grandmother walked to work at the mill every day wearing her apron,” Edwards said. “My grandfather, who was partially paralyzed, hauled rolls of cloth using one arm. My dad worked in those mills for 36 years, my mom worked too – all of them for one reason – to give us a chance to rise up and have a better life.

“That’s the greatness of America – the promise that every generation will give its children the chance to rise higher, dream bigger, live greater,” Edwards continued. “I took the chances my parents gave me and spent my life fighting to make sure that people just like the people I grew up with had a real chance in the world.

“And that’s what drives me now. When I talk about the Two Americas, this is what I mean – the very wealthiest and most powerful have manipulated our government for their own ends. They use their wealth and their power to keep themselves wealthy and powerful at the expense of everyone else. And when they do that, they’re holding America back.

“But that’s about to change. You can feel it here in Iowa. Because America can’t be held back. Because America belongs to us. When we face obstacles, you know what we do? We get up. We rise up. We right wrongs and we make our nation the way we want it to be. That’s what’s happening in this election. That’s what’s happening here in Iowa. That’s America Rising.”

Tuesday, the “Main Street Express” makes stops in Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine. Wednesday, Edwards will hold events in Iowa City, Grinnell and then back in Des Monies. Thursday, he’ll participate in the Des Moines Register Presidential Debate in Johnston, Iowa, followed with a community meeting in Indianola. On Friday, the “Main Street Express” stops in Manchester and Elkader, and on Saturday, in Dubuque, Cedar Falls and Mason City. Sunday and Monday, Edwards will hold community meetings in Ames, Colfax, Ottumwa, Fairfield and Cedar Rapids.

Edwards has outlined a clear vision for America with bold plans to help middle-class and working families achieve the American Dream. From guaranteeing universal health care to revitalizing rural communities and making sure trade policies help, not hurt, workers, Edwards has proposed specific ideas to build One America, where all Americans can get ahead. Edwards has laid out his plans in an 80-page book, “The Plan to Build One America,” which allows caucus goers to learn more about his ideas and find out exactly where he stands on the important issues facing our country.

Edwards will be joined during portions of the trip by acclaimed actors Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon. Robbins will join Edwards on Wednesday and Bacon will join Edwards and perform at events on Saturday and on Sunday in Ames.

John Edwards For President Unveils New Television Ad, "Rigged"

AS CAMPAIGN MOMENTUM GROWS, JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT UNVEILS NEW TELEVISION AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ENTITLED ‘RIGGED’
Second ad released during “Building a Better America Week”

Manchester, New Hampshire – Today, on day three of “Building a Better America Week,” the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled its second New Hampshire television ad of the week, entitled “Rigged.”  The ad features John Edwards speaking directly to New Hampshire voters about how the system in Washington is corrupt and rigged against hardworking Americans on behalf of the moneyed corporate interests.

“John Edwards has spent his entire life fighting for hardworking Americans against big corporate interests,” said New Hampshire state director Beth Leonard.  “He knows that replacing a group of corporate Republicans with a group of corporate Democrats is not going to bring about the bold change we so desperately need.”

"Rigged" is the fifth ad to air in New Hampshire since the summer.  "Rigged" and "Together" will both air on broadcast and cable across the state.

Below is a full transcript of the ad:

"RIGGED:” 30

This system is corrupt. And it's rigged. And it's rigged against you.

ANN: Finally, someone telling the truth.

And we can say as long as we get Democrats in, everything's gonna be ok. It's a lie. It is not the truth.

Do you really believe if we replace a crowd of corporate Republicans with a crowd of corporate Democrats that anything meaningful's gonna change?

This has to stop. It's that simple.

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

Edwards Campaign Releases A New Television Ad, “Twenty Generations,” In Iowa

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN RELEASES NEW TRAINING VIDEO FOR PRECINCT CAPTAINS AND CAUCUS GOERS
Campaign also releases a new television ad, “Twenty Generations,” in Iowa today

Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President Campaign today released a creative new instructional video, which chronicles the adventures of two precinct captains as they carry Senator John Edwards to victory on January 3, 2008.   The video, narrated by well-known voiceover artist and Edwards supporter, George DelHoyo, will be used at caucus trainings and precinct captain trainings across the state. 

“John Edwards has been steadily building a strong and committed organization in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, including a dedicated team of precinct captains and supporters who will lead us to victory on caucus night,” said Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Edwards' Iowa State Director.  “This innovative new effort will help us continue to train and mobilize precinct captains across the state to help John Edwards score victory on January 3rd and bring bold change to America as president.”

Edwards was the first presidential candidate to visit and take questions in all of Iowa’s 99 counties this year and to announce county steering committees in each of those counties.

The video is launching in conjunction with an online Caucus Command Center to provide precinct captains, activists and supporters the tools and resources they need to learn about caucusing, find out how they can help on caucus night, locate information on Edwards’ bold policies for America, and recruit others to join the Edwards team.  On the web site, supporters will be able to find their precinct location, offer to drive fellow supporters to caucus, request a ride to the caucus, and get detailed information about how caucusing works.  The Caucus Command Center can be found at: www.caucuscommandcenter.com.

Building on Edwards’ momentum in Iowa, including yesterday’s endorsement of Congressman Bruce Braley, the campaign also released a new ad in the state today. “Twenty Generations” focuses on Edwards’ belief that ensuring our children have a better life is the great moral test of our generation.  As president, Edwards will ensure a bright future for all of America’s children by taking on special interests and making sure Washington works for real people by providing universal heath care, eliminating poverty, rewarding hard work, not wealth.

Full Script of “Twenty Generations:”

Twenty generations of Americans have left their children a better life.  My dad worked in mills for thirty years to do it for us.  Now corruption and corporate greed mean we could be the first generation to fail. 

I’ve spent my life fighting for families against big corporations that were crushing them.  They trusted me with their lives, and I fought for them with everything I had.

I’m John Edwards.  I approve this message because I want every American to be able to give their children a better life. That’s the moral test of our generation.

John Edwards For President Unveils New Television Ad, "Together"

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT UNVEILS NEW TELEVISION AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
"Together" ad features Edwards talking about his plans to guarantee truly universal health care to every man, woman, and child in America

Manchester, New Hampshire– On the first day of “Building a Better America Week,” the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled its latest New Hampshire television ad entitled “Together.”  The ad features John Edwards speaking directly to New Hampshire voters about the critical importance of guaranteeing truly universal health care to every man, woman, and child in America.

“John Edwards has been standing up to the insurance companies, drug companies, and HMOs on behalf of everyday, working people his entire life,” said New Hampshire state director Beth Leonard.  “When he is president, he will continue to fight them head on.  John Edwards believes that we can achieve universal health care because there is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.”

Edwards was the first candidate to introduce a truly universal health care plan in February of this year.  He has also been the most candid about how his universal mandate will be enforced.

"Together" is the fourth ad to air in New Hampshire since the summer.

Full transcript:

“TOGETHER” TRANSCRIPT

We don’t have universal health care because of drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists in Washington, DC. 

And anybody who argues that every American’s not entitled to health care, I want them to explain to you what child in this country is not worthy of health care?

You’re going to sit at a table with drug companies and oil companies, and they’re going to give away their power? Right. You have to take their power away from them.

There is nothing we can’t do if we do it together. 

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

Congressman Bruce Braley Endorses John Edwards For President

CONGRESSMAN BRUCE BRALEY ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Endorses Edwards As The Best Democrat To Win The White House And Lead Our Country

Waterloo, Iowa – Today, at a community meeting in Waterloo, Congressman Bruce Braley is endorsing Senator John Edwards for president.  Braley is the most senior Iowa Democrat to endorse a candidate during this campaign, and is supporting Edwards because he believes Edwards is the best candidate to take on the special interests, take back the White House and bring real change to our country.  Braley’s endorsement comes as Edwards continues to gain support throughout the state.  Last week, more than 50 county elected officials announced their support for Edwards at a meeting of the Iowa State Association of Counties.

"Today, I'm proud to endorse John Edwards for president," said Braley. "Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people.  John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas.  I truly believe he is the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008. With his leadership, I believe we can make his vision of One America a reality." <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]-->

“I am honored to receive Bruce’s support,” said Edwards.  “He is a true leader and a strong voice on behalf of Iowa’s families.  Bruce is committed to ending the power of special interests and making sure all hard-working Iowans have the opportunity to work hard, get ahead, and leave their children a better future.  I look forward to joining with Bruce to change our country.”

Edwards Delivers Remarks At DNC Fall Meeting

EDWARDS DELIVERS REMARKS AT DNC FALL MEETING
Tells Democrats he will break down the wall that separates Washington from the American people

District of Columbia – Today, at the DNC fall meeting in Washington, D.C., Senator John Edwards will tell Democrats that he is the candidate who will fight to build One America and break down the wall that separates Washington from the American people.

Included below are excerpts from Edwards’ remarks:

“There’s a wall around Washington and we need to take it down.  The American people are on the outside.  And on the other side, on the inside, are the powerful, the well-connected and the very wealthy.  That wall didn’t build itself or appear overnight.  For decades, politicians without convictions and powerful interests gathered their bricks and their stones and their mortar, and they went to work.  They went to work to protect their interests, to block the voice of the American people, and to stop our country’s progress.  They went to work to protect, defend, and maintain the status quo. 

“That wall around Washington, it protects a system that's rigged and guess who struggles as a result?   Every single day, working men and women see that wall when they have to split their bills into two piles pay-now and pay-later; when they watch the factory door shut for the last time; when they see the disappointment on their son or daughter’s face when there’s no money to pay for college.  Every single day they see that wall when they have to use the emergency room as a doctor’s office for their son because they can’t afford to pay for health care.   This is not okay.  That wall has to come down.

“That’s why America needs a fighter, Democrats.  We need one to break down that wall so that we can see Our America—imagine Our America—and build one America. 

“This is bigger than politics. Bigger than any candidate or political party. Because the truth is that it’s not just Republicans who built this wall.  Democrats helped too.  Too many politicians from both parties are choosing self-preservation over principle, compromise over convictions. 

“You have a choice in this election.  You have to decide what kind of person you want as your next president.  Do you want someone who is going to pretend that wall around Washington isn’t there, or defend the people who helped build it?  Or do you want someone who is going to lead with conviction and tell you the truth, and have a little backbone? Do you want someone who is going to hope that the people who spent millions of dollars and decades building that wall, and have billions more invested in keeping it up, are going to be willing to compromise, to take it down voluntarily?  Or do you want someone who is going to stand up to those people and fight for your interests, when the chips are down, when your backs are against the wall, every single day?

  “We have a choice in this election.  We can keep trying to shout over that wall.  We can keep trying to knock out a chink here and there, to punch little holes in it and hope our voices get through.  We can settle for baby steps, half-measures and incremental change, and try to inch our way over that wall and toward a better future.  Or we can be bold and knock it down.   

“This is going to be the fight of our lives.  I know because I’ve spent my whole life fighting the powerful on behalf of hard-working people, and I can tell you this:  they are not going to give up their power easily.  But I can also tell you this: if you fight them – and you are right – you can win. 

“Democrats, America needs a fighter because this campaign is about something much bigger than celebrity politics, who’s up and who’s down.  It’s about a great moral test of our time. Twenty generations of Americans have passed this simple but profound test: Can our generation leave this country better for our children than it was when our parents gave it to us?  In the best of times and the worst of times, in the middle of wars and droughts and depressions like we’ve never seen, they found a way to leave the country better than it was given to them.  But, now, let’s be honest with ourselves.  We – this generation sitting here today – may be the very first generation of Americans since the founding of our republic to fail this test"

“We have to fight for our future—for our America.  Because when we look our children in the eye, what will we tell them?  Will we be forced to say that we left this mess to them, because the challenges were just too great?  Or will we be able to look at them and say that in the face of great challenges, we changed our country.  We rose to the day.  We fixed a broken system and made our country stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before.   This is our moment.”

Edwards Campaign Statement On Romney "Two Americas" Attack In GOP Debate

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN STATEMENT ON ROMNEY “TWO AMERICAS” ATTACK IN GOP DEBATE

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, John Edwards for President communications director Chris Kofinis released the following statement in response to the attack on Senator Edwards in tonight’s GOP debate by Governor Mitt Romney:

“In the debate tonight, Governor Romney was caught being deceptive about his own record.  He is also being deceptive about whether there are two Americas – one for the most powerful and one for everyone else.  News flash, Governor: The 98% of Americans who were not born to great wealth or who have not been give special privilege in our country struggle every day to make ends meet and provide opportunities for their families.  No small part of their struggle is because the game has been rigged to protect those on top.  It is not surprising Governor Romney proposes additional policies to assist the crowd on Easy Street.  Unfortunately for him, the millions of Americans who live and work on Main Street know much more about the reality of where we are as a country.” 

Edwards Launches New Television Ads In Iowa And South Carolina

EDWARDS LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION ADS IN IOWA AND SOUTH CAROLINA

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards goes up on the air with two new television spots which detail why he is the one candidate the American people can trust to take on the corrupt system in Washington and stand up and fight for America’s working families.

In “Born,” which begins airing today in South Carolina, Edwards talks about his experience growing up in a working-class family in rural Carolina mill towns. “When the mills closed, I saw first hand how devastating bad government and corporate greed can be,” says Edwards. “I’m running for president to do what I’ve always done – fight for people like the ones I grew up with against the powerful forces that have corrupted Washington.” Edwards was the first Democratic candidate to go up on the air with television ads in South Carolina earlier this month, and this is his third new spot in the state.

Today in Iowa, Edwards will begin airing “Mess,” which focuses on his belief that ensuring our children have a better life is the great moral test of our generation. “We’re going to have to be willing to take on this corrupt system and change it,” says Edwards. “And if we’re not going to do it, we’re going to have to be willing to look our children in the eye and say we’re going to leave this mess for you.”

A full transcript of each ad follows below:

“BORN”
My dad worked in the mills.
When I was born, he had to borrow fifty dollars to bring me home here.
When the mills closed, I saw first hand how devastating bad government and corporate greed can be.
I'm running for president to do what I've always done - fight for people like the ones I grew up with against the powerful forces that have corrupted Washington.
Don't tell me it can't be done.
I'm John Edwards. And I approve this message because growing up here, you never stop fighting. And you never forget where you came from.

“MESS”
What we want to make certain is true is that our children have a better life than we've had. Twenty generations of Americans before us have ensured that that was true.
And if we want to do that, we're going to have to be willing to take on this corrupt system and change it. And if we're not going to do it, we're going to have to be willing to look our children in the eye and say we're going to leave this mess for you.
This is the great moral test of our generation, and we will meet that test.
I'm John Edwards and I approve this message.

John Edwards Statement On Announcement Of New Hampshire Primary Date

SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS STATEMENT ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY DATE

Chapel Hill, North Carolina -- Senator John Edwards released the following statement in response to Bill Gardner's announcement that the New Hampshire primary will take place on January 8th:

“I am pleased that New Hampshire will retain its rightful place as the first-in-the-nation primary.  I applaud Bill Gardner's work to protect New Hampshire's significance in our nominating process.  The New Hampshire primary is critical because voters in New Hampshire take their responsibility seriously: they listen to the candidates, look them in the eye, ask them tough questions and size them up.  In New Hampshire, ideas truly matter more than money and that is precisely why this is anyone's race.

“I look forward to campaigning across New Hampshire during the final weeks of this campaign.  I have spent time in living rooms and town halls in every corner of the state and everywhere I go, I hear from voters that they're looking for real, meaningful change in Washington next November.  From now until January 8, I look forward to continuing to meet with voters to talk about my plans to shake up Washington and restore the power of government to the hands of regular, hardworking people.”

Edwards Statement On The Rejection Of New Orleans As Site For Presidential Debate

EDWARDS STATEMENT ON THE REJECTION OF NEW ORLEANS AS SITE FOR PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards released the following statement:

“It saddens me to hear that the Commission on Presidential Debates rejected New Orleans’ bid to host a debate in 2008 citing evidence that the city has not recovered enough to host the event. I strongly believe this decision was a mistake and I urge the Commission on Presidential Debates to rethink their decision.

“As a nation, all of us have a responsibility to do everything we can to help rebuild this great city, and holding national events in this city, like a presidential debate, will help New Orleans move forward. I have made rebuilding this city a central part of my presidential campaign because I believe we cannot stand on the sidelines as President Bush continues to fail the people of New Orleans.

“The truth is America is not the country of the Superdome in New Orleans after Katrina. We can prove it by fulfilling our moral responsibility to get New Orleans back on its feet. At a minimum, when I am the Democratic nominee, I will push to make sure we hold a presidential debate in New Orleans. And, as president, I will make sure that our government does everything in its power to help restore the city.”